Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Nakasongola – Uganda has taken a bold step in wildlife conservation by hosting its first-ever Rhino Naming Ceremony at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of the World Rhino Day celebrations.
Seventeen rhino calves were officially named in a landmark event aimed at raising awareness and funds for the country’s rhino conservation strategy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), emphasised the significance of the initiative:
“This ceremony is not only about naming rhinos; it is about securing their future. We appreciate every stakeholder who has contributed to this project because conservation requires collective effort,” Musinguzi said.
Tourism Board Pledges Full Support
Representing the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), CEO Juliana Kagwa stressed the link between wildlife conservation and tourism growth.
“We can’t promote what we don’t have, so we need to save the product first,” Kagwa said. “For Uganda to achieve its tourism growth goals, conservation is not optional; it is the foundation on which our economic and tourism future depends.”
UTB had the honour of naming one of the 17 baby rhinos “Ubuntu”, an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.”
“Ubuntu reflects togetherness, compassion, and shared responsibility,” Kagwa explained. “This calf will always remind us that, like humans, wildlife too depends on unity for survival.”
Leaders Celebrate Conservation Success
Hon. Col Tom Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, hailed the achievement as a historic moment for Uganda.
“This ceremony is a celebration of renewal and resilience,” Butime said. “Once on the brink of extinction, Uganda now proudly stands with 50 rhinos. This remarkable comeback proves that with unity, courage, and determination, we can restore what was lost and safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.”
Representing President Yoweri Museveni, Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa, Minister of Public Service, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wildlife and tourism:
“The NRM government has rolled out a comprehensive strategy to ensure communities benefit directly from tourism while safeguarding the environment,” Mukasa said. “We are transforming tourism into a driver of economic growth, job creation, and national pride.”
Private Sector and International Voices Join In
Mrs Yogi Birigwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), underscored the shared responsibility in protecting Uganda’s heritage:
“Conservation is not a task for one person or one institution,” Birigwa noted. “It requires all of us to safeguard our wildlife for generations yet unborn.”
International partners, including Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Uganda, commended Uganda’s success in reintroducing rhinos after their extinction in the 1980s, calling it “a remarkable model for conservation in Africa.”
A Promise of Hope
As the sun set over Ziwa Sanctuary, the newly named calves—each bearing a name reflecting hope, resilience, or community—symbolised Uganda’s commitment to reversing extinction and promoting sustainable tourism.
With 50 rhinos now thriving at Ziwa, Uganda’s conservation journey is being hailed as a powerful example of how collaboration between government, communities, and international partners can restore what was once lost.
“Together, let us keep the rhino story alive for generations to come,” Kagwa urged.
