During the launch of the “Name a Rhino” campaign, celebrated on World Rhino Day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA) highlighted the importance of rhino conservation. Hon. Tom Butiime, the Minister of Tourism, emphasized Uganda’s role as a breeding hub for African rhinos.
“Currently, the most successful breeding program in Africa is right here in Nakitoma at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where we have increased the rhino population from 6 to 43 with zero poaching,” stated Hon. Butiime. He praised the UWA and the sanctuary for promoting rhino conservation.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, located in Mukerege along Nakasongola, spans 27 square miles and is renowned for its successful rhino breeding program. The launch of the “Name a Rhino” campaign by UWA, in collaboration with the sanctuary’s proprietor, Captain Roy Ziwa, invites the public to name the rhinos.
This initiative will operate as an open auction, allowing interested individuals to bid for the opportunity to name one of the 12 rhinos to be named out of the 43 residing at the sanctuary. This campaign is set to run until March 2025 with a fundraising goal of $11 million.
“The campaign intended to attract bidders and we have set a target of 11 million USD to be collected during the naming campaign” Hangi Bashir Communication Manager UWA.
State of Rhino Conservation in Uganda
Uganda is home to 45 rhinos (both black and white), with 43 located at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and 2 at the Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWEC). The Ministry of Wildlife anticipates growth in the rhino population, including the introduction of black rhinos.
According to the National Rhino Conservation Management Strategy, appropriate translocations of rhinos to other national parks require effective management and monitoring. This approach aims to increase awareness of rhino conservation while expanding space for populations to grow.
“The first batch of 10-12 rhinos is expected to be translocated from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2025. Although we planned to do this earlier this year, we are a bit delayed,” noted Stephen Sanyi Masaba, Acting Executive Director of UWA.
Developments at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Captain Joseph Charles Roy shared that various improvements have been made at the sanctuary over the years. Recently, new animals, including zebras, giraffes, and hartebeests, have been introduced. Additionally, accommodations for both domestic and international tourists have been established, contributing to increased revenue and local development.
Also Read: WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024: FOR TOURISM AND PEACE
According to Nsubuga, a ranger at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, rhinos feed on approximately 65-75 kilograms of grass per day. Fortunately, the sanctuary has an abundance of short grass, which supports the healthy growth and well-being of these animals.
The sanctuary attracts between 20 to 100 visitors each day, further supporting the local economy and promoting conservation efforts.
Nsubuga also highlighted the positive impact rhino conservation has had on the local community. It has created employment opportunities, and residents are involved by bringing their cattle to graze, which helps keep the grass short for the rhinos.
The sanctuary is also enhancing community involvement in its activities like providing employment opportunities to the locals further promoting conservation efforts and creating a collaborative environment for wildlife protection.
