Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs officials intercept 35 pieces of Ivory
As the East African Block continue to battle with alarming decline in numbers of wildlife animals due to poaching in national parks and game reserves, yesterday shocking news broke out that Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs officials intercepted 35 pieces of Ivory at Uganda’s Entebbe International airport.
The ivory, worth US$5,000, was hidden in 5 metalic suitcases enroute Malaysia as personal effects.
Ivory is a by-product of Elephants that are an endangered species. Trading in ivory is prohibited and hence an offense under the East African Community Customs Management Act.
Recently, the Ugandan Government revealed was to fence off its national parks in an effort to prevent further human-wildlife conflicts, starting with Murchison Park where rampant damage has been encountered.
According to the Wildlife Authority, poaching is on the increase in the country and last year in Murchison Falls National Park alone, 15 elephants were poached for tusks.
In the recent months, there has been several rescues of elephant babies by Uganda wildlife authority officials.
