Soroti, Uganda – January 26, 2025
A Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) operation has led to the arrest of a UPDF sergeant involved in illegal pangolin trafficking. The sting resulted in the seizure of two pangolin skins, further highlighting the ongoing battle against wildlife crime.
Intelligence gathered by the UWCU revealed that a ground pangolin was being sold in Kaabong for 3 million UGX. Unfortunately, the pangolin died on January 19, and its meat was consumed locally before authorities could intervene.
Despite this setback, the UWCU continued negotiations with the trafficker, who later revealed he had two pangolin skins for sale and proposed a transaction in Soroti, far from Kaabong.
On January 26, the suspect arrived on a bicycle, carrying the pangolin skins hidden inside a blue bag. As he attempted to sell the skins, UWCU officers moved in. Following a brief scuffle, the trafficker was arrested and the two pangolin skins were seized.
Originally, the case was to be handled locally. However, due to the suspect’s status as a military officer, authorities transported him to Kampala along with the seized exhibits, where he faces charges.
