British High Commissioner visits Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ahead of the Name A Rhino ceremony
H.E Lisa Chesney who is the British High Commissioner to Uganda visited Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on September 1, 2025. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola district is a private sanctuary that was founded in 2005 with a goal of re-introducing Southern White Rhinos into the wild. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place where one can track the Southern White Rhinos in Uganda. The sanctuary is usually a stop over for visitors who get to go on a rhino trek here before heading to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda that is known for its thunderous waterfalls and rewarding game viewing.
The visit to Ziwa by H.E Lisa Chesney was made as part of the pre-events ahead of the ‘Name A Rhino’ ceremony which is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025 at the sanctuary.
The Name A Rhino campaign was announced during a high level breakfast meeting that took place a few months ago in Kampala city, the event was attended by key conservation bodies, senior leaders and decision makers. The Name A Rhino ceremony will be presided over by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda. This ceremony is not only a testament to rhino conservation in Uganda but will also further push for more conservation efforts towards rhino conservation.
The visit by the British High Commissioner to Uganda was much appreciated as it continues to highlight the conservation of rhinos. The visit brought together Uganda tourism officials and conservation leaders like Ms. Juliana Kagwa the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Dr. James Musinguzi and Mr. Joseph Roy who is the owner of Ziwa Ranched and Rhino Sanctuary among others.
A photo of The British High Commissioner to Uganda H.E Lisa Chesney with top Uganda tourism leaders at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Photo credit: Uganda Wildlife Authority
The visit by H.E Lisa Chesney started with introductions at the private sanctuary after which she then went for rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. She was joined by her team, journalists, UTB officials, UWA officials and other attendees.
The rhino trek is led by ranger guides based at the sanctuary who are passionate and well-trained on the behavior of rhinos. During the trek, she was able to learn more on rhino conservation and also come face to face with the Southern White Rhinos. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has contributed greatly to Uganda rhino population as the number has now grown to 48 rhinos in Uganda, the sanctuary started with six Southern Rhinos in 2005. Over the years the population has grown due to the conservation efforts by the sanctuary.
The British High Commissioner to Uganda H.E Lisa Chesney on the rhino trek at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary during her visit. Photo credit: Uganda Wildlife Authority
H.E Lisa Chesney shared remarks during her visit and described the experience as rare and moving.
She said;
Uganda is the most beautiful country I have ever seen, ranking among the top ten most bio-diverse nations in the world. Its hospitable and its friendly people make it even more special. I am deeply impressed by Uganda’s remarkable conservation efforts that have brought rhinos back from extinction to 48 individuals. I look forward to attending the Rhino naming ceremony and will mobilise fellow diplomats to join me in this cause. I call on people everywhere, especially the global community, to come to Uganda, name a rhino, and experience the incredible beauty of the Pearl of Africa.”
Uganda tourism professionals during the visit also shared remarks. These included Dr. Musinguzi of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Ms. Julian Kaggwa of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), their remarks pushed for conservation of rhinos and positioning Uganda as a leading tourism destination.
Uganda is a bio diverse destination that offers opportunities to track rhinos, go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and also go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. In addition the country is a great birding destination as about 1080 bird species have been recorded, the country also offers hiking opportunities, game viewing and cultural encounters.
The Name A Rhino Ceremony will therefore encourage conservation of rhinos through fundraising while also platforming Uganda as a premier tourism destination.
