June 16, 2025 | Uganda
In a decisive move against illegal wildlife trade, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) successfully carried out Operation Fortune on June 16, 2025—an intelligence-led investigation targeting a suspected ivory trafficking network operating within the country.
The operation, initiated after intelligence gathering, focused on individuals believed to be active in the illicit elephant ivory trade. Despite signs that the traffickers were cautious and aware of law enforcement tactics, a UWCU officer was able to build trust and secure a meeting with a male and female suspect believed to be key players in the network.
During the meeting, a second male suspect arrived on a motorbike carrying a black bag. Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain approximately 10 kilograms of elephant ivory. All three suspects were immediately arrested at the scene, and both the ivory and the motorbike were seized as evidence.
Following their transport and processing at the local police station, authorities made a troubling discovery—one of the suspects was a serving police officer, highlighting the continued challenge of corruption within wildlife crime networks.
Operation Fortune represents another strong step forward in the fight to protect Uganda’s wildlife. The UWCU, with ongoing support and mentoring from Focused Conservation, continues to demonstrate professionalism, persistence, and courage in tackling transnational wildlife crime.
Focused Conservation commends the efforts of the UWCU officers involved in Operation Fortune and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the frontline teams risking their safety to protect the world’s most endangered species.
