On Thursday, 27th November 2025, Focused Conservation, in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), participated in a high-level stakeholder meeting at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The event brought together over 40 government officials from across Uganda, including representatives from the Judiciary, Prosecutors, Police, Defence, Prison Service, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), as well as the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
The meeting provided a platform for Focused Conservation and the UWCU to present their mission and ongoing work in East and Central Africa, highlighting the critical role of intelligence-led enforcement in combatting wildlife crime. Amoss Aijuka, Deputy Head of the Wildlife Crime Unit, led presentations that emphasized operational successes and the importance of cross-agency collaboration. Marty Young, Technical Advisor from Focused Conservation also presented on the role the organization plays in disrupting illegal wildlife crime in Uganda.
The session was a resounding success, resulting in strengthened partnerships, new contacts, and a reinforced commitment to collaborative approaches for wildlife protection across the region. The discussions underscored how joint efforts between law enforcement, prosecutors, and conservation partners are essential to tackling organized wildlife crime effectively.
The meeting also advanced the objectives of Focused Conservation’s projects by helping enhance UWA’s ability to coordinate both park-level and national responses to illegal wildlife trade and poaching, while also strengthening cross-border cooperation and interdiction efforts along the Uganda–DRC border.
Through initiatives like this, Focused Conservation continues to foster meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, building the operational capacity and collaboration needed to protect Uganda’s wildlife and ensure enforcement success against poachers and trafficking networks.
