Both the Black Rhinoceros and the Northern white rhinoceros, are indigenous to Uganda. However, due to a number of factors, including prolonged armed human conflict, poaching and the mismanagement of their natural habitat, by 1982, both species had been wiped out in the country. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was established in 2005 to reintroduce the southern white rhinoceros to Uganda. The long-term goal of the sanctuary is to “build a sustainable rhinoceros population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat in Uganda’s protected areas”. As of January 2010, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was the only location in Uganda, where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.
Uganda has no more wild rhinos in their parks. The rhinos were killed off in the 1970s/80s. There is a small non-profit group that is trying to change this. About 3 hours northwest of Kampala on the road to Murchison Falls National Park is a rhino sanctuary. The closest village is called Nakitoma. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has been around for about 10 years and started with six white rhinos imported from Kenya and the USA. The rhinos live in a large park with many acres of land and are essentially wild. The rhinos are accustomed to humans being near them as each rhino has armed guards near it 24 hours a day due to poaching.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a collaborative effort between the Uganda wildlife authority, and Ziwa Rhino and wildlife ranch, a private land management company committed to the restoration of Uganda's rhinoceros population. The ranch offers a secure place where rhino populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda's national parks, while at the same time, allowing the public to enjoy these majestic animals, as the project moves
A team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep watch on the rhinos 24 hours daily, seven days a week, to ensure their safety. The 70 square kilo meters ranch is surrounded by a 2 meter electric fence to keep the rhinos in and the intruders out. The ranch is home to at least 40 mammal and reptilian species including monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles , tortoise and numerous bird species. In addition to on-foot rhino trekking, tourist activities include birding, shoebill trekking, nature rides and nature walks. As of June 2024, the ranch was home to 41 rhinos a big improvement than the past.