The Masindi Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday sentenced four poachers to custodial terms of seven years and three years for illegal entry, hunting, and unlawful possession of wildlife products in Murchison Falls National Park.
Her Worship Kosia Kasibayo convicted and sentenced Oyirwoth Albert and Odwoka Albert to seven 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 duo was arrested on October 19, 2025, by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers from the Delta Marine Post in the Kafundo area within Murchison Falls National Park, as they 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, 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.
These 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 emphasized that the sentence is intended to deter similar actions 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 wildlife heritage. The defense counsel, Ajok Harriet, appealed for leniency towards the accused on the grounds of youthfulness and potential for reform.
In a statement, the Uganda Wildlife Authority applauded the court’s ruling and commended all those 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,” the Authority said
It added, “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.”
