Uganda Welcomes Eight White Rhinos from South Africa

ENTEBBE, Uganda — In the early hours of December 8, 2025, Uganda’s conservation efforts received a significant boost when eight white rhinos arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard a chartered flight from South Africa. The arrival marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing battle to restore its once-thriving rhino population.

The four male and four female rhinos touched down at 2:30 a.m., where they were welcomed by John Makombo, the commissioner for biodiversity management under the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The animals were donated by African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization based in South Africa that manages 24 protected areas across 13 African countries.

A Vote of Confidence in Uganda’s Conservation

UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi described the donation as evidence of international confidence in Uganda’s conservation achievements. The new arrivals bring Uganda’s total rhino population to 59, a remarkable recovery for a country that saw its rhinos pushed to the brink of extinction.

“This is also part of our national rhino conservation strategy aimed at increasing the rhino numbers,” Hangi noted, emphasizing that African Parks covered both the donation and transportation costs.

From Thousands to Near-Extinction

The context of this donation underscores both tragedy and hope. Tourism director Basil Ajer pointed out that Uganda once had over 1,000 rhinos before intensive poaching and civil unrest in the late 1970s and early 1980s devastated the population. The new arrivals represent not just numbers, but a commitment to reversing decades of wildlife loss.

Following their arrival, the rhinos were immediately transported to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district, where they will undergo acclimatization and integration with resident populations.

Genetic Diversification: The Key to Long-Term Survival

A critical aspect of this donation involves genetic diversity. The eight rhinos were deliberately selected from different protected areas across South Africa to ensure varied genetic makeup and prevent inbreeding—a common challenge in small, isolated populations.

Makombo explained that the imported rhinos will be mixed with resident animals for mating and genetic pool diversification. Uganda Wildlife Authority is currently conducting genetic mapping of existing rhinos to determine parenthood and ensure scientifically-sound breeding programs.

Return to the Wild

While the rhinos are currently settling into Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, authorities have ambitious plans for their future. Kidepo Valley National Park and Ajai Wildlife Reserve are identified as primary candidates for rhino reintroduction into wild habitats.

Preparations are well underway. According to Makombo, work at Kidepo stands at 80% completion, while Ajai Wildlife Reserve is at 50%. The preparations include habitat modification, water infrastructure development, and installation of smart-technology systems for rhino security and monitoring.

Despite some delays related to infrastructure for staff and tourist safety, UWA officials remain optimistic that rhinos will be reintroduced to wild landscapes by year’s end.

Enhanced Protection Measures

To ensure the safety and health of these precious animals, Uganda Wildlife Authority has expanded its capacity. Five additional veterinary staff members were recruited, and a special 24-hour monitoring team has been trained specifically for rhino management once the animals are released into wider wilderness areas.

Community Engagement and Funding

Director Ajer emphasized that community involvement is crucial for conservation success. “The community must feel the ownership of such wildlife as we supplement the efforts with fencing and boosting security,” he stated.

Financial support for these efforts has come from various sources. A rhino-naming campaign held on September 22 in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board raised over 490 million Ugandan shillings, funds dedicated to implementing the 10-year rhino conservation and management strategy running from 2018 to 2028.

Looking Ahead

The strategy sets an ambitious target of achieving at least 5% annual rhino population growth. Beyond Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kidepo, and Ajai, authorities envision repopulating other major protected areas like Murchison Falls National Park with these magnificent creatures that once roamed Uganda freely.

As dawn broke over Entebbe that December morning, the arrival of eight white rhinos represented more than a conservation transaction—it symbolized international partnership, scientific rigor, and Uganda’s determination to restore its natural heritage for future generations.

The rhinos join existing populations that originated from Kenya and the United States, creating an increasingly diverse genetic pool that strengthens the species’ resilience in Uganda. 

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