UWA today began reintroducing rhinos to Kidepo Valley, returning the species after a forty-three-year absence from this rugged northern landscape.
Dr. James Musinguzi flagged off the first two rhinos, describing the eight-rhino relocation as a major Uganda conservation milestone.
“This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park. The translocation of these rhinos is the first step in restoring a species that once formed part of the park’s natural heritage. Over time, additional rhinos will be introduced to gradually rebuild a viable and thriving rhino population in Kidepo.”
Dr. Musinguzi noted that the exercise aligns with the National Rhino Conservation Strategy for Uganda. This strategy provides the national framework to restore rhino populations within their historical range and strengthen long-term rhino conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s feasibility study for rhino reintroduction also informed the exercise by assessing suitable habitats. This study assessed suitable habitats, ecological requirements, and security conditions to restore rhinos to Uganda’s protected areas. The study identified Kidepo Valley National Park as one of the most suitable locations for reintroducing rhinos into the wild.
Partners have undertaken extensive groundwork to prepare Kidepo Valley National Park for the species’ return. Preparations include a secure sanctuary with perimeter fencing, access roads, firebreaks, water infrastructure, and monitoring systems for animal protection.
Dr. Musinguzi expressed appreciation to conservation partners whose collaboration has made the reintroduction possible. “
We deeply thank our conservation partners whose technical expertise, financial support, and logistical contributions finally made this historic milestone possible.
Rhino returns to Kidepo demonstrate how powerful partnerships restore species and protect Uganda’s incredible, diverse, and precious wildlife heritage.
Mr. John Makombo, Biodiversity Commissioner, emphasized this reintroduction’s significance, noting that returning rhinos critically steps toward restoring Kidepo’s ecological completeness.
“Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most intact savannah ecosystems, and the reintroduction of Southern White Rhinos restores a key component of that ecosystem. This reintroduction strengthens not only species recovery but also ecosystem integrity and resilience”, he said.
Wild Landscapes East Africa (WLEA), the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), and the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) support the rhino reintroduction.
Partners supported sanctuary development, infrastructure, equipment, and logistical planning to ensure the rhinos’ successful translocation and long-term protection.
Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, the rhinos initially entered a secure sanctuary. There, trained rangers and veterinary teams will closely monitor them to ensure they successfully adapt to the environment.
Rhinos once roamed widely across the Kidepo Valley ecosystem. However, intense poaching and insecurity during the late 1970s and early 1980s wiped out the species from the area. The 1983 death of the last Narus Valley rhino ended the species’ presence in Kidepo for over four long decades.
Uganda’s recovery started in 2005 at Ziwa. Success and recent South African imports now enable expansion into other suitable habitats.Currently, Uganda has 61 rhinos.
Rhino returns to Kidepo will strengthen biodiversity, enhance tourism potential, and support Uganda’s broader efforts to restore endangered wildlife species.
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