Kampala, Uganda – December 2025 – The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) has successfully disrupted multiple elephant ivory trafficking operations across the country, resulting in significant seizures and arrests in recent months. These operations highlight the critical role of intelligence-led enforcement and cross-agency collaboration in combating wildlife crime.
Operation Indus, conducted on October 1, 2025, took place near Pire in Northern Uganda, close to the Sudan border and Kidepo Valley National Park. Acting on intelligence that a subject was in possession of a large quantity of ivory stored in remote areas, the UWCU, with assistance from the UWA Kidepo Intelligence Unit and Karenga Uganda Police Force, posed as potential buyers to infiltrate the trafficking group. A meeting to discuss the sale of ivory, organized by a local politician, led to the seizure of 25 kilograms of ivory and the arrest of two suspects at the Pire Trading Centre. Despite the remoteness of the location, the UWA Tactical Support Desk provided critical operational support to ensure the mission’s success.
On December 2, 2025, near Bwera close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UWCU, in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Queen Elizabeth Intelligence Team, conducted Operation Simba 1. Acting on intelligence regarding a Ugandan male attempting to sell a large quantity of elephant ivory, the team located the suspect and seized eight pieces of ivory weighing 68 kilograms. While the main suspect was arrested, he reportedly warned his associates, who are now being pursued by authorities.
Operation Lamassu took place on December 3, 2025, after the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) provided information that a female suspect was transporting elephant ivory from Kasese to Kampala. A checkpoint was set up at Mugishu-Kabarole vehicle checkpoint, and the bus was identified and searched. Officers recovered two pieces of elephant ivory weighing 10 kilograms, hidden in a box. The suspect was arrested on the spot, and follow-up interviews led to the arrest of three additional individuals involved in the trafficking network. All four suspects have been charged and transported to the Wildlife Court in Kampala.
“These operations demonstrate the power of intelligence-driven enforcement and the dedication of our teams to protecting Uganda’s wildlife,” said Wim Brown, CEO of Focused Conservation. “Through close collaboration with UWA, the Uganda Revenue Authority, and local law enforcement, we continue to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and bring offenders to justice.”
The three operations, spanning the Uganda border regions, and the capital, underline the ongoing threats to elephants and the importance of sustained efforts to combat illegal ivory trade.
