OYAM DISTRICT, UGANDA – In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation and community security, a suspected poacher in Myene Sub County has voluntarily surrendered an AK-47 assault rifle along with live ammunition, authorities have confirmed.
The weapon, an AK-47 submachine gun bearing serial number EK4962, was handed over last Friday along with three rounds of live ammunition. The rifle was not turned in directly by the poacher but was found dumped at the home of Mr. James Ogwal, the LCIII Chairperson of Myene Sub County.
Mr. Ogwal has been leading a sustained campaign to persuade local poachers to abandon illegal and dangerous hunting activities within the area.
Mr. Ogwal explained that his strategy of engaging directly with suspected poachers has yielded tangible results, avoiding violent confrontations.
“I have been engaging with poachers, and this has led to peaceful recoveries,” Mr. Ogwal said. He noted that this latest surrender brings the total number of firearms recovered in the sub county during his tenure to 44.
The surrendered rifle is suspected to have been used in poaching operations around the nearby Murchison Falls National Game Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife reserves.
Authorities Appeal for End to Illegal Hunting
Oyam’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Sgt. James Shilako, confirmed receipt of the weapon and praised the ongoing community efforts.
“Poaching is a trend that community members should jointly prevent,” Sgt. Shilako said. He emphasized that illegal hunting directly reduces the number of wildlife, which in turn harms Uganda’s economy by diminishing the foreign exchange earnings generated through tourism.
The RDC appealed to any remaining poachers in the region to follow the example of the latest suspect and surrender any illegal firearms peacefully.
Poaching around Murchison Falls National Park has been a persistent challenge, with armed poachers often using automatic weapons to kill elephants, buffaloes, and other game for bushmeat and ivory. The voluntary surrender of a military-grade rifle is seen as a sign that community-led dialogue may be more effective than enforcement alone in certain areas. No arrests have been made in connection with this latest surrender, as authorities continue to encourage voluntary compliance.
