What we do
Would you like to help stop wildlife poaching in Africa?
At NRCN we are helping to put a stop to wildlife crime in Uganda to preserve the natural wildlife of this amazing African nation for current and future generations. We are fighting for the rights of at risk, endangered, and vulnerable wildlife and ensuring that crimes committed do not go unpunished.
Working with the local Ugandan authorities and communities we are helping to build long lasting solutions that help protect wildlife while also helping protect the crops and wildlife of farmers and communities.
Conservation is a key part of what we do, and this is achieved through our work in six core areas:
Investigation
Our investigation team is made up of ex police officers, detectives, and former army officials who are skilled and trained in human and animal behaviour, animal forensics evidence identification and interrogation. Investigators develop a network of informers to aid in carrying out wildlife investigations.
In addition to wildlife investigations our team have helped international stakeholders to investigate and arrest international criminals dealing in illegal drugs, wildlife trade, trafficking, corruption, and those that pose a threat to the welfare of wildlife and humans in Uganda.
Arrest operation
Following investigation an operations team is formed in conjunction with the Ugandan Police Force which focuses on carrying out arrests of suspected wildlife criminals. Our operations team also works with other government and international agencies as part of investigations to help bring international criminals to justice and ensure they are arrested for their crimes.
Prosecution
Following the arrest of suspects, NRCN prosecutors encourage a negotiated approach where those arrested are given a chance to admit guilt in return for a plea bargain approach to expedite the delivery of justice without wasting a lot of time and resources.
Voluntary surrender is made even more attractive with the fast-tracking of arraignment before court within 48 hours of surrender. We also adopt a lenient approach towards suspects who are disabled or disadvantaged and have a zero-tolerance approach to the torture of suspects.
We strongly believe in the rehabilitation of suspects and uphold human rights, justice, and fairness by ensuring all suspects have proper legal representation. Regarding prosecution, we ensure that wildlife crime is properly prosecuted and ensure that the animals have a voice in court.
Media
Our public relations department counsel criminals convicted of wildlife crimes and help to identify those who have been reconciled who would be willing to work with us as informants. This process helps us to understand what drives criminals and how we can educate people about the impact of wildlife crime on the environment.
Details of arrests and convictions are shared with local communities and nationwide with the publication of press releases both online and in print. As well as wildlife crime we also share success stories to show the positive impact that we achieve and how this helps to preserve the country’s flora and fauna while protecting local communities.
Corruption
The illegal trade in wildlife and trafficking of animals are often made possible by the failure of some individuals within law enforcement circles to operate professionally. Our use of informants helps us to identify corruption and failings within enforcement agencies and ensure that these are reported, and justice is carried out.
Connivence
NRCN make sure that corrupt practices within wildlife crime law enforcement are dealt with seriously. Any public servant who is found to be involved in illegal trade is investigated, arrested, and arraigned in the courts of law. By seeking prosecution and jail sentences for connivance and reporting this in the press our goal is to bring about change and end corruption within law enforcement.