Kitgum, Uganda – January 22, 2025
In another successful wildlife crime intervention, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a mult-agency investigation called Operation Angle, resulting in the seizure of a live pangolin and the arrest of two suspects involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.
UWCU received intelligence that a ground pangolin was being offered for sale in the Kitgum area. The suspects were demanding 10 million UGX ($2,600) for the endangered animal.
An operational plan was quickly put in place, and UWCU officers moved in as the suspects attempted to complete the illegal sale.
Investigations revealed that the pangolin had been smuggled into Uganda from South Sudan, further highlighting the transnational nature of the illegal wildlife trade.
After its rescue, the pangolin was transported to Murchison Falls National Park, where veterinarians from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) conducted a medical evaluation. Fortunately, the pangolin required only minor treatment before being released back into the wild.
The two adult suspects were transported to Kampala, where they will face charges for wildlife trafficking.
Pangolins, the most trafficked mammals globally, continue to face severe threats due to the high demand for their scales and meat. UWCU and its partners remain committed to dismantling wildlife crime networks and ensuring that Uganda’s biodiversity is protected.
