After more than four decades of absence, rhinos are finally making their way back to Kidepo Valley National Park in a landmark conservation effort that signals a new chapter for Uganda’s wildlife heritage.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday began the historic translocation, with Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi flagging off the first two southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A total of eight rhinos are set to be relocated in this initial phase.
For conservationists, the moment is both symbolic and strategic—a long-awaited return of a species that once roamed freely across the Kidepo landscape before being wiped out by poaching and years of insecurity.
“This marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo,” Dr. Musinguzi said, describing the move as the first step toward rebuilding a sustainable population in the park. “Over time, we will continue to introduce more rhinos to ensure a thriving population is restored.”
The reintroduction is anchored in Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation Strategy and backed by a detailed feasibility study that identified Kidepo as one of the most suitable habitats for rhinos, based on ecological conditions and improved security.
But the return of the giants has not been left to chance. Extensive groundwork has gone into preparing the park, including the establishment of a secure sanctuary fitted with perimeter fencing, ranger posts, water systems, and monitoring infrastructure to guarantee the animals’ safety.
Dr. Musinguzi credited conservation partners for turning the vision into reality, citing their technical expertise, funding, and logistical support as key to the success of the operation.
“This milestone demonstrates what strong partnerships can achieve in restoring species and safeguarding our natural heritage,” he said.
Commissioner for Biodiversity Management John Makombo emphasized the broader ecological significance, noting that rhinos play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of savannah ecosystems.
“Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most intact ecosystems. Bringing rhinos back restores a missing piece and strengthens the park’s ecological integrity,” he said.
The initiative is supported by Wild Landscapes East Africa, Northern Rangelands Trust, and the Uganda Conservation Foundation, which have all contributed to sanctuary development and the logistics of the translocation.
Once in Kidepo, the rhinos will be closely monitored within a protected sanctuary as they adapt to their new environment under the watch of trained rangers and veterinary teams.
Rhinos disappeared from Kidepo in 1983, when the last one was killed in Narus Valley, ending their presence in the park for 43 years. Their return now represents not just a conservation milestone, but a powerful symbol of recovery.
Uganda’s rhino comeback began in 2005 with a breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after the species had gone extinct in the wild. Today, the country’s population has grown to 61, creating an opportunity to reintroduce them into protected areas like Kidepo.
Beyond conservation, the move is expected to boost tourism and reinforce Uganda’s efforts to restore endangered species to their natural habitats—bringing Kidepo one step closer to its full ecological glory.
