Uganda has received 8 rhinos in efforts to expand the diversity of animals in Uganda. The rhinos arrived in Uganda on Tuesday 8th December, 2025 as donations from Munyawara Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal by African Parks.
The rhinos have officially been received at Entebbe International Airport by the Dr Basil Ajer, the Director of Tourism Development on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
On the 8 rhinos, 4 are male and 4 female a balanced composition aimed at strengthening the breeding and long term population growth.
Dr Basil Ajer on receiving the rhinos stated that, the arrival of the rhinos demonstrates Uganda’s credibility in global wildlife conservation and tourism development.
“The donation is a strong vote of confidence in Uganda’s conservation system and institution. It reflects the trust our international partners have in our ability to protect these endangered species and responsibly grows our wildlife based tourism” said Dr Ajer.
He added that the translocation is firmly anchored in Government planning framework. This initiative is 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 generation.
Other present at the reception of the rhinos, John Makombo, the Commissioner Biodiversity Management represented the Executive Director OF Uganda Wildlife Authority, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Antiquities, and Uganda Tourism Board.
John Makombo described the rhino arrival as a major enforcement of Uganda’s conservation efforts. It’s a significant boost to our national rhino recovery program. He added, that beyond conservation, the donation strengthens Uganda’s profile as a competitive nature based tourism destination and a trusted partner in the international wildlife conservation.
Rhino Population Rises
The arrival of 8 rhinos has accelerated on the population of the herds to Uganda, the number is totaling 59 rhinos. The group of 8 rhinos are transferred to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola along Kampala-Gulu road northwards of the capital. Two rhinos out of 59, are protected at Entebbe Zoo (Uganda Wildlife Education Center UWEC).
The 8 rhinos will undergo a quarantine and health assessment at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before being integrated into the sanctuary’s existing population.
By the late 1980s rhinos had extinct from Uganda, and by early 2005, the efforts to reintroduce rhinos in Uganda started and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established. All started with 4 rhinos which were gotten from Kenya, and two rhinos were gotten from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida USA.
In September 2025, rhinos naming ceremony celebrated 17 calves born at the sanctuary, bringing the total population.
There are plans to translocate about 20 rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and also there are plans to translate some to Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
