Pieces of Ivory ready for the black market
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force have arrested a suspected ivory trafficker in Nwoya District, recovering 154 kilogrammes of raw elephant tusks in a carefully planned intelligence-led operation.
The suspect, Opiro Francis, was apprehended on February 22, 2026, while in possession of ten pieces of raw elephant ivory. He is set to appear before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court to face charges for unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens under the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 315.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWA, said the arrest sends a strong signal that Uganda will not tolerate wildlife crime.
“Ivory trafficking is a serious threat to our elephant populations, undermines conservation gains, and fuels organized criminal networks across borders,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “This operation shows the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and close cooperation between UWA and security agencies.”
He added that Northern Uganda has often been exploited as a transit route for illegal ivory, but enforcement efforts in the region are now stronger than ever.
UWA emphasized that wildlife crime endangers biodiversity, national security, tourism revenue, and local communities. Authorities are calling on the public to report suspicious activity to help safeguard Uganda’s wildlife for future generations
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