Kampala City, Uganda: Danish investigative journalist, photographer, and explorer Klaus Thymann has been arrested by the Uganda Police Force over alleged wildlife-related offences, with authorities confirming that investigations are ongoing.
The internationally acclaimed environmental journalist was arrested on Monday at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala while reportedly seeking an official permit for his work.
Here is what is known so far:
Speaking to the media on the alleged arrest, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed on Tuesday that Thymann is being held at Kira Road Police Station.
According to Kawala, he is expected to be transferred to Kasese, where the alleged offences are said to have occurred. She did not disclose the nature of the allegations, referring further inquiries to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesperson Bashir Hangi also confirmed that Thymann had been arrested. “Yes, we arrested him,” Hangi said, adding that more details would be released after internal briefings.
The authority has not yet publicly outlined the specific offences for which the Danish national is being investigated.
Who Is Klaus Thymann?
Thymann is an internationally recognised investigative journalist, photographer, scientist and explorer known for documenting environmental and wildlife issues around the world.
He is an ambassador for camera manufacturer Hasselblad, and his work has been featured by major international media and scientific organisations, including NASA, The New York Times, the BBC, CNN and National Geographic.
Much of his research has focused on the Rwenzori Mountains, which straddle the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border.
For more than a decade, Thymann has documented the retreat of the Rwenzori glaciers, highlighting the effects of climate change on one of Africa’s few remaining equatorial ice caps.
During a 2012 expedition, he worked alongside Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers to photograph the glaciers and document environmental changes.
His more recent findings, published internationally last year, drew public debate after Ugandan government officials disputed conclusions that linked the shrinking glaciers primarily to climate change, instead describing the changes as part of normal seasonal patterns.
Neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda Wildlife Authority has formally disclosed the specific wildlife-related offences allegedly committed by Thymann.
Authorities say more information will be released once investigations progress and official briefings are completed.
DailyExpress will closely follow the case and provide updates as more details become available.
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