The smuggling of ivory, rhino horns, and other illegal wildlife products not only devastates natural resources but also fuels transnational criminal networks. As wildlife trafficking grows increasingly sophisticated, questions arise: Is Uganda Customs prepared to meet this challenge?
Under the INAMA project framework, the World Customs Organization (WCO) recently dispatched an expert team to Kampala for a five-day diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's (URA) capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Conducted from February 20-24, 2017, this evaluation aimed to comprehensively analyze URA's current capabilities and potential in combating illegal wildlife trade while identifying areas for targeted improvement.
Comprehensive Assessment Methodology
The evaluation utilized WCO-INAMA's institutional assessment tool, building upon URA's self-evaluation to analyze strengths and weaknesses across personnel, technology, and operational processes. This diagnostic approach provides precise data to guide future capacity-building efforts.
During the assessment, WCO delegates held extensive discussions with URA Commissioner General Dickson Collins Kateshumba and other senior officials to understand CITES implementation challenges. The team also conducted field inspections at Kenfreight Inland Container Depot and Entebbe International Airport to observe frontline enforcement operations.
Capacity Building Through Practical Training
To enhance URA officers' professional skills, WCO experts conducted a workshop on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA), a structured project management methodology. Approximately 20 URA officials participated, successfully applying LFA tools to develop annual work plans for future INAMA-supported initiatives. This training enables clearer goal-setting, resource allocation, and project implementation tracking.
This evaluation marks a significant step in deepening collaboration between URA and WCO against wildlife trafficking. The assessment enables WCO to tailor support for Uganda's customs operations, strengthening global efforts to protect endangered species. The Swedish government provided funding for this initiative.
Context: The INAMA Project
The WCO's INAMA initiative strengthens customs agencies' capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through technical assistance, training, and information sharing. By enhancing enforcement capabilities, the project contributes to global biodiversity conservation.
CITES: A Critical Conservation Framework
The CITES treaty regulates international wildlife commerce to prevent overexploitation of endangered species. As one of the most influential environmental agreements, it provides the legal foundation for global wildlife protection efforts.
Uganda's Strategic Role
Located in Central Africa with rich biodiversity, Uganda faces significant wildlife trafficking pressures. As a CITES signatory, Uganda's customs operations serve as critical barriers against illegal wildlife product flows. Strengthening URA's capabilities directly impacts conservation efforts across the region.
WCO's Coordinating Role
As the premier global customs organization, WCO facilitates international cooperation against wildlife trafficking by developing standards, providing technical support, and fostering interagency collaboration.
Assessment Significance
This diagnostic evaluation serves dual purposes: comprehensively analyzing URA's enforcement capacities while establishing foundations for future cooperation. The findings enable targeted support for Uganda while offering valuable insights for other nations combating wildlife crime.
Moving Forward
WCO plans continued collaboration with URA through INAMA, expanding technical support and capacity-building programs. Simultaneously, WCO will strengthen partnerships with other international organizations to forge a unified global front against wildlife trafficking.
This assessment equips URA with clearer understanding of its CITES implementation strengths and gaps, enabling more effective action plans. With WCO support, Uganda's customs authority is positioned to make greater strides against illegal wildlife trade, contributing meaningfully to global conservation efforts.