Rhinos in Uganda faced a severe decline, primarily due to widespread poaching and prolonged civil unrest during the 1970s and 1980s. Both indigenous species, the Eastern Black Rhinoceros and the Northern White Rhinoceros, were wiped out in the country. The last documented sightings were of a Northern White Rhino in 1982 and an Eastern Black Rhino in 1983.
However, there have been significant conservation efforts to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Established in 2005, this sanctuary has been instrumental in bringing Southern White Rhinos back to Uganda. Starting with six individuals from Kenya and the USA, the population has grown significantly, reaching 41 rhinos as of June 2024 and 48 as of July 2025. Ziwa serves as a breeding ground, with the long-term goal of reintroducing rhinos to Uganda’s national parks.
Reintroduction to Wild Areas: There are ongoing efforts to reintroduce white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary into wild reserves. For example, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) announced the translocation of twenty white rhinos to Ajai Game Reserve in West Nile in early 2025.
Future Plans for Black Rhinos: The Uganda Wildlife Authority also hopes to reintroduce black rhinos to wildlife reserves, with plans for a fenced sanctuary in Kidepo Valley National Park to facilitate the phased introduction of both white and black rhinos.
National Rhino Strategy: In 2015, Uganda launched a Ten-year National Rhino Strategy to guide and direct rhino conservation efforts, addressing issues like habitat loss, security, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
“Name a Rhino” Campaign: In September 2024, the UWA launched a campaign to raise funds for rhino conservation by allowing individuals and organizations to name 12 white rhinos.
While the native Northern White Rhino is practically extinct globally (with only two females remaining in captivity and unable to reproduce naturally), Uganda’s conservation efforts are focused on the Southern White Rhino and, in the future, the Eastern Black Rhino. The goal is to build sustainable populations and eventually see rhinos roaming freely in Uganda’s protected areas once again
The experience of tracking one of Africa’s big five at Ziwa Rhino is so empowering to the tourist and the Rhinos as it a way of supporting them back to the Ugandan wild
This is why it’s so beneficial,
Reintroduction of a Locally Extinct Species: Rhinos were sadly wiped out in Uganda by the early 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 with the explicit goal of reintroducing both Southern White Rhinos and eventually Eastern Black Rhinos back into Uganda’s wild. Tracking these rhinos is crucial to the success of this reintroduction program.
Population Growth and Breeding: Ziwa serves as a vital breeding ground. By constantly monitoring the rhinos, rangers can track breeding patterns, monitor the health of calves, and ensure the population is growing sustainably. As of July 2025, the population at Ziwa had grown to 48 rhinos. This success is directly attributable to the intensive care and tracking provided.
Security and Anti-Poaching Efforts: Rhinos remain highly vulnerable to poaching due to the demand for their horns. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary employs a dedicated team of rangers who monitor the rhinos 24/7. Tracking allows them to know the exact location of each rhino, making it extremely difficult for poachers to target them. The sanctuary has had no successful poaching attempts due to this rigorous security.
Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care: Close tracking enables quick identification of any health issues or injuries. This allows veterinarians to intervene promptly, providing necessary medical attention and ensuring the overall well-being of the rhinos.
Understanding Behavior and Ecology: Tracking provides valuable data on rhino behavior, movement patterns, habitat use, and social interactions. This information is essential for understanding their ecological needs and for making informed decisions about future reintroduction efforts into larger national parks.
Preparation for Wider Release: The long-term goal of Ziwa is to build a robust rhino population that can eventually be translocated to larger, protected areas like Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Tracking helps to assess the rhinos’ adaptability, health, and social dynamics, which are critical factors for successful rewilding.