Uganda has commenced the relocation of southern white rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park, marking the species’ return to the park more than four decades after they disappeared.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) confirmed that the first two rhinos have already been successfully moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in central Uganda. The exercise will be carried out in phases, with more animals expected to be transferred in the coming months.
UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi described the relocation as a significant milestone in restoring a species that once flourished in Kidepo. He noted that additional rhinos will gradually be introduced to establish a sustainable breeding population.
Rhinos were wiped out of the park between the late 1970s and early 1980s due to rampant poaching and insecurity, with the last known individual killed in 1983 in Narus Valley.
The reintroduction forms part of Uganda’s broader conservation strategy aimed at restoring rhinos to their former habitats and strengthening wildlife protection efforts nationwide.
Uganda’s rhino recovery program began in 2005 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Following the recent arrival of eight more rhinos from South Africa, conservation authorities say they are now better positioned to expand the initiative to other national parks.
According to UWA, Uganda’s rhino population currently stands at 61, signaling steady progress in the country’s long-term conservation efforts.
