The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has hosted HE Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of preparations for the inaugural Name and Save a Rhino ceremony, scheduled for September 22, 2025. The visit brought together conservation and tourism leaders including Dr James
Musinguzi, Executive Director of UWA, Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Joseph Roy, owner of Ziwa Ranches and Rhino Sanctuary and senior officials from both UWA and UTB.
During her visit, Chesney joined rangers for a rhino tracking session where she came face-to-face with the majestic animals.
She described the experience as rare and moving, highlighting the importance of conservation.
Chesney noted that visiting Ziwa had long been on her bucket list and expressed delight at finally experiencing it first-hand.
“Uganda is the most beautiful country I have ever seen, ranking among the top ten most biodiverse nations in the world. Its hospitable and friendly people make it even more special, I am deeply impressed by Uganda’s remarkable conservation efforts that have brought rhinos back from extinction to 48 individuals.
I look forward to attending the Rhino naming ceremony and will mobilise fellow diplomats to join me in this cause. I call on people everywhere, especially the global community, to come to Uganda, name a rhino, and experience the incredible beauty of the Pearl of Africa,” she said.
Dr Musinguzi reaffirmed Uganda’s determination to secure the future of rhinos through both innovative fundraising and strategic species management.
He emphasized the importance of the forthcoming ceremony in financing Uganda’s Rhino Conservation Strategy.
“Every name bestowed on a rhino will directly contribute to securing the future of this iconic species. Uganda is taking rhino conservation forward in earnest.”
He noted that preparations to translocate 20 rhinos from Ziwa to Ajai Wildlife Reserve are in the final stages.
He added that more rhinos will be introduced into Kidepo Valley National Park, “For these plans to materialize, we need funds and we are looking for $11 million through the name and save a rhino campaign.”
“Even those who may not be able to raise funds required to have naming rights, can still befriend a rhino or support the campaign by contributing any amount within their means towards the cause.”
Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, noted that Uganda’s wildlife offering is unmatched, being home to the Big Five plus two; chimpanzees and mountain gorillas making the country one of the few destinations with the Big Seven.
She added that rhino naming is not only about conservation but also about positioning Uganda as a leading tourism destination.
“The Name and Save a Rhino initiative is more than a conservation campaign, it is also a tourism innovation that sets Uganda apart. It allows visitors and friends of conservation to not only witness our wildlife but also actively participate in its protection,” she said.
Adding, “This experience blends conservation with tourism in a way that strengthens Uganda’s brand as a destination where every visit contributes to preserving nature for generations to come.”
The Name and Save a Rhino ceremony will allow individuals, institutions, and international partners to bid for the right to name rhinos at Ziwa while others will friend rhinos. There are seventeen calves at Ziwa to be named. Funds raised will directly support rhino conservation in Uganda.
