The ministry of tourism wildlife and Antiquities, with its agencies Uganda Wildlife Authority have worked hand in hand to achieve the target which they have embarked on a five –year fundraising effort dubbed “ name a rhino.” This allows individuals companies and organisations to adopt a rhino by giving it a name initiated last year. The money raised will be used directly for rhino protection.
By the early 1980s, rhinos once roamed freely in Uganda but because of poaching and the loss of their natural habitats, they had completely disappeared from the wild. Six southern white rhinos were brought to ziwa rhino sanctuary to start breeding program in 2006. There are 48 rhinos in the country, 46 at ziwa and two at the Uganda Wildlife Education center in Entebbe witin the period of 20 years.
Among the interventions is moving some rhinos from Ziwa rhino sanctuary to Ajai wildlife Reserve in western Nile and giving them more space to live and breed.
Martin Mugarra the state minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities says moving rhinos to Ajai wildlife reserve will put west Nile on Uganda’s tourism map. He says that Tourists will travel to see them and this will create jobs for local people, from tour heritage and can help communities earn a living.
Uganda’s National Rhino Consecration and Management strategy (2018-2028) aims to grow the rhino population by at least 5% each year according to Martin Magarra. This will be done by protecting the animals, finding safer places for them to live and teaching the public about the importance of conservation.
Juliana Kagwa the UTB Chief Executive Officer says protecting wildlife is also key to keeping visitors coming to Uganda. She added saying that many travelers choose Uganda because of its natural beauty and animals. They will continue to bring income for the country if we take care of these resources.
James Musinguzi UWA Executive Director says this progress is worth celebrating but the job is far from over. “The naming ceremony is a chance for people to be part of rhino history. When rhinos are named, you are not only giving it an identity, you are helping to pay for its safety, its home and its future in Uganda. He says.
The mine will be used in expanding rhino habitats, building strong fences, setting up water points and preparing vegetation at Ajai Wildlife Reserve so the animals can live there safely according to Musinguzi. He noted that it will also tighten security by hiring and training armed rangers, installing cameras and other tools to stop poachers.
As part of the first phase of the plan, Ajai Wildlife Reserve will reserve 20 rhinos while the remaining 28 will stay at Ziwa to keep breeding. He says at Ajai preparations are moving quickly.
He also noted that protecting rhinos are costly and complicated. “They are targeted for its horns, which means they need the highest level of security. Although they are also important for keeping the balance of nature and attracting visitors to Uganda.
The naming ceremony is not just a one-day event, he emphasized. “It is the start of a long-term commitment to Rhino conservation. Uganda can make sure these animals are here for our children and grandchildren to see but with enough support.”
