The Masindi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30th October sentenced four poachers to custodial terms of seven years and three years, respectively, for illegalentry, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife products in Murchison Falls NationalPark.
Her Worship Kosia Kasibayo convicted and sentenced Albert Oyirwoth and Albert Odwoka to seven years’ imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful entry into a protected area, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife species and their products.
The dual was arrested on 19 October 2025 by UWA rangers from the Delta Marine Post in Kafundo area within Murchison Falls National Park, who were transporting buffalo meat in two canoes. Upon their arrest, they voluntarily guided rangers to a place where five buffalo heads and additional meat were recovered.
In a related case, Patrick Oromcan and Richard Ochendi were convicted for illegal entry into Murchison Falls National Park and killing of a bushbuck upon their own guilty plea and sentenced to three years in jail. They were arrested by rangers on 20 September 2025 from 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 actions and preserve theintegrity of Uganda’s national parks.
State Prosecutor, Alex Shisa told the court that poaching undermines Uganda’s conservation gains, deprives communities of tourism benefits, and robs future generations of wildlife heritage.
The defence counsel, Harriet Ajok, appealed for leniency towards the accused on grounds of youthfulness and potential for reform.
Uganda Wildlife Authority applauds the court’s ruling and commends all those involved insecuring the convictions.
These sentences send a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated. Illegal wildlife trade threatens animal populations and undermines conservation gains.
Bashir Hangi, the Assistant Commissioner of Communications at UWA, explained that they have strengthened surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, and urged the public to support efforts to protect wildlife and to desist from illegal activities against nature.
“Uganda Wildlife Authority remains committed to working with the justice system, security agencies, communities, and partners to eliminate poaching and safeguard Uganda’s biodiversity for present and future generations,” he concluded.
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