NWOYA District – The Special Wildlife Crime Unit, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, has arrested a suspected ivory trafficker and recovered 154 kilograms of raw elephant ivory in an intelligence-led operation conducted in Nwoya District.
The suspect, Opiro Francis, was arrested on February 22, 2026, in Nwoya District while in possession of ten (10) pieces of raw elephant tusks. He is expected to be arraigned before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court and charged with unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens, contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 315.
Commenting on the operation, Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said the arrest underscores Uganda’s firm stance against wildlife crime.
“This seizure sends a clear and unequivocal message that Uganda will not tolerate wildlife crime. Ivory trafficking is a serious offense that threatens our elephant populations, undermines conservation gains, and fuels organized criminal networks operating across borders,” he said.
Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in combating wildlife trafficking.
“The success of this operation reflects the strength of intelligence-driven enforcement and the close coordination between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and security agencies. We remain fully committed to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks wherever they operate,” he added.
He further warned that enforcement efforts have been intensified across the country, particularly in Northern Uganda, which traffickers have exploited as a transit route for illegal ivory.
“Our enforcement presence is stronger than ever. Anyone involved in wildlife trafficking should know that arrest, prosecution, and stiff penalties are inevitable,” he warned.
The arrest highlights the persistent threat posed by ivory trafficking to elephant populations. Wildlife crime not only endangers biodiversity but also undermines national security, tourism revenue, and community livelihoods.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting Uganda’s wildlife resources by disrupting trafficking networks at all levels. Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities to help safeguard Uganda’s wildlife heritage for present and future generations.
