In a historic step for wildlife conservation, Uganda will host its first-ever Rhino Naming Ceremony this September at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District.
The event will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and marks a major milestone in the ambitious “Name A Rhino” campaign—a five-year, $11 million (UGX 40 billion) fundraising initiative aimed at securing and expanding Uganda’s rhino population.
The announcement was made during a high-level breakfast meeting in Kampala, attended by government officials, private sector leaders, conservationists, and development partners. The initiative is spearheaded by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
The upcoming ceremony will give individuals, corporates, and philanthropists the rare opportunity to symbolically adopt and name one of 17 rhino calves and juveniles, with all proceeds supporting key conservation efforts. Funds raised will go directly into habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based conservation programmes.
“This will be a celebration of how far we’ve come—from extinction in the wild in the 1980s to now having 48 rhinos in Uganda, including 46 at Ziwa,” said Dr. James Musinguzi, UWA Executive Director.
“But it’s also a call to action. Naming a rhino is not just symbolic—it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy and directly support Uganda’s rhino conservation story.”
Once abundant across Uganda, rhinos were wiped out from the wild by the 1980s due to rampant poaching and habitat loss. Their revival began in 2006 when six Southern White Rhinos were reintroduced to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Since then, 40 calves have been born, pushing the total number in Uganda to 48.
The next chapter of this journey includes reintroducing rhinos into the wild, starting with Ajai Wildlife Reserve in West Nile—a move set to expand their range and boost eco-tourism in the region.
“This is a proud moment for Uganda,” said Martin Mugarra Bahenduka, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
“Rhinos are not only part of our natural heritage—they are an economic asset. This year, we take a bold step by reintroducing them to Ajai, connecting West Nile to the national tourism circuit and unlocking opportunities for local communities.”
The Rhino Naming Ceremony is also being positioned as a global platform to showcase Uganda’s commitment to sustainable tourism and biodiversity protection.
“This is more than just a naming event—it’s a message to the world that Uganda is serious about conservation,” said UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa.
“Our wildlife is our competitive edge, and safeguarding it ensures Uganda remains a top destination for authentic safari experiences.”
Under Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy (2018–2028), the country aims to achieve an annual rhino population growth rate of at least 5%, driven by enhanced security, breeding programs, and habitat protection.
UWA has established a Rhino Translocation Committee, working tirelessly to ensure the safe transfer of rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve before the year ends. The move is part of a broader vision to diversify Uganda’s conservation landscape and ensure genetic diversity among rhino populations.
“Protecting rhinos isn’t just about saving a species,” Dr. Musinguzi emphasized. “It’s about protecting ecosystems, creating jobs through tourism, and delivering real, long-term benefits to Ugandan communities.”
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is now calling on citizens, companies, philanthropists, and global conservation allies to be part of this historic movement. Naming opportunities remain open, with contributions channeled directly into protection, expansion, and education efforts.
