Thirty Two Poachers Denounce Poaching Around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

“Through the sensitization, I realized that my 10 years of poaching only brought trouble to me and my family. I served a 9-month jail sentence for poaching and risked my life daily, this had to stop,” says 45-year-old Amos Maniriho, an ex- poacher.

At least 32 formerly notorious poachers in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park recently laid down their tools and embraced wildlife conservation and protection. The transitional journey began two years ago when the park management in Nkuringo Sector Bwindi Impenetrable National Park decided to use IGCPs’ mindset change approach to scout and reach out to the most notorious poachers. They identified the poachers and started to sensitize them about the dangers of poaching and the alternative lifestyle to live.

“Such transition does not come around easily. We commend IGCP’s great work in guiding us on a practical approach towards transforming notorious poachers through mindset change,” said Dickson Katana- former Warden-in-Charge – Nkuringo Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  

To cope and adjust to their new life, the ex-poachers are forming a local association that will bring them together to plan and work towards development. Among others the ex-poachers will support Uganda Wildlife Authority to report poaching and any other illegal activities in the park.

“We show the poachers the importance of investing in worthwhile activities like farming and we also encourage them to form cooperatives/associations so that they can easily be located for help,” says Nahabwe, a Community Conservation Ranger. Having a registered and well-known association increases the chances of getting funding/support from different conservation organizations operating in the area.