In a landmark moment for wildlife conservation in Uganda, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has officially named the first baby rhino in a symbolic prelude to the country’s inaugural Rhino Naming Ceremony set for later this month.
During a brief but historic ceremony held at Parliament on Wednesday, Speaker Among named the rhino “Kiira”, a Luganda word for the River Nile—symbolizing life, continuity, and resilience.
The event was witnessed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Juliana Kagwa, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahenduka.
UTB CEO, Juliana Kagwa, used the occasion to extend a formal invitation to the Speaker and Parliamentarians to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and witness Uganda’s conservation progress firsthand.
The event marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s conservation journey and serves as a prelude to the first-ever National Rhino Naming Ceremony, scheduled for September 22, 2025, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District.
The ceremony will be presided over by President Museveni, and is part of the “Name A Rhino” campaign—a five-year, Shs 40 billion (USD 11 million) fundraising initiative aimed at expanding Uganda’s rhino population and strengthening conservation infrastructure.
The “Name A Rhino” campaign offers individuals, companies, and philanthropists the chance to symbolically adopt and name rhinos, with funds supporting veterinary care, habitat expansion, anti-poaching efforts, and community conservation programs.
Uganda’s rhino population was decimated by poaching and habitat loss in the 1980s. But through dedicated conservation efforts—including a breeding program launched in 2006—Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has successfully welcomed 40 calves, growing from an initial population of six Southern White Rhinos.
The long-term goal of the campaign is to reintroduce rhinos into the wild, starting with Ajai Wildlife Reserve in the West Nile region.
Minister Mugarra recently emphasized the broader impact of this initiative:
“Reintroducing rhinos to Ajai will not only expand their habitat but also link West Nile to Uganda’s tourism circuit, creating economic opportunities for local communities,” he said.
“This naming ceremony is more than symbolic—it’s a national commitment to biodiversity, eco-tourism, and sustainable development.”
