By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has begun taking custody of one of the largest wildlife contraband stockpiles ever seized in Uganda, underscoring the country’s intensified efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species from organized criminal networks.
The vast cache, intercepted at Entebbe International Airport between 2012 and 2018, contains thousands of kilograms of ivory, pangolin scales, rhino horns, and other wildlife products confiscated during a series of joint operations targeting transnational trafficking syndicates.
According to UWA, the exhibits have been stored at the Aviation Police Station in Entebbe for several years and are now being transferred to the authority for enhanced management, documentation, and security.
The stockpile includes 6,017 kilograms of ivory, comprising both raw and worked pieces, approximately 2,030 kilograms of pangolin scales, 114 kilograms of rhino horns, 8.8 kilograms of hippopotamus teeth, as well as assorted wildlife products such as animal skins and lion teeth.
Authorities say the illegal wildlife products were seized through coordinated operations involving UWA, the Police, Customs, Aviation Security, and other agencies over a six-year period. Investigations established that Uganda had been used as a transit route by international trafficking networks moving wildlife products to overseas markets.
In one notable case, traffickers attempted to smuggle ivory concealed inside tins labelled as shea butter in an effort to evade detection.
The handover exercise officially commenced on May 19, 2026, under the supervision of UWA Assistant Commissioner for Law Enforcement, Margret Kasumba.
UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi described the transfer as a significant step in strengthening accountability, conservation efforts, and wildlife crime management systems.
“These exhibits are critical evidence of the devastating impact wildlife crime continues to have on endangered species. Taking custody of them enables UWA to strengthen documentation, security, and management while reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking,” Hangi said.
He noted that the recovered products represent the loss of thousands of animals across Africa and serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by illegal wildlife trade.
“Every kilogram of ivory, pangolin scales, or rhino horn tells a story of wildlife that was illegally taken from its natural habitat. Our message is clear: Uganda remains committed to protecting wildlife and ensuring that traffickers do not find safe passage through our borders,” he added.
The transfer follows increasing pressure on storage capacity at the Aviation Police Station, where the exhibits had remained since their seizure.
Hangi credited the successful interceptions to close collaboration among multiple enforcement agencies, noting that wildlife crime requires a coordinated response across institutions and borders.
“The successes registered over the years are a result of strong partnerships between UWA, the Police, Customs, Aviation Security, and other stakeholders. Wildlife crime is transnational in nature and demands coordinated action,” he said.
Authorities also attributed the sharp decline in major wildlife trafficking incidents at Entebbe International Airport to enhanced security measures introduced in recent years.
Since the deployment of a specialized canine detection unit in 2018, no wildlife contraband seizure of comparable magnitude has been recorded at the airport.
“The canine unit has been a game changer in wildlife law enforcement. Combined with improved surveillance and intelligence-led operations, it has significantly strengthened our ability to detect and deter wildlife traffickers,” Hangi explained.
Conservation experts say the seized ivory, pangolin scales, and rhino horns represent thousands of animals killed to satisfy demand in illegal international markets. Despite intensified enforcement efforts across Africa, wildlife trafficking remains one of the greatest threats to endangered species and biodiversity.
UWA says the transfer operation remains ongoing, with officials carefully inventorying, documenting, and securing each exhibit under strict chain-of-custody procedures.
The authority believes the exercise will not only strengthen exhibit management but also reinforce Uganda’s reputation as a regional leader in the fight against wildlife crime.
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