Uganda has completed its first-ever translocation of rhinos between protected areas with four southern white rhinos moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
The operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), marks the first phase of a national programme that will see 20 rhinos relocated to Ajai. The four animals are currently under close monitoring as they adapt to their new environment. A second phase, involving the remaining 16 rhinos, will proceed once the initial group has stabilised.
The translocation is part of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy aimed at rebuilding Uganda’s rhino population and restoring the species to parts of its former range in northern Uganda. While the southern white rhino is not indigenous to Uganda, its reintroduction to Ajai is guided by the principle of conservation equivalence. The native northern white rhino is now functionally extinct. Both subspecies historically belonged to the same species prior to separation.
Commenting on the milestone, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said: “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 our 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.”
Historically, Uganda was home to northern white and eastern black rhinos. Northern white rhinos occupied areas west of the Albert Nile, including Ajai, while 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 by poaching and habitat loss during periods of insecurity. The last rhino was killed in Kidepo’s Narus Valley in 1983.
Uganda’s rhino reintroduction programme began in 1997 with the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda. In 2001, two rhinos were imported from Kenya and placed at the former Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Breeding at Ziwa began in 2005/6 following the importation of four rhinos from Solio in Kenya and two from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the US. This founder population grew to 49 animals. In December 2025, a further eight southern white rhinos were imported from South Africa to strengthen the Ziwa population in line with national strategy goals.
The UWA has called on neighbouring communities and the public to support the programme by reporting any activities that could threaten the animals, emphasising that the success of the initiative depends on collective responsibility for Uganda’s wildlife heritage.
