Uganda’s ongoing efforts to restore and protect rhinos have earned a place on the international stage following the announcement of the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign after the US–Africa Business Connect Roosevelt Africa Trail Conference in New York City. The campaign, developed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in partnership with the Roosevelt Africa Trail and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, is scheduled for official launch in December 2025.

The Roosevelt Rhino Campaign will see a rhino in Uganda named after former United States President Theodore Roosevelt, drawing inspiration from his 1909–1910 Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition. While rooted in history, the initiative is firmly focused on the present—highlighting Uganda’s steady progress in rebuilding rhino populations and strengthening conservation systems after decades of absence in the wild.

By following the journey of the Roosevelt Rhino from sanctuary protection to eventual rewilding, the campaign will offer global audiences a practical view of how species recovery is planned, funded, and implemented. The christening ceremony will take place in Uganda and will be officiated by a member of the Roosevelt family, reinforcing the international character of the initiative. This will be only the second rhino named after a U.S. president, following “Obama,” a name that carried strong resonance in East Africa.

The campaign is supported by several linked initiatives designed to broaden public engagement and support. These include Roosevelt Encounters Africa, a children’s educational series produced by NABU, which will feature The Rhino Named Roosevelt and integrate QR codes that allow audiences to contribute directly to conservation efforts.

Private sector and digital innovations also form part of the campaign. Roosevelt Africa Safari Coffee, developed by Kahawa 1893 in partnership with the Roosevelt Africa Trail, will feature the Roosevelt Rhino as a speciality blend, with a portion of proceeds directed toward rhino conservation. In addition, the Roosevelt Africa Virtual Trail will offer an immersive digital experience, enabling audiences around the world to engage with the rhino’s habitat and Uganda’s conservation work.

Speaking at the conference, Dr James Musinguzi, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, emphasised that Uganda’s progress in rhino conservation is the result of long-term investment, strong institutions, and trusted partnerships. He noted that initiatives such as the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign help strengthen international understanding and support for wildlife recovery.

Joshua Sentongo, Director of Business Development and Strategy for the Roosevelt Africa Trail, described the campaign as a continuation of a family commitment to conservation. He is the son of the late conservationist Paul Ssali Naluma, whose story, The Wild and the Brave, was nominated for an Oscar in 1975.

The campaign also highlights the link between conservation, culture, and heritage. Dr. Jackline Besigye Nyiracyiza, Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, noted that the increased global visibility would elevate sites such as Rhino Camp and Ajai Wildlife Reserve, positioning them as important destinations for heritage and conservation tourism. She further highlighted the role of Intelligent Trail Markers, developed in partnership with a Tech Consortium led by MIT Creative Technologist Rus Gant, in helping visitors connect more deeply with Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Roosevelt Rhino Campaign will unfold through a series of milestones. A hybrid launch in Uganda and the United States is planned for December 18, 2025, including a live event at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A mid-campaign engagement at the Roosevelt Library is scheduled for July 4, 2026, followed by the official christening of the Roosevelt Rhino in September 2026.

Through the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign, Uganda is reinforcing its commitment to long-term wildlife recovery while inviting global partners, institutions, and individuals to support the careful work required to return rhinos to the country’s protected landscapes.