Kampala - Officials in Uganda say they have seized nearly 162kg of ivory and other animal parts and products that were being smuggled in and out of the country.

Sarah Banage, a spokeswoman for the Uganda Revenue Authority, said on Tuesday that the products could be worth up to $700 000. The seized goods include ivory, bones, teeth and animal skin.

Ugandan officials say Chinese demand is behind the illegal trade in endangered species and animal products.

In 2010 wildlife authorities started a sensitisation campaign that they say has led to increased awareness among customs agents of what is contraband. They said the latest seizure is a sign of progress.