Africa-Press – Uganda. The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Speaking during a special ceremony hosted at her residence in Kampala, where she welcomed diplomats, government officials, and other stakeholders, Chesney praised Uganda’s progress in conservation, while emphasizing the need for continued effort.
“Both wildlife and nature are under threat, and the rhino naming ceremony will be celebrating Uganda’s conservation journey — it’s a waypoint on the road ahead,” Chesney said. “As the UK, we care so much about conservation because it’s not just about saving rhino species; it’s really about protecting a future.”
She underscored that safeguarding Uganda’s extraordinary natural heritage is not just an environmental priority but also an economic one.
“Protecting Uganda’s nature is also about jobs and growth. Tourism is one of Uganda’s greatest industries, bringing livelihoods and opportunities for families across the country.”
The British envoy further noted that conservation plays a critical role in national security and climate resilience.
“When communities benefit from wildlife, they are more likely to protect it. Healthy ecosystems help store carbon and support adaptation to climate change. When nature thrives, people thrive as well. That’s why we care from a UK point of view.”
Chesney reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s conservation efforts, including strengthening community-based initiatives and unlocking the value of nature. She also commended the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) for their consistent efforts in wildlife protection.
She confirmed the UK’s participation in the upcoming rhino naming ceremony at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, scheduled for Monday.
UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa thanked the British High Commission for its continued partnership with Uganda’s tourism sector.
“This is the biggest manifestation of a promise to continue our partnership. We always talk about growing tourist numbers, but not often enough about doing it sustainably. The rhino naming ceremony is a testament to growing numbers while preserving our wildlife,” Kagwa said.
“We must protect the assets first. That’s what this conversation—and the rhino naming—is all about: protecting and conserving our precious beasts.”
UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the upcoming ceremony is part of efforts to boost rhino numbers in Uganda.
“The purpose of naming the rhino is to highlight the effort to save it. We’re planning to relocate 20 of the 48 rhinos at Zziwa to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. We are building an intelligent fence, ranger posts, and installing technology to ensure safety, since rhinos are highly targeted for their horns.”
Dr. Musinguzi noted that UWA has developed a 10-year strategy, currently focusing on growing the Southern White Rhino population, before shifting attention to the indigenous Eastern Black Rhino, once native to Uganda.
“Beyond Ajai, we also plan to introduce rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. While the current focus is rhinos, future efforts will include other species like gorillas and chimpanzees.”
Tourism Minister Col. Tom Butime commended Capt. Roy Zziwa for allowing the government to use his ranch at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which has seen rhino numbers grow from just six to 48.
“In another five years, we expect rhinos to be thriving in four or five national parks,” Butime noted.
The historic first-ever Rhino Naming Ceremony, to be held Monday at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, aims to raise shs40 billion.
The funds will support veterinary care, strengthen anti-poaching efforts, expand habitat protection, and enhance conservation research.
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