LATF JOINTLY WITH UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY HELD INTER AGENCY WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOP

Over twenty law enforcement officers from different national agencies in Uganda participated in training workshop held at Masindi Hotel, Uganda from 8th to 11th February 2010. The participants were drawn from entry/ exit points including Customs, Immigrations, Civil Aviation Authority, National Forestry Authority, Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry (MTTI), Ministry of Agriculture (Veterinary), Police/Interpol NCB, Wildlife and Judicial. Partners from cargo handling like ENHANS at Entebbe International Airport also participated.

The workshop was opened by Amb. Julius B. Onen- the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry. In his opening speech he stated that wildlife crime is increasingly becoming a complex and dynamic phenomenon which poses an enormous challenge to law enforcement agencies in terms of both skills and resource requirements. He further said that the Government of Uganda recognizes that interagency cooperation is one of the most important tool needed to effectively fight the ever-increasing sophistication in wildlife crime.

The workshop participants recommended for the formation of a Wildlife Crime fighting Committee from relevant national agencies.

Participants of the training workshop. Permanent secretary is in front fourth from right