The Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have agreed to work together closely to end the rising cases of wildlife crime in the country. According to sources, the decision was made during a closed-door meeting held at Police Headquarters in Naguru. The meeting was attended by top officials from both security agencies.
In recent months, there has been a sharp increase in attacks on wildlife, especially in Uganda’s national parks. Criminals have been targeting animals such as rhinos and elephants, killing them for their skins, horns, and other body parts that are highly valued on the black market. These illegal activities have not only harmed Uganda’s natural heritage but also negatively impacted the tourism industry, which heavily depends on wildlife.
A source from UWA revealed that some of the criminals have even killed wildlife rangers and UWA security staff to gain easier access to protected areas. This has raised serious concerns about the safety of both animals and conservation personnel.
During the meeting, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba admitted that wildlife crime is a serious problem and needs immediate action. He stressed the need for a joint working plan between police and UWA. “To stop this wildlife crime, we must develop a joint working document to guide coordinated efforts in intelligence sharing, joint patrols, investigations, and community engagement,” said IGP Byakagaba.
As part of the new strategy, the police have already started deploying more officers to national parks and other tourism hotspots to ensure better security.
The partnership between the Uganda Police and UWA is seen as a positive step toward protecting Uganda’s wildlife and strengthening the tourism sector. With combined efforts and better coordination, the two institutions hope to reduce wildlife crimes and keep national parks safe for animals, tourists, and local communities.
