Uganda has begun the long-awaited return of rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park, more than four decades after the species disappeared from the area.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday flagged off the translocation of the first two southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kidepo, marking the start of a broader effort to restore the species in the park. A total of eight rhinos are expected to be moved in this phase.
UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi described the move as a major step in Uganda’s conservation journey, saying it signals the beginning of rebuilding a species that once formed part of Kidepo’s ecosystem.
“This is the start of a new rhino story for Kidepo. Over time, more rhinos will be introduced to establish a stable population,” he said.
The reintroduction is part of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, which aims to restore rhinos within their historical range and strengthen long-term conservation efforts across the country.
UWA says the decision to return rhinos to Kidepo follows a feasibility study that assessed habitat suitability, ecological conditions, and security. The park was identified as one of the most suitable locations for reintroducing the species into the wild.
Preparations have been underway to receive the animals, including the establishment of a secure sanctuary within the park. The facility is supported by perimeter fencing, access roads, ranger posts, water systems, and monitoring infrastructure to ensure the animals are protected and properly managed.
Conservation partners, including Wild Landscapes East Africa, Northern Rangelands Trust, and the Uganda Conservation Foundation, supported the preparations and logistics for the translocation.
Upon arrival, the rhinos will be placed in a secure holding area within the park, where they will be closely monitored by rangers and veterinary teams as they adjust to the new environment.
Rhinos once roamed widely across Kidepo Valley, but were wiped out in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to poaching and insecurity. The last rhino in the park was killed in 1983.
Uganda’s rhino recovery efforts began in 2005 with the establishment of a breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Growth in that population, alongside the recent addition of rhinos from South Africa, has made it possible to expand reintroduction efforts to other protected areas. Uganda currently has 61 rhinos.
Officials say the return of rhinos to Kidepo is expected to boost biodiversity, strengthen conservation efforts, and enhance the park’s tourism appeal.
