Uganda to Host the First Ever Rhino Naming Ceremony : ‘Name A Rhino’ Campaign
Uganda is set to host its first ever Rhino Naming Ceremony on September 22, 2025. The naming ceremony will take place at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where one can trek to see the Southern White Rhinos, a member of the Big Five. The sanctuary has over the years welcomed a number of visitors who usually stop by for the rhino trek on their way to Murchison Falls National Park.
The Name A Rhino ceremony is a great initiative geared towards the conservation and protection of rhinos in the wild and in Africa.
The “Name A Rhino” Campaign was announced during a high level meeting in Kampala that was attended by senior leaders and key decision makers. The meeting was graced by officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, private sector individuals, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and other government officials. The Name A Rhino ceremony will be presided over by the President of the Republic of Uganda His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The campaign involves a 5 year fundraising milestone of USD 11 million (Ugx. 40 billion) aimed at rhino conservation and increasing Uganda’s rhino population. The campaign’s action plan (2018-2028) is to increase the rhino population in Uganda by 5% annually.
Officials at the Name A Rhino breakfast meeting. Photo credit – Uganda Wildlife Authority
Uganda’s Rhino Population
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch was founded in 2005 with the main aim of re-introducing Southern White Rhinos into the wild. The sanctuary that started with six Southern White Rhinos in 2005 has now grown to 48 rhinos in Uganda. This increase in rhino population is testament to the work of key conservationists at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary who work together with their partners.
A rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda
Southern White Rhinos are Near Threatened and about 18,000 animals exist in private game reserves and protected areas. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has a plan (that is underway) to expand tourism to the West Nile part of Uganda by translocating 20 rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. Translocation is a great way to establish new populations and can in the long run contribute to research.
What does the Name A Rhino ceremony involve?
The ceremony offers an opportunity to individuals, corporate organizations, conservationists and philanthropists to participate in naming a rhino. The participants get an opportunity to figuratively “adopt” a rhino and the funds will go towards supporting the conservation of rhinos, this involves veterinary care,supporting anti-poaching programs, research, community conservation awareness programs and habitat protection. The Naming Ceremony will involve naming 17 calves and juveniles. A number of individuals and corporate companies have already come on board to support the Name A Rhino initiative. Some of these include the Jane Goodall Institute, Achelis Uganda Limited and Miss. Irene Byamugisha among others.
Photo by Uganda Wildlife Authority
To participate in the Name A Rhino Campaign you can visit the official website here ugandawildlife.org/namearhino
If you have any further questions about the ceremony you can email – dorcus.twesigomwe@wildlife.go.ug
The Name A Rhino ceremony is a commendable initiative towards rhino conservation. The campaign promotion will bring awareness to the public on the need for conservation of Southern White Rhinos as it also increases resources to support wildlife conservation.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Location
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located along the Kampala – Gulu highway in Nakasongola district. The sanctuary is usually visited by visitors on safari as a stop over while on a 3 Day Murchison Falls National Park Wildlife Safari. This is a great way to break the journey and also spend time with the rhinos at the sanctuary. On the visit, you are allowed to spend 1 hour with the rhinos during the trek.
