Wildlife Crime and the Law: Effectiveness of Offender Prosecution in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Abstract

Wildlife crime poses a severe threat to biodiversity conservation, ecological
integrity, and sustainable development, particularly in biodiverse developing
countries. In Uganda, protected areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park
(QENP) continue to experience persistent wildlife crimes, including poaching,
illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, and wildlife trafficking, despite the
presence of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Prosecution of wildlife
offenders is widely recognised as a central deterrence mechanism and a key
pillar of environmental justice and conservation governance. Yet the
persistence of these crimes raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of
existing prosecution processes. This study assessed the effectiveness of
wildlife crime prosecution in QENP, with particular attention to legal,
institutional, and operational determinants of enforcement outcomes. A
mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining structured questionnaires
administered to wildlife officers, community members, and law enforcement
personnel with key informant interviews involving prosecutors, magistrates,
park wardens, and conservation officials. These data were complemented by a
systematic review of wildlife legislation, prosecution records, and policy
documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while
qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that
prosecution effectiveness is undermined by weak investigations, poor
evidence management, limited technical and financial capacity, corruption,
and judicial delays, resulting in low conviction rates and weak deterrence.
Nonetheless, opportunities exist through strengthened legal frameworks, inter
agency coordination, community-based intelligence, judicial reforms, and
support from conservation partners. The study underscores the need to enhance
investigative capacity, professionalise prosecutorial practices, and institutionalise coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve wildlife crime prosecution and conservation outcomes in QENP.