UK envoy invites global community to join Uganda’s rhino naming ceremony

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The lush savannahs of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary came alive with anticipation as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) welcomed Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda. Her visit marked a symbolic prelude to the much-anticipated "Name and Save a Rhino" ceremony, scheduled for September 22, 2025.

The occasion brought together key players in conservation and tourism, including Dr James Musinguzi, executive director of UWA; Juliana Kaggwa, chief executive officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB); Joseph Roy, proprietor of Ziwa Ranches and Rhino Sanctuary; and senior officials from both UWA and UTB.

Accompanied by rangers, Ambassador Chesney trekked through the sanctuary’s trails and came face-to-face with Uganda’s growing population of white rhinos. Overcome with emotion, she described the encounter as both rare and moving, noting that visiting Ziwa had long been on her bucket list.

“Uganda is the most beautiful country I have ever seen, ranking among the top ten most biodiverse nations in the world,” Chesney said.

“It's hospitable and 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 the naming ceremony and will encourage fellow diplomats to join 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.”

Smiling broadly, Dr Musinguzi reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to protecting rhinos through sustainable funding and species management. He emphasised that the upcoming naming ceremony is a cornerstone of the country’s Rhino Conservation Strategy.

“Every name bestowed on a rhino will directly contribute to securing the future of this iconic species. We are preparing to translocate 20 rhinos from Ziwa to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and will soon be receiving more rhinos for introduction into Kidepo Valley National Park. To achieve these plans, we require $11 million through the Name and Save a Rhino campaign. Even those unable to meet the full naming rights can still befriend a rhino or contribute whatever they can towards this noble cause,” Dr Musinguzi explained.

Echoing these sentiments, UTB’s Julian Kaggwa underlined the fusion of tourism and conservation in Uganda’s approach.

“Uganda is one of the few countries where you can see the Big Five plus two - chimpanzees and mountain gorillas - giving us the Big Seven,” she said. “The Name and Save a Rhino initiative is not just a conservation drive; it is a tourism innovation. It allows visitors and friends of conservation to actively participate in protecting wildlife. Every name, every contribution, strengthens Uganda’s brand as a destination where tourism directly supports nature.”

This month’s Name and Save a Rhino Ceremony will open opportunities for individuals, institutions, and international partners to bid for the right to name one of the sanctuary’s 17 rhino calves. Others may choose to “befriend” a rhino or contribute in smaller ways. Funds raised will go directly into safeguarding Uganda’s rhino population and expanding their range into new protected areas.

As the sun set over Ziwa, Amb. Chesney’s visit served as a reminder that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife but also about uniting communities, nations, and visitors in a shared responsibility for the future of Uganda’s natural heritage.