Security in Oyam cracks down on illegal firearms among poachers

30 May 2025, 6:43 pm

By Woo Chris

Security authorities in Oyam district have launched a crackdown on suspected poachers believed to be in possession of illegal firearms.

Frederick Kizza, Chief Warden at Murchison Falls National Park, told district leaders that the poachers—mainly from Myene and Kamdini subcounties and allegedly led by an individual known as “Uganda”—are not only threatening wildlife but are also at a risk of destabilising local communities.

Kizza urged Oyam security teams to support the operation, noting that many of the suspects are believed to be army deserters.

Oyam RDC Sgt. Shilaku James confirmed that investigations are underway, with arrests and prosecutions expected.

 He urged the suspects to voluntarily surrender their firearms before being pursued.

Section 71(1) of the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019, stipulates that any individual who, without a permit issued under the Act, engages in activities such as taking, hunting, molesting, or reducing into possession a protected specimen, or is found in possession of, sells, buys, transfers, or accepts the transfer of a protected specimen, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the penalties include a fine not exceeding ten thousand currency points, life imprisonment, or both