Uganda Reintroduces Rhinos to the Wild in Historic Milestone

MADI OKOLLO DISTRICT – In a historic moment for Uganda’s conservation history, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has successfully reintroduced rhinos into the wild for the first time in over 40 years.

On January 7, 2026, the first phase of a national restoration program began with the translocation of four southern white rhinos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola to the Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Northern Uganda.

Reclaiming a Lost Heritage

Ajai Wildlife Reserve, a 148-square-kilometer sanctuary in the Madi Okollo district, was historically established in 1962 specifically to protect white rhinos. However, by the early 1980s, poaching and civil unrest had completely wiped out the population in the wild.

“The dream has finally come true,” said a spokesperson from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. “We can now proudly say that Uganda has rhinos back in the wild where they belong.”

The Road to Recovery

The journey to this moment started in 2005 with the creation of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which began with just six rhinos. Through a highly successful breeding program, the population grew steadily. In December 2025, Uganda’s rhino count received a massive boost with the arrival of eight additional rhinos donated from South Africa, bringing the national total to 59.

Basil Ajer (2nd left) the tourism director under the ministry of tourism receiving documents confirming the donation of 8 rhinos at Entebbe airport on Tuesday morning

The current translocation to Ajai is part of a phased plan:

Initial Phase: 4 southern white rhinos moved in early January.
Target Goal: A total of 20 rhinos are slated for relocation to Ajai to establish a viable breeding population.
Future Plans: UWA has hinted that other parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, may be next in line for rhino reintroduction.

Community and Security

To ensure the safety of the new arrivals, UWA has spent months preparing the local community and upgrading security infrastructure at Ajai. The reserve’s smaller size makes it easier to monitor the animals closely compared to larger national parks.

President Museveni, who had previously pledged to see rhinos return to their ancestral home in Northern Uganda, recently unveiled the rhinos at the reserve, hailing the move as a victory for both conservation and the tourism industry.

Impact on Tourism

For travel companies like Rent A Driver Uganda, this news opens up a “New Northern Circuit.” Travelers can now venture beyond the traditional safari routes to visit Ajai Wildlife Reserve, providing a more exclusive and remote wildlife experience.

The reintroduction is expected to transform Madi Okollo and the surrounding West Nile region into a major tourism hub, creating jobs and fostering national pride in Uganda’s diverse wildlife heritage.

Planning a trip to see the rhinos at Ajai? Rent A Driver Uganda provides rugged 4x4s perfectly suited for the journey to Northern Uganda. Simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriveruganda.com or call us now on +256-700135510 so you can get a custom itinerary for a rhino trekking safari in Ajai wildlife reserve.