UK commits to Uganda's conservation at rhino naming ceremony

The inaugural event celebrates the recovery of Uganda's rhino population through the symbolic naming of 17 juveniles, from extinction in the wild during the 1980s to 48 white rhinos today.

H.E Lisa Chesney said:

I am deeply impressed by Uganda's conservation efforts that have brought rhinos back from local extinction to 48 today. This was a partnership between government, private sector and conservationists - it proves what is possible when nature is put first.

Chesney praised the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for its work and noted the important contribution of the Roy family who own the ranch that hosts the breeding programme. The Ziwa ranch was first established in 1983 as a cattle farm but transitioned into a conservation and tourism success story in the early 2000s. Around 7,000 cattle were relocated to establish a safe haven for rhinos. The project has been a collaborative effort with the Uganda Wildlife Authority who act as the custodians of the rhinos.

In early 2025, the UK Government supported Uganda Airlines' return to British skies with the inaugural direct flight from Entebbe International to Gatwick International Airport signalling the UK's commitment to deepening ties with Uganda and facilitating trade and investment. Tourists now have a direct flight, as they come to explore Uganda and its natural heritage.

Since 1993, the UK has contributed some £20 million into conservation and tourism outcomes in Uganda, through the DEFRA Darwin Initiative and Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund as well as partnerships with the World Bank and UWA.

The United Kingdom remains a steadfast partner in supporting Uganda's vision for sustainable economic growth, with a strong focus on tourism as a driver of prosperity. Through close collaboration with Ugandan authorities and stakeholders, the UK is committed to enhancing tourism infrastructure, conservation, and product development-ensuring Uganda's unique wildlife and cultural heritage are preserved and promoted for future generations.

This aligns with the Government of Uganda's priorities under the agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals, and science and technology (ATMS) agenda. The UK is actively supporting initiatives that not only boost tourism but also create synergies with agriculture (such as promoting agri-tourism and exporting fresh produce), encourage responsible mineral development, and foster skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to empower Ugandan youth and communities.

By investing in tourism, the UK and Uganda are working together to unlock new opportunities for trade, job creation, and innovation- ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities and contributes to Uganda's broader economic transformation.