Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts have received a major boost following the arrival of eight rhinos donated by African Parks from the Munyawana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The animals touched down at Entebbe International Airport at 2:30 a.m., where they were officially received by the Director of Tourism Development, Dr. Basil Ajer, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
The new arrivals four males and four females bring Uganda’s total rhino population to fifty-nine (59), all under active protection. Conservation officials say the balanced composition of the group is expected to strengthen breeding and support the long-term recovery of the species within the country.
The reception at the airport was witnessed by the Commissioner for Biodiversity Management, John Makombo, who represented the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board, and UWA management.
Dr. Ajer said the arrival of the rhinos is a testament to 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 endangered species and grow our wildlife-based tourism,” he noted. He added that the translocation aligns with Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy, which focuses on strengthening genetic diversity, expanding rhino range, and securing the species for future generations.
UWA’s John Makombo welcomed the donation as a significant reinforcement of Uganda’s conservation efforts. “Beyond conservation, this strengthens Uganda’s profile as a competitive nature-based tourism destination and a trusted partner in international wildlife conservation,” he said. He further assured that UWA will protect the rhinos and provide a conducive environment for their multiplication.
Representing African Parks, Operations and Logistics Manager Martine Rickelton said the donation reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting rhino conservation across 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,” she said.
Following their arrival, the rhinos are being transferred to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for mandatory quarantine, veterinary monitoring, and acclimatisation before full integration with the resident population.
Uganda’s rhino restoration programme continues to advance, with preparations underway to introduce additional rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park as part of efforts to expand the species’ national range. Plans are also being finalized to translocate selected rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, a protected area where rhinos once thrived, under a phased national programme for re-establishing the species in multiple regions.
