Written By | BK Mugizi
The suspect, Opira Francis, was arrested on February 22, 2026, while allegedly in possession of 10 pieces of raw elephant tusks
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The Special Wildlife Crime Unit and the Uganda Police Force have arrested a suspected ivory trafficker and recovered 154 kilogrammes of raw elephant ivory in an intelligence-led operation in Nwoya District.
The suspect, Opira Francis, was arrested on February 22, 2026, while allegedly in possession of 10 pieces of raw elephant tusks.
He is expected to be arraigned before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court and charged with unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens, contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act, Cap 315.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the arrest followed coordinated intelligence and surveillance efforts aimed at dismantling wildlife trafficking networks operating in northern Uganda.
UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi said the seizure demonstrates Uganda’s firm stance against wildlife crime.
“This seizure sends a clear and firm message that Uganda will not tolerate wildlife crime. Ivory trafficking is a serious offence that threatens our elephant populations, undermines conservation gains, and fuels organised criminal networks operating across borders,” Musinguzi said.
He noted that northern Uganda has previously been exploited by traffickers as a transit route for illegal ivory but said enforcement presence has since been strengthened.
“The success of this operation reflects the strength of intelligence-driven enforcement and close coordination between UWA and other security agencies. We remain fully committed to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks wherever they operate,” he added.
UWA warned that enforcement efforts against wildlife crime are being intensified nationwide and that those involved risk arrest, prosecution, and stiff penalties.
The authority urged members of the public to report any suspicious wildlife-related activities, saying wildlife crime not only endangers biodiversity but also undermines tourism revenues, national security, and community livelihoods.
Torch Media Africa
