(Agago) – A UPDF sergeant has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for illegally possessing ivory, highlighting Uganda’s continued battle against wildlife crimes.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Unit Disciplinary Court in Agago District sentenced Sergeant Godfrey Kisembo, 50, of the 81 Battalion under the 507 Brigade, to one year and 11 months for misconduct under the UPDF Act. The sentence was delivered by Lt. Col. Nathan Kakawate Mwesigwa after Kisembo pleaded guilty to the charges.
The incident that led to Kisembo’s conviction occurred in May 2024. While serving as a detach commander, Kisembo was informed by a civilian about a dead elephant in his jurisdiction. Instead of reporting the discovery to his superiors or wildlife authorities, he and Private Isaac Obong removed the tusks and attempted to sell them. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) apprehended the pair during their search for buyers.
In a statement, Capt. Edrin Mawanda, spokesperson for the UPDF 5th Division, confirmed Kisembo’s guilty plea, which resulted in his conviction.
The commander of the 507 Brigade, Lt. Col. Richard Watmon, stressed the importance of discipline within the military. He stated that misconduct, such as engaging in the illegal wildlife trade, tarnishes the reputation of the UPDF and contradicts its professional standards.
Lt. Martin Oryem, Assistant Warden of the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area, reiterated the gravity of wildlife crimes and warned that illegal possession of wildlife products such as ivory carries a minimum sentence of seven years under Ugandan law. He urged communities to report cases of stray or deceased animals to wildlife authorities rather than engaging in poaching or illegal trade.
The case underscores the ongoing fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking in Uganda. Elephants, often targeted for their ivory, are critical to the country’s biodiversity and eco-tourism, particularly in areas like Kidepo Valley National Park.
Authorities called for stronger collaboration between communities, conservationists, and law enforcement to prevent such crimes and protect Uganda’s natural heritage.
| Key Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | May 2024 |
| Offender | Sgt. Godfrey Kisembo |
| Charges | Illegal possession of ivory |
| Sentence | 1 year, 11 months in jail |
| Legal Basis | UPDF Act (conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline) |
| Wildlife Law Reminder | Illegal wildlife possession: Minimum 7 years in prison |
| Impact | Tarnished military reputation, threat to wildlife conservation |
