The Masindi Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday sentenced four poachers to custodial terms of seven years and three years, respectively, for illegal entry, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife products in Murchison Falls National Park.
His Worship Kosia Kasibayo convicted and sentenced Oyirwoth Albert and Odwoka Albert 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.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the duo was arrested on 19 October 2025 by UWA rangers from the Delta Marine Post in Kafundo area within Murchison Falls National Park, as they transported buffalo meat in two canoes.
“Upon their arrest, they voluntarily guided rangers to a place where five buffalo heads and additional meat were recovered,” UWA revealed in a statement issued today morning.
In a related case, Oromcan Patrick and Ochendi Richard 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 20th September 2025 from Kololo Ranger Post within Murchison Falls National Park.
Delivering the sentence, His Worship Kasibayo noted that poaching remains prevalent and poses a serious threat to conservation and Uganda’s tourism-driven economy. She emphasized that the sentence is intended to deter similar actions and preserve the integrity of Uganda’s national parks.
State Prosecutor Shisa Alex told court that poaching undermines Uganda’s conservation gains, deprives communities of tourism benefits, and robs future generations of wildlife heritage.
The defence counsel, Ajok Harriet, appealed for leniency towards the accused on grounds of youthfulness and potential for reform.
Uganda Wildlife Authority applauded the court’s ruling and commended everyone involved in securing 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,” UWA stated.
The Authority added that they have strengthened surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, urging the public to support these efforts to protect wildlife and desist from illegal activities against nature.
UWA further reiterated their commitment to working with the justice system, security agencies, communities, and partners to eliminate poaching and safeguard Uganda’s biodiversity for present and future generations.