On September 7, 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU), supported by law enforcement partners, launched Operation Icarus in the Fort Portal region of Uganda. The operation followed intelligence received about a trafficking network offering elephant ivory for sale.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects from a larger network who were attempting to sell seven large pieces of ivory, valued at approximately $100 USD per kilogram. The ivory was later confirmed to weigh 45.2 kilograms in total. Both suspects, along with the seized ivory, were transported to the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Kampala for further proceedings.
While two traffickers were taken into custody, five additional suspects managed to escape during the arrests. However, in their haste, two subjects abandoned their vehicles at the scene. These vehicles were seized by police as evidence, having been used in the commission of the offence. The fugitives are now wanted and remain under active investigation.
Operation Icarus highlights the scale of the illegal ivory trade in Uganda and the commitment of UWCU to dismantling trafficking networks that threaten the survival of Africa’s elephants.
