Businessman arrested over elephant tusk trafficking

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Police in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), have arrested Alfred Olanya, a businessman in Kitgum district over trafficking elephant tusks. This violates the Wildlife Act of 2019.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says Olanya was apprehended during a joint intelligence-led operation following a tip-off.

“Olanya was found in possession of prohibited wildlife products — specifically elephant tusks — without any documentation or clearance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority,” Kituuma says.

“He is currently in custody as investigations continue, and we intend to charge him under the Wildlife Act.”

Kituuma made the revelations on May 19, 2025, while addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city.

Earlier arrests

In 2022, Police detained two suspects: A private security guard identified as Suleiman Katende and Gasama Sikhou, a 59-year-old Senegalese national registered as a Ugandan, over the unlawful possession of a variety of protected wildlife species.

The duo was arrested following an operation by the Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN), Uganda Police and UWA in Nakirama village, Kikajo parish, Nsangi sub-county in Wakiso district. 

Authorities recovered a cache of wildlife products from a store guarded by Katende. The haul included:

• 10 bushbuck horns
• 2 hartebeest horns
• 24 bags of pangolin scales weighing 801.70kg
• 8 pieces of ivory weighing 58.30kg
• One tortoise shell

Kituuma emphasized that the Police remain committed to cracking down on wildlife trafficking syndicates that are using Uganda as a transit hub.

“Illegal wildlife trade not only threatens our biodiversity but also undermines our national image and economy. We will not tolerate such acts,” he said.

UWA said the agency had registered over 270 wildlife trafficking cases this year alone, warning that the trade in ivory and pangolin scales continues to threaten the tourism sector, which contributes more than $1.6 billion annually to the economy.

“The masterminds often use these items for cultural rituals and witchcraft,” Hangi noted.

Gasama, who is believed to have entered Uganda in 1989 and acquired a work permit in 1990, claims he has no connection to the seized wildlife products. In his police statement, he said he only deals in moringa, black pepper, and fish.

However, NRCN’s PR Consultant, Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, explained that many traffickers hide under legitimate businesses as a cover for illicit wildlife trade.

“There’s an absurd belief that pangolin scales can solve men’s sexual problems. Until Uganda is safe for wild animals, we shall not rest,” Nagenjwa said.

“The law will rain heavily on all poachers.”