Uganda has received a donation of eight Rhinos from the Munyawana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa by African Parks to boost the country’s national rhino conservation and recovery efforts.
According to the Director of Tourism Development at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Dr Basil Ajer who received the rhinos alongside other UWA officials at Entebbe International Airport on Monday night, the eight rhinos which include four males and four females will demonstrates Uganda’s growing credibility in global wildlife conservation and tourism development.
“This donation is a strong vote of confidence in Uganda’s conservation systems and institutions. It reflects the trust our international partners have in our ability to protect these endangered species and responsibly grow our wildlife-based tourism,” he said.
Dr. Ajer said the translocation is firmly anchored in Government planning frameworks.
“This initiative is fully aligned with Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy, which seeks to strengthen genetic diversity, expand rhino range, and secure the species for future generations” he said.
The Commissioner Biodiversity Management, John Makombo, emphasised that the arrival of the eight rhinos is a major reinforcement of Uganda’s conservation efforts.
“This is a significant boost to our national rhino recovery programme. Beyond conservation, this donation strengthens Uganda’s profile as a competitive nature-based tourism destination and a trusted partner in international wildlife conservation” he said.
The Operations and Logistics Manager at African Parks, Martine Rickelton said the donation reflects African Parks’ long-term commitment to supporting rhino range states.
“Uganda has demonstrated strong leadership in rhino conservation and long-term planning for the species’ recovery. This donation is our contribution to strengthening that foundation and supporting Uganda’s ambition to re-establish rhinos across more protected areas” he said.
He added, “We are proud to partner with the Government of Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority on this important conservation journey,” he said.
The head of Communication and Public Relations at UWA Bashir Hangi revealed that following their arrival, the Rhinos have been transferred to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for mandatory quarantine, veterinary monitoring, and acclimatisation prior to full integration with others in the Sanctuary.
“With the arrival of the eight rhinos, Uganda’s rhino population now stands at fifty- nine (59), all under active protection, marking a major boost to the country’s national rhino recovery efforts”.
He added, “Uganda’s rhino restoration efforts continue to progress under the National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy, with preparations currently under way to introduce additional rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park to expand the species’ national range”.
Hangi noted that arrangements are currently being finalised to translocate selected rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, as part of a phased national plan to re-establish rhinos in protected areas where they once thrived.
