The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially assumed full management of the country’s canine detection units, a move hailed as a turning point in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
The handover, celebrated at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe, follows nine years of partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) under the Canines for Conservation Program, launched in 2016 with U.S. government support.
AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya described the initiative as a continental success, noting its role in disrupting trafficking networks across Africa. “These dogs form a frontline defense against wildlife crime,” he said, announcing AWF’s donation of three more dogs to bolster Uganda’s operations.
UWA officials highlighted how the program has reshaped Uganda’s reputation. “Dogs cannot be bribed. Since we introduced them, we’ve dismantled trafficking networks and even secured a life sentence under the new Wildlife Act. Uganda is no longer on the blacklist,” said Charles Tumwesigye, UWA’s Director of Field Operations.
The canine units—now numbering 12 detection dogs and two tracker dogs—have made over 360 arrests, intercepted contraband at border points and airports, and assisted in field operations against poachers.
Imelda Imetur, UWA’s In-Charge of Canine Conservation, praised the handlers as “unsung heroes” whose discipline and teamwork with the dogs form the backbone of the program.
With full integration into UWA’s structure, officials say the transition guarantees sustainability and sends a clear signal to traffickers: Uganda is no longer an easy gateway for illegal wildlife products.
