The efficacy of the Legal Framework in the Management of Wildlife Trade in Uganda: A public Participation approach

Abstract

The article focuses on evaluating the efficacy of the legal framework in the management of trade in wildlife products in Uganda. Public administration and management (PAM) scholars have long recognised that a good legal framework is the lifeblood of an efficient management system. The investigation of wildlife crimes still lacks community effort and cooperation and the investigation of wildlife offences is a challenge for the whole community and is not limited to law enforcement agencies. Accordingly, dealing with wildlife offences in isolation, especially without the buy-in of enforcement agencies such as police and customs, affects the ability to address the causes and consequences of this phenomenon efficiently. Awareness in the judicial sector about the seriousness, impact and potential profits of wildlife crime has had loopholes in Uganda. Some Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) employees are themselves involved in commission of these crimes and while prosecuting, the same employees interfere with the process; leading to loss of evidence and connivance with the police and the wildlife traffickers. The research was a descriptive cross-sectional design. For the purpose of collecting data, a questionnaire was compiled that consisted of closed-ended multiple-choice, dichotomous and scaled (Likert Scale) questions. Qualitative information was obtained by means of focus group meetings and semi-structured interviews with the respondents.