A group of nationals from DR Congo are reported to be funding illegal ivory trade with partners from Uganda and South Sudan.
A Ugandan Wildlife report cites New Kush and Lotukei areas of Budi County in Eastern Equatoria as the main hiding places for the illegal ivory dealers, Radio Emmanuel reported.John Mwhangi, a wildlife officer based at Kidepo Valley National park in Uganda, wrote the report.
He lamented that the illegal ivory dealers took advantage of the pastoralist communities of South Sudan and offered money to fuel poaching of elephants across Kidepo Valley.
Mr Mwhangi pointed out that the Congolese ivory dealers collaborate with their counterparts in Uganda while those in South Sudan kill the elephants to provide the tusks.
The Uganda Wildlife report cites that a total of eight elephants were killed at Kidepo Valley National Game Park between 2007 and 2011 by suspects who escaped to South Sudan.
Mr Mwhangi said despite of tracking the curtail base to South Sudan, the Uganda Wildlife authority could not apprehend them due to lack of coordination with their counterparts in Eastern Equatoria.
Eastern Equatoria Director for Wildlife Conservation in the State Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Charles Laku did not deny the report but said his office was not aware of the incidents.
He added that the report could be true because the state security recently arrested one renowned elephant poacher responsible for killing game and causing great havoc to conservation work in Budi County.