In 2025, UWA is planning to reintroduce the Northern White Rhino back to Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Due to high potential to spur the development of the tourism sector in Madi Okollo district, the reintroduction of the white rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve has been a long-standing demand for the people of West Nile in the sub region.
“Between now and the planned year for the reintroduction of the rhinos, they will conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment and establish an enclosure fence for the white Rhinos within Ajai Wildlife Reserve.” the Director of Conservation at the Uganda Wildlife Authority John Makombo explains.
Since Rhinos prefer short pastures for grazing according to Makombo in the meantime, they are set to embark on habitat manipulation, which involves clearing the bushes within the Wildlife Reserve. Before the Rhinos can finally be translocated from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, there will be followed by the introduction of other animal species like the Zebra, Kob and giraffes.
About Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve which sits on an area of 166 sq. km is known for the earlier existence of the Northern White Rhinos in Uganda which went extinct due to lawlessness in the 1970s and 1980s.
the Tourism officer for Madi Okollo district Knight Zahara is confident that the restoration of Ajai Wildlife Reserve will spur the development of tourism and development in the region.
Ever since the government of Uganda through the Uganda Wildlife Authority started a breeding programme in the 2005/2006 financial year. Currently, there are about 35 White Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
