The illicit wildlife trade poses a significant threat to endangered species, driven by increasing global demand for wildlife products. Annually, Uganda loses over sh2 billion to poaching, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
In collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other partners, Customs hosted the operation SAMA workshop at K-Hotels in Entebbe. The aim was to foster multilateral cooperation among African states to combat illicit wildlife trade.
The workshop served as a platform for member states to share best practices in combating wildlife trafficking across the continent. Dr. Geoffrey Okaka, the Ag. Commissioner of Customs, emphasized the commitment to work together in dismantling organized criminal networks that exploit natural resources.
“We are hopeful that this workshop will yield results in intelligence shared, increase the number of seizures, and dismantle more illicit wildlife trade networks not only across the continent but globally,” stated Sharon Lesa Nyambe, the Country Director of UNODC in Uganda.
Customs has implemented various measures, including the establishment of a National Inter-Agency taskforce comprising customs officers, law enforcement organizations, and governmental bodies like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Additionally, Customs Enforcement utilizes secure communication systems and image analysis to target containers and individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
“As the lead agency at all borders across the country, the role of Customs in the fight against illicit wildlife trade is detrimental in the preservation of these endangered species,” remarked Lesa Nyambe.
Delegates from several member states, including Gabon, Cameroon, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Vienna, and Uganda, participated in the workshop. UNODC has been providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of wildlife law enforcement communities to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes against protected species.
