The Masindi Chief Magistrate’s Court has sentenced four poachers to custodial terms of seven and three years, respectively, for illegal entry, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife products in Murchison Falls National Park.
Magistrate Kosia Kasibayo convicted and sentenced Oyirwoth Albert and Odwoka Albert to seven years’ imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to three counts: unlawful entry into a protected area, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife species and their products.
The duo was arrested on 19 October 2025 by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers from the Delta Marine Post in the Kafundo area within Murchison Falls National Park, while transporting buffalo meat in two canoes.
Upon arrest, they voluntarily led rangers to a site where five buffalo heads and additional meat were recovered.
In a related case, Oromcan Patrick and Ochendi Richard were convicted for illegal entry into Murchison Falls National Park and killing a bushbuck. After pleading guilty, they were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
They were arrested by rangers on 20 September 2025 from the Kololo Ranger Post within Murchison Falls National Park.
Delivering the sentence, Her Worship Kasibayo noted that poaching remains prevalent and poses a serious threat to conservation and Uganda’s tourism-driven economy. She emphasised that the sentence is intended to deter similar offences and preserve the integrity of Uganda’s national parks.
State Prosecutor Shisa Alex told the court that poaching undermines Uganda’s conservation gains, deprives communities of tourism benefits, and robs future generations of their wildlife heritage. Defence counsel Ajok Harriet appealed for leniency on grounds of the accused’s youthfulness and potential for reform.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) applauded the court’s ruling and commended all those involved in securing the convictions, stating that the sentences send a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated.
“Illegal wildlife trade threatens animal populations and undermines conservation efforts. We have strengthened surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, and we urge the public to support efforts to protect wildlife and desist from illegal activities against nature,” UWA said in a statement.
UWA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the justice system, security agencies, communities, and conservation partners to eliminate poaching and safeguard Uganda’s biodiversity for present and future generations.
