On January 5 2026, the residents of Madi-Okollo District and Uganda at large celebrated the official start of the translocation of white rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, marking a historic milestone in Uganda’s wildlife conservation journey.
The return of rhinos to Ajai Game Reserve now symbolizes both ecological recovery and renewed national commitment to conservation. This translocation by Uganda Wildlife Authority is intended to restore the ecological equilibrium and preserve the most wildlife in the reserve. The initiative is inspired by the achievement of the relocation of 50 buffaloes and 200 kobs from Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
The Ajai Wildlife Reserve holds deep significance in Uganda’s rhino conservation story. By 1965, the reserve supported about 60 of Uganda’s remaining 80 rhinos. However, due to rampant poaching and prolonged insecurity in the region in the late 1970s and early 1980s, rhinos were completely lost from the wild.
According to Local Conservation Activist – Suleiman Matua, “the locals around Ajai Wildlife Reserve and across the greater Madi region have long awaited this grand moment. He explained further that rhinos originally inhabited the region even before Ajai was gazetted as a protected reserve, making the reintroduction of the rhinos a restoration of the ecosystem’s natural heritage.
The Youth Council Chairperson of Madi Okollo District noted that the return of the rhinos is particularly exciting for young people who have never seen these endangered animals in the wild. He added that the introduction is expected to stimulate tourism and improve local revenue collection, an area the district has historically struggled with.
Sunday Bubo Isaac, the Local Council II Chairperson of Ogoko Sub-Country, noted that communities bordering Ajai Wildlife Reserve, especially Ogoko, are delighted to welcome the rhinos back to their original habitat. He emphasized that the return of the animals has fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the residents of the region.
Hangi added that all necessary preparations at Ajai Wildlife Reserve have been completed. A specialized rhino management team has been trained, security has been enhanced, water points established, and sufficient forage ensured through targeted habitat management.
The rhino recovery in Uganda is gaining recognition as a conservation success story. Following the extinction of rhinos in the wild, recovery efforts began with the establishment of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after advocacy by Rhino Fund Uganda. The first six southern white rhinos were introduced in 2005 and 2006. By December of 2025, Uganda’s rhino population will have grown to 59 individuals, paving the way for the relocation into protected areas, including Ajai Game Reserve.
The translocation and restoration of rhinos to Ajai does not restore a missing species but also strengthens conservation – linked livelihoods, offering renewed hope for biodiversity protection and sustainable tourism in Northwestern Uganda.
People’s reaction to UWA reintroducing white rhinos again in Ajai Game Reserve?
Isaac Etaku, the Upper Madi Member of Parliament, explains, “The reintroduction of the White rhinos will greatly boost the tourism potential of the district and entire West Nile sub-region”.
As per the words of the Lower Madi County Member of Parliament, Ronald Afidra, since the West Nile region has been neglected for a long time, the return of the White rhinos will ensure equity of tourism in the country and in the area.
“The reintroduction of white rhinos is long overdue owing to the strong cultural attachments the people have for the rhinos.” Says, the area Woman member of parliament, Joanne Aniku. She continues to say that reintroducing rhinos will equally enhance the understanding of rhino conservation in the West Nile Community, especially in Madi Okollo district.
Why did White Rhinos become extinct in Uganda?
- During the 197s, rhino tourism at Ajai Game Reserve in the West Nile sub-region was a popular activity. Due to insecurity between the 1970s and 1980s, the rhinos became extinct. Even though Ajai Game Reserve was protected, the 1970s and 80s wars of Amin and Obote 2 caused the loss of rhinos in the reserve.
- Poaching is one of the major challenges that has caused white rhinos to become extinct. Even though the wildlife reserve was surrounded by local communities, people used to hunt them for food, as well as others killing them for destroying their lives and properties, thus the loss of white rhinos.
To multiply the original stock of 6 Southern White Rhinos that were left in Uganda’s wilderness, the government of Uganda, through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, has been running breeding programs at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District since 2006.
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