Imagine a world where ivory, rhino horns, and other rare wildlife products were traded as freely as common commodities. The consequences for global biodiversity would be catastrophic. To safeguard ecosystems, combating illegal wildlife trade remains critical. In February 2017, under funding from the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed an expert team to Uganda to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Background: The INAMA Project and Capacity Building
This evaluation formed a key component of WCO’s "Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in Africa" (INAMA) initiative. The project aims to strengthen African customs administrations through capacity-building, technical support, and international collaboration. Uganda, as a critical hub for wildlife resources, plays a pivotal role in regional and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Methodology: Institutional Assessment Tool and Self-Evaluation
The WCO team utilized a specialized institutional assessment tool developed under the INAMA project, evaluating multiple dimensions including legal frameworks, organizational structure, staff training, technology, risk management, and international cooperation. The assessment combined URA’s self-evaluation report with on-site inspections and interviews to ensure objectivity.
Fieldwork: Site Visits and Stakeholder Engagement
During the five-day mission, WCO experts held detailed discussions with URA Commissioner Dicksons Collins Kateshumbwa and senior officials to identify operational challenges and needs. The team also inspected high-risk trade hubs—Kenfreight Inland Container Depot and Entebbe International Airport—to evaluate customs procedures, equipment, and staffing firsthand.
Workshop: Logical Framework Approach for Strategic Planning
To optimize INAMA’s support, WCO conducted a workshop on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA), a project management tool for goal-setting and performance measurement. Twenty URA officers participated, successfully drafting a one-year action plan under INAMA’s framework. The training enhanced strategic planning capabilities and solidified future collaboration.
Strategic Implications: Charting the Path Forward
The assessment marks a milestone in WCO-URA cooperation against wildlife trafficking. By identifying gaps and tailoring support, the initiative strengthens Uganda’s enforcement capabilities, contributing to global conservation goals.
Key Context: CITES Convention and Institutional Profiles
The CITES Convention (1973) regulates international trade in endangered species through three appendices:
- Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; commercial trade prohibited.
- Appendix II: Species requiring trade controls to prevent endangerment.
- Appendix III: Species protected within individual states requiring international cooperation.
World Customs Organization (WCO): Established in 1952, the intergovernmental body develops global customs standards and provides technical assistance to enhance trade security and environmental protection.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA): Founded in 1991, URA oversees tax collection, customs enforcement, and anti-smuggling operations, playing a vital role in Uganda’s economic governance.