In a historic move for East African conservation, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially commenced the reintroduction of rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park. The initiative marks the species’ return to the landscape more than four decades after the last rhino was sighted in the area.
A Major Conservation Milestone
The exercise began Tuesday morning as Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of UWA, flagged off the translocation of the first two Southern White Rhinos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
These individuals are the pioneers of a planned group of eight rhinos destined for the park.
“This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park,” Dr. Musinguzi stated during the ceremony.
He emphasised that this translocation is the first step in a long-term strategy to rebuild a thriving, viable population within their ancestral habitat.
Restoring the Ecosystem
The reintroduction is not merely a symbolic gesture but a critical ecological move. Mr. John Makombo, Commissioner for Biodiversity Management, noted that the return of the rhinos restores a “key component” of the savannah ecosystem, enhancing the park’s ecological integrity and resilience.
Kidepo’s rhino population was previously wiped out by intense poaching and insecurity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The last rhino in the park was recorded killed in the Narus Valley in 1983.
Preparation and Safety
The move follows an extensive feasibility study by UWA and years of groundwork.
To ensure the safety of the new arrivals, the authorities have established: a secure, fenced rhino sanctuary within the park, new infrastructure including access roads and firebreaks, dedicated ranger facilities and advanced monitoring systems and specialised veterinary teams to oversee the rhinos’ adaptation.
Collaborative Success
The project is supported by several key partners, including Wild Landscapes East Africa (WLEA), the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), and the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF).
Uganda’s broader rhino recovery journey began in 2005 with the establishment of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Following recent successful breeding programs and the importation of rhinos from South Africa, Uganda’s total rhino population now stands at 61.
Beyond biodiversity, officials expect the return of these majestic animals to significantly boost Kidepo Valley’s tourism potential, drawing international visitors to one of Uganda’s most “intact” and remote wilderness destinations.
