The conference hall at Sheraton Kampala buzzed with energy this morning as conservation leaders, government officials, tourism stakeholders, the private sector and media gathered for the launch of the Name a Rhino Campaign. Organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the event marked a significant moment in Uganda’s ongoing journey to protect and expand its rhino population. Guided by the charismatic MC, Mr. Maurice Mugisha, the event unfolded with a series of speeches that painted a clear picture of Uganda’s conservation achievements, current challenges, and ambitious future plans.
The Executive Director of UWA, Brian Musinguzi, opened the presentations by reflecting on the history of rhinos in Uganda. He noted that rhinos had become extinct in the country in the early 1980s. Their return began in 2006 with the reintroduction of six Southern White Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. Nearly two decades later, the sanctuary now holds 48 individuals, including 17 calves awaiting names. He pointed out that the upcoming Name a Rhino Ceremony, scheduled for 22nd September at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. Would celebrate this growth while raising vital resources for continued conservation.
Musinguzi revealed that UWA’s has a ten-year rhino strategy which calls for raising USD 11 million over the next five years. This funding will support habitat management, relocation programs, anti-poaching measures, and other initiatives critical to sustaining the population. He also spoke about plans to reintroduce the indigenous Eastern Black Rhino, which has been extinct in Uganda for decades. Negotiations with Kenya and the Czech Republic are already underway to make this possible.
Given the outgrowing number of rhinos at Ziwa, UWA is planning to redistribute them to other protected areas. These include Ajai Wildlife Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. This move will create more space for breeding, reduce pressure on Ziwa, and spread the benefits of rhino tourism across the country.
Adding to the momentum, Uganda Tourism Association CEO, Ms. Yogi, outlined public engagement programs aimed at supporting rhino conservation. She described initiatives such as “Name a Rhino,” where individuals or organizations can leave a legacy by naming one of the calves, and “Friend a Rhino,” which allows supporters to contribute towards care, feeding, and veterinary services. She urged the public to take part in the September ceremony and thanked the government for its commitment to conservation, while also calling for expanded habitats and stronger anti-poaching safeguards.
State Minister of Tourism, Hon. Martin Mugarura, speaking on behalf of the government, pledged continued support for Uganda’s biodiversity. He emphasized the importance of the September event as a rallying point for conservation efforts. He also noted the wider tourism benefits of relocating rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, explaining that this move would connect the West Nile region to Uganda’s main tourism circuit, creating opportunities for new tour packages and boosting regional economic activity.
The Uganda Tourism Board’s CEO, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, closed the morning’s speeches with a message of progress and confidence. She affirmed that Uganda had moved beyond the stage of merely saving its rhinos. The focus was now on expanding their numbers and their range. She commended UWA for its leadership and shared updates on fundraising efforts. She informed us about her visit to the British High Commission aimed to secure international support for the campaign. She also confirmed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has pledged to contribute towards this great initiative. While Centenary Bank has already named a rhino. In total, USD 20,000 has been secured so far, including USD 10,000 from the Sembeza Africa team, USD 5,000 from the Presidential CEO Forum, and further contributions from other tourism bodies.
Throughout the event, the common theme was unity. A recognition that protecting Uganda’s rhinos requires the combined efforts of government, conservation agencies, private sector partners, and the public. The Name a Rhino Campaign is not just a fundraising initiative. It is an inclusive national movement to safeguard a species, restore ecological balance, and position Uganda as a leader in wildlife conservation.
As the September 22nd naming ceremony approaches, the call to action is clear! Every contribution, whether financial, technical, or moral, will bring Uganda closer to a future where rhinos roam freely across multiple protected areas. Today’s launch was more than an event. It was a commitment to ensuring that the story of the rhino in Uganda is one of revival, growth, and hope.