Uganda’s broader rhino restoration efforts continue under the national strategy, with preparations underway to introduce additional rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park
By Willy Chowoo | December 11, 2025
Uganda has received eight southern white rhinos from the Munyawana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing rhino restoration programme. The animals, donated to the Government of Uganda by African Parks, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday, 9, 2025, where they were formally received by Dr. Basil Ajer, the Director of Tourism Development, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
Of the eight rhinos, four are males, and four are females, a balanced composition designed to support breeding and strengthen long-term population growth in Uganda. Senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and other conservation partners witnessed the handover.
Dr. Ajer said in a statement that the donation reflects the growing international confidence in Uganda’s wildlife conservation systems and its credibility in global tourism.
He noted that the translocation aligns fully with Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy, which aims to strengthen genetic diversity, expand rhino ranges, and secure the species for future generations.
“This donation is a strong vote of confidence in Uganda’s conservation systems. It reflects the trust our international partners have in our ability to protect these endangered species and responsibly grow our wildlife-based tourism,” Dr. Ajer said.
John Makombo, Commissioner of Biodiversity Management at UWA, hailed the arrival of the rhinos as a major boost to the country’s national rhino recovery programme.
“This is a significant reinforcement of Uganda’s conservation efforts. Beyond conservation, this donation strengthens Uganda’s profile as a competitive nature-based tourism destination and a trusted partner in international wildlife conservation,” Makombo said.
During the handover, African Parks’ Operations and Logistics Manager, Martine Rickelton, emphasized that the donation demonstrates their long-term commitment to rhino conservation in range states such as Uganda.
“Uganda has shown strong leadership in rhino conservation and long-term species recovery planning. This donation supports Uganda’s ambition to re-establish rhinos across more protected areas,” Rickelton said.
Mandatory Quarantine and Future Translocations
Upon arrival, the rhinos were transported to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for mandatory quarantine, veterinary monitoring, and acclimatization before their full integration with the existing rhino population.
The latest addition brings Uganda’s total rhino population to 59, all under active protection. Conservationists say this marks a major step in the country’s long-term plan to rebuild a robust and genetically diverse rhino population.
Uganda’s broader rhino restoration efforts continue under the national strategy, with preparations underway to introduce additional rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park.
This area once hosted the species before their extinction in the 1980s. Plans are also in place to translocate selected rhinos from Ziwa Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve as part of a phased approach to restoring the species across their historical range.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority says it remains committed to ensuring the rhinos are protected and provided with a conducive environment to thrive and multiply.
