A September 2022 operation recovered 134 pieces of worked ivory. The offender was convicted and penalised UGX 40 million.
In September 2022, investigators recovered 134 pieces of worked ivory — carved and processed items ready for the illicit curio and export market. Worked ivory is harder to detect than raw tusks and signals the presence of processing workshops within the trafficking chain.
The operation traced the products to their holder, who was arrested and charged. Prosecutors emphasised that processing ivory into ornaments does not launder its criminal origin: every piece represents a poached elephant.
The court convicted the offender and imposed a penalty of UGX 40 million, and the ivory was forfeited. The case broadened the Task Force's focus from raw-product couriers to the processing and retail layers of the trade.