Poachers Get Stiff Jail Terms in Murchison Falls National Park

The Masindi Chief Magistrates’ Court has handed down custodial sentences to four individuals involved in poaching activities within Murchison Falls National Park. The rulings send a strong message against illegal wildlife activities that threaten Uganda’s natural heritage.

Oyirwoth Albert and Odwoka Albert were each sentenced to seven years imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple charges. These included unlawful entry into a protected area, hunting, and the illegal possession of wildlife products. The two were apprehended by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers on October 19, 2025, while transporting buffalo meat in canoes. Following their arrest, they led rangers to a location where five buffalo heads and additional meat were recovered.

In a separate but related case, Oromcan Patrick and Ochendi Richard were convicted for illegal entry into the park and the killing of a bushbuck. They also pleaded guilty and received three-year jail sentences. These poachers were arrested by rangers on September 20, 2025, near the Kololo Ranger Post.

Presiding Magistrate Kosia Kasibayo emphasized that poaching remains a severe threat to conservation efforts and Uganda’s tourism-dependent economy. The magistrate highlighted that the sentences are intended to act as a deterrent and protect the integrity of the national parks. The state prosecutor argued that poaching not only undermines conservation achievements but also deprives local communities of tourism revenue and robs future generations of their wildlife heritage.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has lauded the court’s decision, commending the efforts that led to these convictions. The authority reiterated its commitment to enhancing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement, urging the public to support wildlife protection initiatives and refrain from engaging in illegal activities. UWA continues to collaborate with the justice system, security agencies, and communities to eradicate poaching and preserve Uganda’s biodiversity.

Source: https://ugandawildlife.org/court-hands-poachers-7-year-and-3-year-jail-terms