The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have launched “Guidelines on Investigations and Prosecutions of Wildlife Crimes in Uganda” at Garden Hotel–Entebbe today.

The Guidelines (Rapid Reference Guide) will provide a roadmap for prosecutors, investigators and other key stakeholders on how to implement the new Uganda Wildlife Act 2020, with an emphasis on drafting of charges and adhering to prosecutorial standard operating procedures while handling such cases.

At the launch, the Deputy DPP (Prosecutions), Mr. Charles Elem–Ogwal noted that, the tourist sector in Uganda is one of the most lucrative sources of revenue and employment, however this has been hampered by the significant increase of wildlife crimes over the years. The crimes have taken on the character of international organized crimes facilitated by syndicated criminal gangs engaged in transnational money laundering and transnational activities.  He underscored the importance of the Guidelines as a tool in curbing wildlife crime.

The Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservative Center (UWEC), Dr. James Musinguzi officiated the launch of the Guidelines and remarked that Uganda is a country rich in biodiversity, but wildlife crime especially illegal wildlife is challenging the conservation efforts in Uganda.  He welcomed the Guidelines and noted that they will go a long way in contributing towards the effective investigations, prosecutions and adjudication of wildlife crimes.

Jacquelyn Okui

Public Relations Officer