William Amanzuru Leslie, a prominent Ugandan environmental human rights advocate and winner of the EU human rights Defender Award in 2019 and founder of Friends of Zoka, has faced a series of alarming break-ins at his home, underscoring the dangers he encounters in his activism.
The most recent incident involved two thieves who unlawfully entered his residence in Forua village, Adjumani town council, on April 7, 2026, at 2 a.m., stealing his red Honda XL Brazil 125 motorcycle, registered as UGH 155J.
This motorcycle is not just a mode of transport for Amanzuru; it symbolizes his commitment to environmental protection in Uganda.
Over the past four years, his home has been targeted multiple times. The first break-in resulted in the loss of household items valued at shs9 million.
Subsequent attempts saw the thieves searching for crucial documents and vandalizing property, including breaking windows and doors.
Despite the presence of CCTV cameras, which captured the suspects during their nocturnal intrusion, police have yet to apprehend both individuals involved, leaving Amanzuru feeling increasingly vulnerable.
Amanzuru’s advocacy work has faced systemic challenges as well. He expressed his frustration with governmental inquiries that have failed to yield results, especially on the crimes committed in the Zoka Central Forest Reserve and the East Madi Wildlife Reserve.
“Even with CCTV cameras, if they can still come to break into my house, then my life is in danger,” Amanzuru stated.
His situation highlights the risks faced by environmental activists in Uganda, where threats and violence can significantly impede efforts to protect natural resources and advocate for human rights.
A case has been reported at Adjumani Central Police Station. The regional spokesperson for the North West Nile Police, Collins Asea, confirms the arrest of the suspect but provides few details.
In recent years, Adjumani has emerged as a hotspot for environmental crime, with areas such as the East Madi Wildlife Reserve and Zoka Central Forest Reserve increasingly threatened by encroachment, charcoal burning, and illegal logging.
Despite the Deputy Speaker of Parliament directing the parliamentary committee on environment to conduct a fact-finding visit to Zoka Central Forest Reserve, no meaningful progress has been registered to date.
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