Imagine a cargo plane landing at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Among the seemingly ordinary containers could be hidden illegal shipments of ivory, rhino horns, and other rare wildlife products. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is taking concrete action to help the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enhance its capacity to combat this illicit trade and protect global ecological security.
Comprehensive Assessment Lays Foundation for Action
From February 20-24, 2017, a WCO expert team conducted a thorough diagnostic assessment of URA's capabilities in implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Funded by the Swedish government, this five-day mission in Kampala formed part of WCO's INAMA project (Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in Africa), designed to strengthen African customs administrations against wildlife trafficking.
The assessment utilized WCO-INAMA's institutional evaluation tool to analyze URA's strengths and weaknesses across multiple areas: organizational structure, staff training, technical equipment, intelligence sharing, risk management, and international cooperation. WCO representatives met with URA Customs Commissioner Dickson Collins Katsumba and other officials, while also conducting field visits to Kenfreight inland container depot and Entebbe International Airport to observe frontline operations.
Capacity Building Through Practical Training
Beyond the institutional assessment, WCO experts conducted a specialized workshop on Logical Framework Approach (LFA) methodology for over twenty URA officers. This systematic project planning tool enables more effective work planning, goal-setting, resource allocation, and outcome evaluation. The training empowered Ugandan customs officials to develop annual work plans that will guide future support under the INAMA project framework.
Strengthening Partnerships Against Wildlife Crime
The diagnostic mission marked a significant step in WCO-URA collaboration. By identifying specific needs and capabilities, both parties established a foundation for more effective joint action. Future cooperation will include targeted technical assistance, training programs, and equipment support to enhance Uganda's capabilities in wildlife identification, interdiction, investigation, and intelligence analysis.
INAMA: A Regional Force Against Wildlife Trafficking
The WCO-INAMA project represents the organization's flagship initiative supporting African nations against illegal wildlife trade. Through capacity building, technical assistance, information sharing, and international cooperation, INAMA strengthens customs administrations across the continent to protect biodiversity and ecological security. The project has gained significant support from Sweden and other international partners.
This collaboration positions URA to make substantial progress against wildlife trafficking, contributing to conservation efforts across Uganda and Africa. WCO continues to leverage its global expertise in trade security to combat wildlife crime and protect our planet's ecological heritage.