Suspected Trafficker Arrested With 154 Kgs of Ivory in Nwoya
NWOYA, Uganda — A joint operation by the Special Wildlife Crime Unit and Uganda Police has led to the arrest of a suspected ivory trafficker and the recovery of 154 kilograms of raw elephant ivory in Nwoya District.
The suspect, identified as Opiro Francis, was apprehended on February 22, 2026, while in possession of 10 pieces of raw elephant tusks. The operation was described by authorities as intelligence-led, targeting wildlife trafficking networks operating in the region.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), hailed the arrest as a significant step in the country’s fight against wildlife crime.
“This seizure sends a clear and firm message that Uganda will not tolerate wildlife crime,” Dr. Musinguzi stated. “Ivory trafficking is a serious offense that threatens our elephant populations, undermines conservation gains, and fuels organized criminal networks operating across borders.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies in achieving such breakthroughs. “The success of this operation reflects the strength of intelligence-driven enforcement and close coordination between Uganda Wildlife Authority and security agencies. We remain fully committed to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks wherever they operate,” he added.
Dr. Musinguzi also issued a strong warning to traffickers, noting that enforcement efforts have been intensified across the country. “Northern Uganda has been exploited by traffickers as a transit route for illegal ivory, but our enforcement presence is stronger than ever. Anyone involved in wildlife trafficking should know that arrest, prosecution, and stiff penalties are inevitable.”
The suspect is expected to be produced before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, where he will face charges of unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens, contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 315.
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