Uganda to host inaugural Rhino Naming Ceremony
Rhinos, once abundant in Uganda, were wiped out in the wild by the 1980s due to rampant poaching and habitat loss
KAMPALA, August 12, 2025 — In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, Uganda is set to host its first-ever Rhino Naming Ceremony this September at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district.
The event, which will be officiated by President Yoweri Museveni, marks a significant milestone in the ambitious Name A Rhino campaign, a five-year, US$ 11 million [Shs 40 billion] fundraising initiative aimed at securing and expanding the country’s rhino population.
The announcement was made during a recent 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 collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board [UTB] and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
The upcoming ceremony will offer individuals, corporates, and philanthropists the rare opportunity to symbolically adopt and name one of 17 rhino calves and juveniles. All proceeds will support critical conservation efforts, including habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching operations, 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.”
Rhinos, once abundant in Uganda, were wiped out in the wild by the 1980s due to rampant poaching and habitat loss. Their revival began in 2006 when six Southern White Rhinos were reintroduced at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Since then, 40 calves have been born, raising the current population to 48.
The next phase of Uganda’s rhino recovery involves reintroducing rhinos into the wild, beginning with Ajai Wildlife Reserve in the West Nile region, a move expected to expand their habitat range and strengthen eco-tourism in the area.
“This is a proud moment for Uganda,” said Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, 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, linking West Nile to the national tourism circuit and opening up opportunities for local communities.”
The Rhino Naming Ceremony is also being positioned as an international platform to highlight Uganda’s dedication 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 Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board.
“Our wildlife is our competitive edge. Safeguarding it ensures Uganda remains a top destination for authentic safari experiences.”
Under the National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy [2018–2028], Uganda aims for an annual rhino population growth rate of at least 5 percent, supported by enhanced security, targeted breeding programmes, and sustained habitat protection.
To that end, UWA has established a Rhino Translocation Committee working to ensure the safe relocation of rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve before the end of the year. The move is part of a wider effort to diversify conservation sites and ensure genetic diversity within the national rhino population.
“Protecting rhinos isn’t just about saving a species,” Musinguzi emphasised.
“It’s about preserving ecosystems, creating jobs through tourism, and delivering long-term benefits to Ugandan communities.”
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is now calling on citizens, businesses, philanthropists, and international conservation partners to take part in this historic initiative. Naming opportunities remain open, with all contributions directly supporting protection, expansion, and public education efforts.
https://thecooperator.news/uwa-official-urges-courts-to-give-poachers-harsher-sentences/
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