In 1983, the last rhino was killed in Uganda and the species was declared as extinct. In 1997, following a period of political stability, a group of Ugandan conservationists formed Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU), as a vehicle to bring back rhinos to the country.

Using a GEF SGP grant of US$ 50,000 to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which was one of the institutions that supported the formation of RFU, the first pair of Southern White Rhinos were imported into Uganda from Kenya in November 2001.

In July 2005 the second batch of four Southern White Rhinos were imported and successfully translocated to the 7,000 ha Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from Kenya using a second GEF SGP grant of US$ 50,000. In August 2006 two more Southern White Rhinos were donated by Disney Animal Kingdom, USA and arrived at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in October 2006.

From this founder group, furteen calves have been born bringing the total rhino population in the sanctuary to 19 (1 died). The 19 rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary represent the only wild population of the species in Uganda.

In an effort to bolster security and safety of the rhino population at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, RFU MICROCHIPPING OF WHITE RHINOS PROJECT, a USD 45,000 GEF SGP OP5 project placed microchips in the horns and under the skin of 12 out of 19 rhinos so as to enable an evidence chain for the prosecution of captured poachers, middlemen and ?kingpins?.

Samples of skin and blood were also taken from all rhinos during the procedure, analysed and included on the global rhino DNA database for use in population management. The procedure involve a skilled and experienced team from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) working with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and RFU staff.

Failure to control poaching could result in the second extermination of the species in the wild in Uganda affecting the national tourism industry and local employment leading to a return to poverty for many Ugandan citizens.

The long term aim of RHINO FUND UGANDA is to introduce rhinos to Uganda?s National Parks which attract tourists and visitors, enhancing Uganda as a tourist destination.