NWOYA, Uganda — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), working together with the Uganda Police Force and the Special Wildlife Crime Unit, has arrested a suspected ivory trafficker and recovered 154 kilograms of raw elephant ivory in an intelligence-led operation in Nwoya District.
The suspect, identified as Opiro Francis, was apprehended on February 22 while allegedly in possession of ten pieces of raw elephant tusks. Authorities confirmed that he will be arraigned before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court to face charges related to the unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens under Uganda’s wildlife protection laws.
According to UWA, the operation underscores the government’s intensified efforts to crack down on wildlife crime, particularly in northern Uganda, which has in recent years been used as a transit route for illegal ivory.
Commenting on the arrest, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi described the seizure as a strong statement against wildlife trafficking.
“This seizure sends a clear and firm 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 that the success of the operation was the result of intelligence-driven enforcement and close inter-agency collaboration. He warned traffickers that surveillance and enforcement efforts have been intensified nationwide.
“Northern Uganda has been exploited by traffickers as a transit route for illegal ivory, but our enforcement presence is stronger than ever. Anyone involved in wildlife trafficking should know that arrest, prosecution, and stiff penalties are inevitable,” he added.
Authorities noted that wildlife crime not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines national security, tourism revenue, and community livelihoods. UWA reiterated its commitment to dismantling trafficking networks at all levels and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
