Ezaruku Draku Franklin

The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney has lauded Uganda Wildlife Authorityfor conserving the Southern White Rhinos that were reintroduced into the country, 20 years ago and about 23 years after the last native Northern White Rhinos and Eastern Black Rhinos were killed in the country.

Ambassador Chesney, accompanied by several other embassy officials and officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority led by Dr James Musinguzi and the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board, Ms Juliana Kaggwa Uganda visited the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to garner support ahead of the rhino naming ceremony slated for September 22, 2025.

Chesney said Uganda has done a very good job in protecting its wildlife and more so the rhino population that went extinct in 1983 and were reintroduced in 2005 with the first two stationed at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and six more brought in 2006 and were taken to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

 “I am deeply impressed by Uganda’s remarkable conservation efforts that have brought rhinos back from extinction to 48 individuals” she said

Ambassador Lisa said the “name and save a rhino initiative that UWA introduced to raise $11 million (Shs40 billion) will see conservation efforts being improved across the country.

She pledged to work with other diplomats to raise funds and awareness to support the conservation efforts in the country.

“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.

She said Uganda’s story is that of resilience in ensuring that the wildlife that were destroyed during the political turmoil have recovered and called for more protection.

“I call on everyone to work very hard to raise awareness about conservation. Right now there is stress on the available land because of the increasing population, but efforts like this help a lot,” she said

“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,” she added.

Dr. james Musinguzi, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority said the name a rhino initiative is not only to raise money, but raise awareness about need for conservation of the wildlife in the country.

Dr Musinguzi said the authority is determined to secure the future of rhinos through both innovative fundraising and strategic species management.

“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, we are preparing to translocate 20 rhinos from Ziwa to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and will soon be receiving more rhinos that will be introduced into Kidepo Valley National Park,” he said.

He called for people of good will to raise funds to support the conservation efforts. He said while the authority has tagged specific amounts for the naming of the rights, Ugandans of different economic backgrounds can contribute whatever amount they have to support rhino conservation in the country.

“For these plans to materialize, we need funds and we are looking for United States Dollars 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,” he said.

Ms. Juliana Kaggwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, said Uganda’s wildlife offering is unmatched, being home to the Big Five plus two including chimpanzees and mountain gorillas making the country one of the few destinations with the Big Seven.

Ms Kaggwa said the 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. 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,” she said.

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.