On March 21, 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) carried out a targeted operation in eastern Uganda that resulted in the disruption of a significant ivory trafficking network and the seizure of a substantial quantity of elephant tusks.
Acting on credible intelligence, UWCU officers launched Operation Courtesy to investigate a suspected wildlife crime syndicate operating near Aligol Village in Bukedea District. The information indicated that traffickers were attempting to sell a large volume of ivory, prompting a coordinated undercover response.
Posing as buyers, UWCU officers made contact with members of the network. The traffickers subsequently led the team to a nearby village where they revealed six large cut sections from two elephant tusks, weighing approximately 106 kilograms. Once the illegal wildlife products were confirmed, officers moved in and arrested four suspects at the scene.
Following the initial arrests, further investigative work led to the identification and apprehension of two additional individuals connected to the operation, bringing the total number of suspects to six.
All individuals have been formally charged and will face prosecution before the Utilities and Wildlife Crime Court in Kampala, underscoring Uganda’s continued commitment to holding wildlife traffickers accountable.
Operation Courtesy highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led investigations and the importance of proactive enforcement strategies in combating wildlife trafficking. By infiltrating criminal networks and targeting those responsible for the illegal ivory trade, the UWCU continues to play a critical role in protecting vulnerable species and disrupting organized wildlife crime.
This operation stands as another example of the dedication and professionalism of the officers working on the front lines to safeguard Uganda’s wildlife heritage.
