In a significant step toward protecting Uganda’s endangered rhinoceros species, conservationists have introduced the "Action 4 Rhinos" initiative.
The programme was launched during World Rhino Day celebrations held at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe on Sunday.
David Bakeine, the Action4Rhinos executive director, highlighted the importance of rhino conservation, noting that rhinos are the second-heaviest land mammals, weighing up to 3,000 kilogrammes, second only to elephants.
He explained that rhinos have existed for over 50 million years and were once widespread across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with around 30 species.
However, due to significant population declines, only five species remain today.
Uganda once had two species of rhinos—the Eastern Black Rhinos and the Northern White Rhinos.
Unfortunately, the country’s last indigenous rhinos were spotted in 1982 and declared extinct the following year.
Mr Bakeine shared that in 1954, about 300 Northern White Rhinos lived in Ajai Game Reserve in northwestern Uganda.
Poaching led to their near extinction, and today, only two elderly females remain, residing in Kenya.
However, scientific advancements have sparked hope for the species' revival.
"Embryos have been developed from these females, and if the procedure is successful, they could be brought back to Uganda for conservation," Bakeine said.
He expressed optimism that Uganda’s environment might be conducive to breeding success after failed attempts in Kenya.
Mr Bakeine also proposed importing Eastern Black Rhinos to restore ecological balance and boost tourism.
He urged stakeholders to rally around this cause, aiming to raise Shs10,000 from at least one million people to fund the importation of four rhinos.
Dr Taddeo Rusoke, a conservation scientist and lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University, emphasized that reintroducing rhinos to their natural habitats could significantly enhance Uganda’s domestic and international tourism potential.
"At present, rhinos in Entebbe are kept at the zoo, while those in Nakasongola are in a sanctuary. Increasing their population and returning them to their original game reserves would boost tourism opportunities," Rusoke said.
Jacob Ochelo Onama, Chairperson of the West Nile Tourism Cluster, called for public awareness campaigns to ensure proper conservation practices as plans to reintroduce rhinos to Ajai Game Reserve move forward.
He stressed the importance of engaging the public in efforts to protect these iconic animals for future generations.