Jamaican dancehall star Spice has named a baby rhino “Nankula Spice” following a wildlife conservation experience in Uganda that combined tourism, culture, and environmental protection.
The singer was given the honour after making a conservation contribution of USD 10,000 during a rhino tracking experience linked to Uganda’s wildlife protection efforts.
According to reports, Spice chose the name “Nankula Spice” after recently receiving the Kiganda name “Nankula” from Charles Peter Mayiga during a cultural visit at Bulange Mengo.
The naming ceremony formed part of her ongoing cultural immersion tour organised by the Uganda Tourism Board in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom ahead of her concert in Kampala.
During the visit, Spice was officially welcomed into the Enkula (Rhino) clan of Buganda Kingdom, a symbolic gesture linking her directly to rhino conservation efforts in Uganda.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said Spice had become the first international artist to fully participate in Uganda’s cultural tourism experience before performing in the country.
“We are making history here today. Spice is the first international artist to accept the invitation to truly explore Uganda, to walk through the Kasubi Tombs, to sit with the Buganda Kingdom, to name a rhino at Ziwa,” Kagwa said.
Mayiga described the visit as a powerful cultural reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean.
“You are on the continent of your ancestors’ kingdoms, and this place holds that memory for you,” Mayiga told the Jamaican singer during the ceremony.
Uganda has in recent years intensified rhino conservation efforts through breeding and reintroduction programmes led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and conservation partners.
Tourism officials said the moment highlighted how culture, wildlife conservation, and entertainment can work together to promote Uganda globally while supporting environmental protection initiatives.
