Wildlife crime: Police chief Byakagaba wants CCTV in protected areas

In a move aimed at building stronger ties and tackling shared challenges, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle wildlife crime in the country.

This resolution came out of a high-level meeting held Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, between the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba and a team of UWA top management led by executive director Dr James Musinguzi.

Byakagaba acknowledged that wildlife is a national treasure whose conservation is tied to national security, tourism and community well-being.

“We see wildlife protection not just as a conservation issue, but as a matter of national importance. Our Police officers are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with UWA to combat any threats against our protected areas." 

Byakagaba appealed for installation and extension of the closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras to wildlife-protected areas, to enable both institutions to effectively monitor illegal activities and ensure wildlife safety.

Police and UWA officials during a meeting at Naguru in Kampala on Monday. (Courtesy Photo)

The two teams also resolved to jointly draft a working document that will set out clear areas of collaboration, from intelligence sharing and co-ordinated patrols to training, joint investigations, and community engagement.

Musinguzi described the meeting as timely and productive, saying it reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

“Wildlife crime is not something UWA can fight alone. It's increasingly sophisticated and calls for joint efforts. Today’s meeting is about rekindling our cooperation and ensuring that our teams work seamlessly together,” he said.

According to the 2023/2024 tourism performance report compiled by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the sector continues to face challenges of human-wildlife conflicts, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species and encroachment on wildlife and cultural heritage sites.

"As Uganda continues to face such growing threats from wildlife crime and habitat encroachment, the renewed partnership between UWA and Uganda Police sends a strong message that protecting the country’s wildlife is a shared responsibility and one that both institutions are ready to take on, together," Musinguzi expressed.