Uganda will host its inaugural Rhino Naming Ceremony on 22 September 2025 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, in an event aimed at raising funds and awareness for rhino conservation.
The announcement was made during a high-level breakfast meeting in Kampala attended by government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and conservation advocates.
President Yoweri Museveni will preside over the ceremony, which marks a major milestone in the ongoing Name A Rhino Campaign—a five-year, USD 11 million (Shs 40 billion) fundraising drive launched last year to secure and expand Uganda’s rhino population.
The event will give individuals, companies, and philanthropists the unique opportunity to “adopt” and name a rhino, with proceeds supporting habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching operations, and community conservation projects.
Rhinos once roamed widely across Uganda, but poaching and habitat loss led to their extinction in the wild by the 1980s. Since the launch of the breeding programme at Ziwa in 2006, the population has grown from an initial six Southern White Rhinos to 48 today—46 of them at Ziwa Sanctuary.
UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi described the ceremony as both a celebration and a call to action.
“This is a testament to how far we’ve come, from extinction in the wild to a thriving population. The ceremony offers a chance for people and organisations to leave a lasting legacy by naming one of 17 calves and juveniles while directly supporting rhino conservation,” he said.
The Name A Rhino initiative also seeks to prepare for the reintroduction of rhinos into the wild, starting with Ajai Wildlife Reserve in West Nile. Plans include enhanced anti-poaching measures, expanded habitats, and deeper community involvement.
Linking Conservation to Tourism and Livelihoods
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahenduka noted that translocating rhinos to Ajai will expand their range, strengthen Uganda’s tourism circuit, and bring economic opportunities to local communities.
“Rhinos are a national treasure and a driver of tourism and jobs. This year, we take the bold step of reintroducing them into Ajai. Naming a rhino is not just giving it an identity—it’s securing its future and the future of conservation in Uganda,” he said.
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa added that the ceremony is also a platform to promote sustainable tourism.
“Our natural heritage is our competitive advantage. Protecting it ensures visitors continue to choose Uganda for authentic wildlife experiences,” she said.
Under the National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy (2018–2028), Uganda aims to achieve an annual rhino population growth rate of at least 5%. This will be driven by stronger law enforcement, reintroduction of new populations, enhanced management capacity, and public education on the value of rhino conservation.
UWA has already established a rhino translocation committee working to deliver the first rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve before year-end. Dr Musinguzi emphasised that protecting rhinos is about more than saving a species.
“It’s about safeguarding ecosystems, boosting tourism, and creating long-term benefits for local communities,” he said.
UWA is calling on individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and global partners to support the Name A Rhino Campaign, with contributions directly funding rhino protection, habitat growth, and community benefit initiatives.
