Following the poisoning of lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, suspects were arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to eight years — a landmark deterrent for crimes against iconic species.
In March 2021, lions of the famed tree-climbing prides of the Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, were found dead, poisoned, with some body parts removed. The killings provoked national and international outrage and posed a direct threat to one of Uganda's most valuable tourism assets.
A rapid joint investigation by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Police Force, guided by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led to the arrest of the suspects. The prosecution assembled forensic and testimonial evidence under the strengthened Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
The offenders were convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. The sentences sent an unambiguous message: crimes against Uganda's iconic species now carry real consequences.