Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities have jointly announced that Uganda will host its inaugural Rhino Naming Ceremony on September 22, 2025, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District.
The announcement was made during a high-level breakfast meeting in Kampala, which convened government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and conservation advocates.
The event will be presided over by President Museveni and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Name A Rhino Campaign—a five-year fundraising initiative valued at Shs 40 billion (approximately USD 11 million), launched last year to secure and expand Uganda’s rhino population.
The ceremony will provide individuals, corporations, and philanthropists the unique opportunity to symbolically “adopt” and name a rhino. Proceeds from this campaign will directly fund habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching efforts, and community conservation programs.
Speaking at the breakfast event, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi emphasized the campaign’s importance.
“This ceremony celebrates our remarkable journey from rhino extinction in the wild during the 1980s to the current population of 48 rhinos in Uganda, including 46 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is also a call to action. Naming one of the 17 calves and juveniles offers a chance for lasting legacy while supporting critical conservation work.”
Historically widespread, Uganda’s rhino population was driven to extinction in the wild by poaching and habitat loss. However, since 2006, the breeding program at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has welcomed 40 Southern White Rhino calves, growing from an initial founder population of six.
The Name A Rhino initiative aims to support ongoing breeding, reintroduce rhinos into the wild starting with Ajai Wildlife Reserve, enhance anti-poaching efforts, and promote habitat protection and community involvement.
State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra Bahenduka noted that the translocation of rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve will connect the West Nile region to Uganda’s tourism circuit, offering a larger rhino habitat and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.
“The first-ever Rhino naming ceremony is a proud moment for Uganda and a powerful symbol of our commitment to conservation,” he said.
“Rhinos are not only a vital part of our natural heritage but also an asset that can drive tourism, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth. This year, we take a bold step by reintroducing rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. I urge every citizen, company, and partner to join this legacy. Naming a rhino is more than giving it a name—it secures the future of conservation in Uganda.”
Scheduled for September, the ceremony will unite various stakeholders and launch the rhino translocation process.
UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa highlighted the event’s broader significance, saying, “This ceremony goes beyond naming; it showcases Uganda’s dedication to sustainable tourism. Our natural heritage is our competitive edge, and protecting it ensures Uganda remains a top destination for authentic wildlife experiences.”
Under Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy (2018–2028), the country aims for an annual rhino population growth of at least 5%.
The strategy focuses on enhanced security, law enforcement, reintroduction efforts, capacity building, and raising public awareness about the importance of rhino conservation.
A rhino translocation committee has been established by UWA and is working tirelessly to ensure the successful relocation of rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve before the end of 2025.
Dr. Musinguzi underscored, “Protecting rhinos is about more than saving a species; it’s about safeguarding ecosystems, supporting tourism, and generating sustainable benefits for communities.”
UWA invites individuals, corporations, philanthropists, and global conservation supporters to join the Name A Rhino Campaign. Contributions will directly support rhino protection, habitat expansion, and community benefit initiatives.
