After years of yearning from the Madi-Okollo people to restore rhinos to their cultural heritage, the government has officially reintroduced rhinos at Ajai Wildlife Reserve during a joyful event attended by the 15 tribes of the Ajai kingdom, political leaders, religious figures, conservationists, and other stakeholders.

The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom R Butime, who unveiled the rhinos following a tracking activity, stated that the reintroduction of rhinos at Ajai Wildlife Reserve represents the return of a species that was once lost in the country and the revival of an important part of the nation’s natural heritage. He emphasized that this event is more than just a conservation effort—it is a clear demonstration of the country’s national commitment, responsibility, and determination.

During President Museveni’s campaigns in 2021, the people of West Nile requested him to bring back their regional heritage (the rhino) to the region. The President indeed made a promise to have the rhinos back before 2021-2026 term of office ends and the promise has been met not only to celebrate the NRM achievement but to specifically celebrate President Museveni’s fulfilment of his promise to the people of West Nile and Madi Okollo in particular.

Therefore, this initiative aligns fully with Government policy on biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism development, and inclusive regional growth. The restoration of Rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve strengthens conservation efforts in West Nile in particular and Northern Uganda at large, and lays a foundation for future tourism development in West Nile.

The government's goal is to ensure that conservation of wildlife must sustain our national heritage, protect wildlife, and contribute to national development while also creating opportunities that contribute to local livelihoods and national development.

Uganda lost its rhinos during a period characterised by insecurity, widespread poaching, and weak institutional capacity. Their disappearance served as a painful reminder of how vulnerable our wildlife heritage can be. The event therefore demonstrated how far the country has come and reflects a deliberate decision by Government to invest in the tourism and conservation sector, strengthen institutions, and correct historical losses.

The Minister appreciated Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Board of Trustees, and the conservation partners for the professionalism and discipline demonstrated throughout this programme.

The phased approach adopted for the translocation reflects best practice and underscores Government’s commitment to animal welfare, security, and long-term sustainability and emphasized that the leaders and communities of West Nile hold a critical role in the success of this initiative. He added; “The Rhinos unveiled form part of your heritage and should inspire both pride and responsibility”.

He stressed that protection of these Rhinos remains a matter of national interest, and thus wildlife crime will not be tolerated. Government will continue to support Uganda Wildlife Authority and other security agencies to ensure that poaching and all forms of illegal activity are addressed firmly and decisively.

Minister Butime confirmed that government remains committed to strengthening partnerships, investing in protected area management, and supporting community-based conservation approaches and urged the district leaders to plan strategically and ensure that the return of the rhinos becomes a blessing to the local communities.

The chairperson board of trustees UWA, Prof. James Kalema noted that the Board’s decision to re-establish rhinos in Ajai Wildlife Reserve was guided by the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, detailed feasibility assessments, and professional advice from management and conservation experts and key considerations included ecological suitability, security readiness, financial implications, institutional capacity, and engagement with surrounding communities.

He commended the Minister for the political support accorded to UWA to get resources to implement thes plan and thanked H.E the President of Uganda Y.K Museveni for the forethought of including rhino reintroduction as a priority for Government in the NRM Manifesto.

He also thanked Capt. Joseph Roy, the owner of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, for his wonderful vision, generosity, and passion for rhinos and wildlife in general.

Dr. James Musinguzi the Executive Director of UWA said that the rhino re-introduction in Ajai Wildlife Reserve marked a historic milestone for Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts, for the people of West Nile

He noted that; “For the first time in over 45 years, rhinos have returned to the West Nile region, symbolising national recovery, resilience, and renewed responsibility towards safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage”.

This achievement follows the successful translocation of four southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. The movement represents the first phase of a carefully planned national programme to establish an initial breeding population of 20 rhinos at Ajai. The initiative is guided by the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, which seeks to rebuild Uganda’s rhino population while progressively restoring the species to suitable parts of its former range, particularly in northern Uganda.

Uganda’s current rhino population is the result of nearly three decades of deliberate conservation efforts, including the establishment of a successful breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. By December 2025, Uganda’s rhino population had grown to 59 following the importation of additional 8 rhinos from South Africa, strengthening the national recovery programme.

The ultimate objective of the Ajai reintroduction is to establish a secure, free-ranging rhino population in northern Uganda, reduce concentration risks, enhance species resilience, and boost conservation-led tourism and community livelihoods.

Uganda Wildlife Authority reaffirms its commitment to implementing the National Rhino Conservation Strategy with transparency, professionalism, and strong partnerships, calling upon communities, leaders, and partners to collectively protect and benefit from this restored national heritage.