By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
In a crucial step towards tackling the global catastrophe of wildlife crimes, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has joined hands with government and private sector law enforcement officers at Entebbe International Airport. Together, they are strengthening their capacity to tackle wildlife offenses and disrupt the illegal trafficking of precious species. This strategic partnership comes as Uganda grapples with the dual challenge of being a source and transit hub for illegal wildlife products, with the airport being a key point of concern.
Addressing the need for proactive measures, Ms. Margret Kasumba, UWA’s manager of law enforcement, highlighted the urgency of the situation. Reactive efforts have yielded limited success over the past decade, necessitating a shift towards preventive actions. The survival of iconic species is at stake, and Uganda has been identified as a significant location for illegal wildlife activities. To address these issues, the Detecting Illegal Species Through Preventive Training (DISRUPT) program was launched at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, spanning five days of intensive training and collaborative workshops.
Entebbe Airport has witnessed a surge in attempts to smuggle wildlife products, demanding a stronger response to counter these illicit activities. While UWA has made strides by deploying canine units for detection, some wildlife products still manage to evade detection. The DISRUPT training program aims to enhance the skills of law enforcement officers, equipping them with the ability to identify smuggled wildlife products, counter corruption, and improve overall force protection. Participants from various agencies, including Customs, UWA, Immigration, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Interpol, Internal Security Organisation, Aviation Police, Chieftaincy Military Intelligence, and the police, will collaborate to address this pressing issue.
Mr. George Owoyesigire, the acting commissioner of wildlife conservation in the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the importance of safeguarding Uganda’s rich biodiversity. By effectively protecting and sustainably utilizing wildlife resources, Uganda can contribute to the conservation of endangered species and reverse their declining populations. This collaborative effort aims to create a formidable defense against the illegal wildlife trade, ensuring the nation’s natural heritage thrives for generations to come.
DISRUPT marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s fight against wildlife crimes, building upon previous training initiatives conducted at Entebbe Airport in 2017. The program has already yielded positive results, with trained personnel being transferred to other stations, where they continue to combat wildlife trafficking. By harnessing the expertise of law enforcement agencies and fostering inter-agency cooperation, Uganda is forging a path towards making a tangible impact on wildlife conservation and disrupting the illicit trade that threatens the survival of precious species.
