The Uganda Wildlife Authority has arrested a suspected ivory trafficker in Nwoya District and recovered 154 kilograms of elephant ivory in what officials describe as a major breakthrough against wildlife crime.
The operation was conducted by the Special Wildlife Crime Unit in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force following intelligence reports.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA Assistant Commissioner for Communications identifies the suspect as Opiro Francis.
He says Opiro was arrested on Sunday in Nwoya while in possession of ten pieces of raw elephant tusks.
Hangi notes that the suspect will be produced before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court and charged with unlawful possession of protected wildlife specimens, contrary to the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 315.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the UWA Executive Director says the arrest demonstrates Uganda’s firm stance against wildlife crime.
By Okello Jesus Ojara
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