Suspected ivory trafficker arrested in Nwoya with 154kg of elephant tusks

NWOYA - The arrest of a suspected ivory trafficker by the Special Wildlife Crime Unit and the Uganda Police Force has led to the recovery of 154 kilogrammes of raw elephant ivory in an intelligence-led operation in Nwoya district.

In a  February 23, 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) statement, Francis Opiro was arrested on February 22, 2026, while allegedly in possession of 10 pieces of raw elephant tusks.

According to UWA, the suspect 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.

UWA executive director Dr. James Musinguzi said the arrest 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 added that the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and co-ordination among security agencies, noting that the success of the operation reflects strong collaboration between UWA and other security agencies.

“We remain fully committed to dismantling wildlife trafficking networks wherever they operate,” he said.

Traffickers warned

Musinguzi also warned traffickers that enforcement efforts have been intensified across the country, particularly in northern Uganda, which has previously been exploited as a transit route for illegal ivory.

“Anyone involved in wildlife trafficking should know that arrest, prosecution and stiff penalties are inevitable,” he said.

UWA said the arrest shows the continued threat that ivory trafficking poses to elephant populations and national security. Wildlife crime, the authority stated, not only endangers biodiversity but also undermines tourism revenues and community livelihoods.