Arua, Uganda – After more than four decades of absence, the rhinoceros has officially returned to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, marking a historic milestone in Uganda’s conservation journey. Earlier this week, Uganda successfully completed its first-ever translocation of rhinos between protected areas, with four southern white rhinos moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi-Okollo District.
The operation, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), involved months of careful planning, infrastructure upgrades, and habitat preparation at Ajai. A highly skilled team of wildlife rangers, veterinarians, and conservation experts oversaw every stage of the process from darting and loading to transportation and safe release ensuring the wellbeing of the animals and surrounding communities. The convoy drew public attention along the route, including a memorable moment when one curious rhino briefly paused traffic, symbolising both the fragility and promise of wildlife recovery.
This translocation marks the first phase of a broader national program that will see 20 rhinos relocated to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, restoring the species to its former West Nile range where it was wiped out in the 1980s due to rampant poaching and insecurity. The four rhinos are now under close monitoring as they adapt to their new environment. A second phase, involving the remaining 16 animals, will proceed once the initial group has fully stabilized.
The return of rhinos to Ajai increases Uganda’s national rhino population to 59 and is a key component of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy. While the southern white rhino is not indigenous to Uganda, its reintroduction follows the principle of conservation equivalence. The native northern white rhino, which once inhabited Ajai and areas west of the Albert Nile, is now functionally extinct. Both subspecies historically belonged to the same species, making the introduction ecologically credible.
Commenting on the milestone, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi described the return of rhinos to Ajai as a proud and emotional moment for the country, reflecting decades of dedicated conservation work and the success of the breeding program at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Uganda’s rhino recovery efforts began in 1997 with the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda, followed by successive imports and successful breeding at Ziwa. In December 2025, eight additional rhinos were imported from South Africa to strengthen the population.
UWA has called upon neighboring communities and the public to support this initiative by safeguarding the animals, emphasizing that the long-term success of rhino conservation depends on collective responsibility and national pride in Uganda’s natural heritage.
Photo Credit: UWA
