The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the historic reintroduction of rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park, marking the return of the species to the area 43 years after the last rhino was sighted there.
The exercise began on March 17, 2026, when UWA flagged off the translocation of the first two Southern White Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District to Kidepo Valley National Park. Authorities say a total of eight rhinos will be relocated to the park in the initial phase of the program.
The flag-off was led by the UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, who described the exercise as a major milestone in Uganda’s wildlife conservation journey.
Dr. Musinguzi said the translocation marks the beginning of restoring a species that once formed an important part of Kidepo’s natural heritage. He noted that more rhinos will gradually be introduced to rebuild a sustainable population in the park.
He explained that the initiative is in line with the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, which seeks to restore rhino populations within their historic range and strengthen long-term conservation efforts in Uganda.
According to UWA, a feasibility study conducted earlier identified Kidepo Valley National Park as one of the most suitable locations for the reintroduction of rhinos due to its vast savannah ecosystem and favorable ecological conditions.
Preparations for the exercise included the establishment of a secure rhino sanctuary supported by perimeter fencing, ranger facilities, firebreaks, access roads, water infrastructure, and monitoring systems to ensure effective protection and management of the animals.
Dr. Musinguzi also appreciated conservation partners whose technical and financial support made the exercise possible.
The Commissioner for Biodiversity Management at UWA, John Makombo, said the return of rhinos to Kidepo is critical in restoring the ecological balance of the park. He noted that Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most intact savannah ecosystems and that the reintroduction of Southern White Rhinos restores an important component of that ecosystem.
The rhino reintroduction program is supported by conservation partners including Wild Landscapes East Africa, Northern Rangelands Trust, and the Uganda Conservation Foundation, which have contributed to sanctuary development, infrastructure preparation, equipment provision, and logistical planning for the translocation.
Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, the rhinos will initially be placed in a secure sanctuary within the park where trained rangers and veterinary teams will closely monitor them to ensure they adapt well to their new environment.
Rhinos once roamed widely across the Kidepo Valley ecosystem but were wiped out due to intense poaching and insecurity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The last rhino in the park was killed in Narus Valley in 1983.
Uganda’s rhino recovery efforts began in 2005 with the establishment of a breeding program at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after the species had become extinct in the wild in the country. Following the success of the program and the importation of additional rhinos from South Africa last year, Uganda now has a total of 61 rhinos.
