Tusk is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Private Okawa Charles, a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger who was killed by poachers while on duty in Kidepo Valley National Park on 5th December 2022.
His passing, along with others’ who have died at the hands of armed poachers, is testament to the hostile environments that rangers in Uganda and beyond are operating in.
Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Executive Director, Sam Mwandha said; “Losing [Okawa] is saddening. His bravery to encounter armed poachers shows his commitment to conservation. He put his life on the line so that wildlife can be safe.”
Tusk has worked in close partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Conservation Foundation for decades and will continue to support them in the fight against wildlife crime.
Our thoughts at this time are with Private Okawa Charles’ family and all who knew him.