Uganda is cracking down on illegal wildlife trafficking at its major transit points. About 4 tonnes of ivory were found by the Ugandan wildlife and revenue authorities between 2014 and 2015.
“We last got a bigger consignment in may last year…to this time we have not got another export consignment…probably because there’s now high vigilance between security agencies and other partners” Said Margret Kasumba, Law Enforcement Officer, Uganda Wildlife Authority
Authorities admit the changing tactics in packaging are still holding back progress but strong operations on the illegal wildlife trade have been enhanced.
“Our colleagues in other agencies are being sensitive and are getting to know how to identify ivory while screening cargo..they can now tell that cargo contains ivory and check, confiscate and if possible arrest.” Added Margaret Kasumba
Elephants are a major sell for Uganda’s tourism sector which contributes over 1.2 billion dollars to the country’s economy. And while current efforts seem to be making headway in curbing both poaching and ivory trade, weak national legislation and lack of cooperation between partner states remain a big challenge.
“There is a disparity in terms of sentencing of criminals involved in wildlife crimes..that is an area that needs to be identified and dealt with..so we can have sentences and laws that are similar.” James Isiche, International Fund for Animal Welfare
Statistics released by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species show that more than 20,000 elephants were killed worldwide since 2014 for their ivory tusks.
Harmonized law within regions could be a major factor in curbing wildlife trade. While that may require political cooperation, all signs are pointing in the right direction as Uganda and the other east African countries seek to find solutions to the protection of their wild animals.
