By Michael Ojok
The Special Wildlife Crime Unit and the Uganda Police Force, have arrested a suspected ivory trafficker in Nwoya District.
The suspect, Opiro Francis was arrested on February 22, 2026 in Nwoya District, while in possession of ten (10) pieces of raw elephant tusks weighing 154Kgs.
James Musinguzi, the Executive Director, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said Opiro was arrested in an intelligence led operation.
Opiro has since been charged with unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens, contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act cap315.
Under the amended Uganda Wildlife Act of 2019, unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens is a severe crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, fines of up to 20 billion Ugandan shillings, or both.
The law applies to endangered species, and penalties are determined by the Uganda Wildlife Court based on the gravity of the offense.
According to experts, elephant poaching in Uganda, while still a persistent threat, has seen significant declines due to enhanced conservation efforts and stricter law enforcement.
However, the country remains a major transit route for illegal ivory, and challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and corruption continue to fuel the trade.
