Uganda Records Milestone with Return of Rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve

A historic milestone in wildlife conservation was achieved yesterday Wednesday 7 January 2026, by Uganda with the successful translocation of rhinos from one protected area to another within the country for the first time. Four southern white rhinos were relocated from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, according to reports.

This marks the opening phase of a national program that will see twenty (20) rhinos reintroduced to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, an initiative which represents a major step in restoring rhinos to their former range in northern Uganda. Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem in West Nile and is now home to rhinos after over 40 years of going extinct there.

The translocation is a key component of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, which aims to rebuild and secure Uganda’s rhino population while restoring the species to landscapes where it historically existed.

Although the southern white rhino is not indigenous to Uganda, its introduction to Ajai Wildlife Reserve is guided by the principle of conservation equivalence. Uganda’s native northern white rhino subspecies is now functionally extinct; however, both northern and southern white rhinos were historically part of the same species before their separation. As such, the reintroduction of southern white rhinos provides an ecologically sound and credible approach to restoring rhinos to Uganda’s ecosystems.

Monitoring and Next Phase

The four rhinos are currently under close observation as they adapt to their new environment at Ajai Wildlife Reserve. Following successful monitoring and stabilization of this first group, a second phase involving the relocation of the remaining 16 rhinos will be implemented.

Commenting on the achievement, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi described the translocation as a defining moment in Uganda’s conservation journey:

“The return of rhinos to Ajai is a proud and emotional moment for Uganda. It reflects years of dedicated conservation work and a highly successful breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where the rhino population has steadily grown under careful protection. This next step strengthens species recovery and restores an important part of our natural heritage for future generations.”

Uganda’s Rhino History

Historically, Uganda was home to two rhino species: the northern white rhino and the eastern black rhino.

• The northern white rhinos occupied areas west of the Albert Nile, with Ajai Wildlife Reserve serving as a key habitat.
• The eastern black rhinos ranged east of the Albert Nile and north of the Victoria Nile, across parts of Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja.

Both species were wiped out during periods of insecurity due to rampant poaching and habitat loss. Uganda’s last rhino was killed in Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley National Park, in 1983.

Revival of Rhino Conservation in Uganda

Uganda’s systematic rhino reintroduction efforts began in 1997 with the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda.

• In 2001, conservation awareness efforts led to the importation of two rhinos from Kenya, initially housed at the former Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC).
• Breeding commenced in 2005/2006 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary following the importation of four rhinos from Solio Ranch in Kenya and two from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, USA.
• These six formed the founder population that has since grown to 49 rhinos at Ziwa.

In December 2025, an additional eight southern white rhinos were imported from South Africa to further strengthen the population, in line with the goals of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy.

Call for Public Support

UWA calls upon neighboring communities and the general public to support this national conservation effort by reporting any activities that may threaten the safety of the rhinos. The long-term success of the program depends on collective responsibility and national pride in Uganda’s wildlife heritage.