Uganda Reintroduces Southern White Rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has initiated the phased reintroduction of southern white rhinoceroses into Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi-Okollo District, marking the return of the species to this region after its local extinction in the 1980s due to poaching and instability. This conservation milestone commenced on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, with the successful transfer of four rhinos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, all reported to be in excellent health upon arrival.

This translocation is a central element of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, designed to rebuild Uganda's rhino population and reestablish the species within its historical range in the northern part of the country. The initial cohort is currently under intensive monitoring within a temporary holding facility at Ajai to confirm successful acclimatization before a full release. UWA Assistant Commissioner for Communications, Bashir Hangi, confirmed that the second phase, involving the relocation of the remaining 16 rhinos, will proceed only after the initial group stabilizes, with the ultimate objective being a total population of 20 white rhinos at the reserve.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve was designated as a suitable site following feasibility studies conducted as early as 2020, alongside Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls national parks. The reserve holds historical significance, having supported approximately 60 wild rhinos by 1965 before they were eliminated by poaching, with the last known rhino in Uganda poached in 1983. The current effort utilizes the southern white rhino subspecies, as the native northern white rhino is functionally extinct, with only two females remaining globally at Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy. UWA justifies this decision by adhering to the principle of conservation equivalence, noting that both subspecies historically belonged to the same species.

This reintroduction is the culmination of nearly three decades of conservation work, which began with the establishment of Rhino Fund Uganda in 1997. The foundation for this success was built at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which initiated a structured breeding program in 2005-2006 with six founder animals sourced from Solio Ranch in Kenya and Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida. This breeding initiative resulted in a thriving population of 49 animals by the end of 2025, further augmented by eight southern white rhinos imported from South Africa in December 2025. UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, described the translocation as a defining moment reflecting rigorous security and breeding programs.

Preparatory work at Ajai involved reinforcing security, ensuring adequate water supply, and assessing grazing suitability for the herbivores. Furthermore, UWA conducted sensitization campaigns with neighboring communities, recognizing that local involvement is an essential layer of security for the reintroduced animals. The effort also aims to boost ecotourism and diversify the economic portfolio in the West Nile region, which has faced prolonged insecurity. This phased approach, which also included relocating 200 kobs and 50 buffaloes to Ajai to manage vegetation and stabilize the ecosystem, represents a significant step in reclaiming Uganda's natural heritage.