ARUA, January 9, 2026 — The Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] has begun a nationwide rhino translocation programme aimed at expanding the country’s rhino population and enhancing genetic diversity across selected wildlife reserves.
The latest exercise involved the relocation of four southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Arua district. This marks the opening phase of a national initiative expected to see at least 20 rhinos redistributed to different protected areas across the country.
The translocation is a key component of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, which seeks to rebuild and safeguard Uganda’s rhino population while restoring the species to parts of its historical range, particularly in northern Uganda.
Although the southern white rhino is not indigenous to Uganda, its introduction to Ajai Wildlife Reserve is guided by the principle of conservation equivalence, as well as the need to stimulate tourism development in the region. The native northern white rhino subspecies is now functionally extinct. However, both northern and southern white rhinos historically belonged to the same species before diverging into distinct subspecies.
UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi said the four rhinos relocated to Ajai would remain under close monitoring as they adjust to their new environment.
“The return of rhinos to Ajai is a proud and emotional moment for Uganda. It reflects years of dedicated conservation work and a highly successful breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where our rhino population has steadily grown under careful protection. This next step strengthens species recovery and restores an important part of our natural heritage for future generations,” Dr Musinguzi said.
He added that a second phase of the programme, involving the relocation of an additional 16 rhinos, would be carried out once the first group has been successfully monitored and stabilised.
According to UWA records, Uganda once hosted both white and black rhino species. Northern white rhinos were historically found west of the Albert Nile, mainly in the West Nile region, with Ajai serving as a key stronghold. Eastern black rhinos ranged east of the Albert Nile and north of the Victoria Nile, covering parts of the former Acholi, Lango and Karamoja subregions.
Rhinos were wiped out during periods of prolonged insecurity, which fuelled poaching and habitat loss. The last known rhino in Uganda was poached in the Narus Valley of Kidepo Valley National Park in 1983.
UWA launched the rhino reintroduction programme in 1997 with the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda. Two rhinos were imported from Kenya in 2001, followed by the start of a structured breeding programme in 2005–06 after the importation of four rhinos from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, USA.
These six animals formed the founder population at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which has since grown to 49 rhinos. Last month, a further eight southern white rhinos were imported from South Africa to strengthen the Ziwa population in line with the objectives of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy.
https://thecooperator.news/house-briefed-on-saving-the-white-rhinoceros/
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