There was an atmosphere of humour and excitement on Wednesday at the Ministry of Tourism offices in Kampala when tourism sector officials came together to rejoice the adoption by European Union (EU), of a male Baby Rhino named Mukasa Europe.
The rhino was born recently at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola district.
Announcing the good news at a press conference, the Minister of Tourism Ephraim Kamuntu said: “It’s with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to the official adoption of a Baby Rhino born at the Uganda Rhino Sanctuary, Ziwa Farm in Nakasongola district”.
Minister Kamuntu added that; Uganda was once home to thousands of Rhinos and that by1960s, only about 700 Rhinos remained in Uganda, with 400 Eastern Black Rhinos; mostly in Kidepo Valley National Park and 300 Northern white Rhinos mainly in Murchison National Park.
“Unfortunately, by 1983, Rhinos were extinct in Uganda’s National Parks due to poaching activities”, he added.
Kamuntu further said; between 2002 and 2004, government through the Ministry of Tourism introduced Rhinos to Uganda for both conservation purposes and diversification of wildlife tourism products.
Two of the rhinos were placed at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre for education purposes while another six were taken to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
He hailed Rhino Fund for their continued support for the conservation of Rhinos at Ziwa sanctuary.
On his part, EU Head of delegation to Uganda, Ambasador Attilio Pacifici; said EU recognises the year 2018, as the year of culture and natural habitats worldwide, which is why EU has partnered with Rhino Fund to conserve Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
“EU contributes immensely in supporting wildlife conservation in Uganda to attract tourists, create employment and support the economy”, he said.
While answering questions from journalists; on why government does not burn ivory impounded at Entebbe Airport, as some countries do, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) director for conservation John Makombo said: “The ivory impounded at Entebbe Airport does not necessarily belong to Uganda. Ivory smugglers try to use the Entebbe Airport as a transit route”.
