UGANDA WILDLIFE
CRIME UNIT
The establishment of the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) in 2018 by Focused Conservation in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made significant strides in addressing wildlife trafficking issues in Uganda.
The UWCU serves as a specialized unit dedicated to combatting wildlife crime and dismantling trafficking networks within the country.
Since its establishment, the UWCU has conducted over 665 law enforcement operations, reflecting the unit’s active efforts in combating wildlife trafficking. These operations have resulted in the arrest of nearly 300 wildlife traffickers, highlighting the unit’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and bringing offenders to justice.
Furthermore, the UWCU has been successful in seizing various protected species of wildlife. These seizures have included items such as elephant ivory, pangolin scales, eggs, and hippo teeth. These confiscations underscore the unit’s effectiveness in intercepting and preventing the illegal trade of endangered species and their derivatives.
By collaborating with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Focused Conservation aims to strengthen law enforcement capacity, enhance investigations, and support the prosecution of wildlife traffickers in Uganda. The UWCU likely works closely with other government agencies, conservation organizations, and international partners to gather intelligence, conduct operations, and ensure the protection of Uganda’s wildlife heritage
Latest News
Operation Courtesy: Major Ivory Seizure Disrupts Trafficking Syndicate in Eastern Uganda
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
Operation Cabin: Collaboration Leads to Ivory Seizure and Arrests Near Kampala
On March 14, 2026, a coordinated wildlife trafficking investigation unfolded just outside Kampala, Uganda, an operation that would once again demonstrate the power of partnerships
Operation Blackthorn: 154 Kilograms of Elephant Ivory Seized in Major Takedown Near Murchison Falls National Park
On the northern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, where the savannah stretches wide and elephants still move across ancient migratory routes, a quiet but
OPERATION APOLLO: Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Arrests Suspect in Major Wildlife Seizure
In January 2026, credible intelligence surfaced indicating that a number of significant protected wildlife products were being offered for sale in the Bweyale area of
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Scores Major Wins in Elephant Ivory Trafficking Operations- 103 kgs Seized
Kampala, Uganda – December 2025 – The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) has successfully disrupted multiple elephant ivory trafficking operations across the country, resulting in
Strengthening Wildlife Crime Partnerships in Uganda
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
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Operation Leads to Arrests and Seizure of Elephant Ivory in Karenga District
Acting on intelligence received, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) conducted a successful operation in early October 2025 targeting individuals suspected of being in possession
Running With Rangers: Focused Conservation Joins the First Wildlife Ranger Challenge in Uganda
On September 20, 2025, a historic milestone unfolded at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, as Focused Conservation proudly took part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Disrupts Pangolin Trafficking Network in Mubende District
On September 15, 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) executed Operation Indus in the Mubende District of Central Uganda, successfully disrupting a trafficking network
Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit Seizes 45 Kilograms of Elephant Ivory in Fort Portal
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.
Building Bridges Through Football: Focused Conservation and UWA Engage Communities Around National Park
Focused Conservation’s recent visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in Uganda was more than an operational check in, it was about strengthening the bonds
Focused Conservation and Perception DXS Delivers Specialized Covert Surveillance Training to Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit
At Focused Conservation, our mission is to equip those on the front lines of wildlife protection with the specialized skills they need to make a