Travelers passing through the departures terminal at Entebbe International Airport may notice a striking sculpture of a silverback gorilla—an eye-catching tribute that invites more than a passing glance.
This is no ordinary artwork; it honors Ruhondeza, one of Uganda’s most iconic mountain gorillas, whose life story is deeply woven into the nation’s conservation history and tourism development.
Ruhondeza was the dominant silverback of the Mubare gorilla family, the very first group to be habituated for tourism in Uganda. Habituation began in 1991, and by 1993, the Mubare group was officially opened to tourists in the lush, mist-covered Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
At the time of habituation, Ruhondeza was estimated to be between 28 and 32 years old. His name, meaning “one who loves sleeping” in the local language, reflected his calm demeanor and gentle nature.
Leading a group of 17 individuals, Ruhondeza was known not for ruling through aggression, but for providing peaceful and stable leadership. Under his guidance, the Mubare family became a model of gorilla social harmony. Over the years, Ruhondeza became the most photographed gorilla in Bwindi, a charismatic figure who helped thousands of visitors connect with Uganda’s mountain gorillas.
By the time of his death on June 27, 2012, Ruhondeza was estimated to be around 50 years old and had been seen by more than 50,000 tourists from around the world.
What made Ruhondeza’s final days particularly moving was his decision to retreat to the edge of a nearby village, rather than vanish into the deep forest. There, surrounded by people rather than his gorilla kin, he spent his last moments in quiet peace. This unusual behavior underscored the mutual trust and bond built over decades between humans and these gentle giants—a powerful testament to the success of community-based conservation.
Today, Ruhondeza’s legacy is preserved in the sculpture at Entebbe International Airport, but more profoundly, it lives on in Uganda’s ongoing conservation efforts. He was more than just a gorilla; he was a pioneer, a symbol of peaceful coexistence, and a quiet ambassador for conservation.
As travelers pause to admire his likeness, they are reminded of the urgency to protect those who remain in Bwindi and beyond. Honoring Ruhondeza means continuing the work he helped inspire—protecting families that still roam Uganda’s highland forests and ensuring future generations can also experience the profound connection of looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla in the wild.
Because one family saved is truly a future preserved.
