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The Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA has announced plans to commence the introduction of other Wildlife Species at Ajai Wildlife in Madi Okollo district ahead of the restoration of the White Rhinos.

The translocation exercise which is expected to start next month is part of habitat manipulation initiative UWA intends to conduct within the southern section of Ajai Wildlife Reserve in order to reduce the bushy conditions which are unsuitable for rhinos.

While speaking during an extra-ordinary council meeting at Madi Okollo Headquarters on Wednesday, John Makombo, the Director in Charge of Conservation at Uganda Wildlife Authority explained that as part of the activities under habitat manipulation, they plan to translocate a number of Uganda Kobs and Buffaloes as pioneer stock for habitat suitability preparation for the white rhinos.

Since 2006, the re-introduction of the white Rhinos and other wildlife species back to Ajai Wildlife Reserve has been a long standing demand for the people of West Nile due to its high potential to spur the development of Tourism sector in the sub region.

In November 2023, UWA issued a road map indicating that the long awaited reintroduction of the White Rhino back to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, its original habitat will be in 2025.

Benard Leku, the councilor for Rhino camp sub county said the restoration of Ajai Wildlife Reserve with the white rhinos and other species will greatly enhance the socio economic development of the district and provide employment opportunities for the youth.


Meanwhile, Swaib Toko, the Madi Okollo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has advised local leaders to sensitize the community about the importance of peaceful coexistence with the to be introduced wildlife species such that they can resist engaging in poaching activities.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve (AWR) which covers an area of 166sq.km is an area with unique flora and fauna and is known for the earlier existence of the Southern White Rhinos in Uganda which have since gone extinct.

The wildlife Reserve is named after Chief Ajai and declared a game sanctuary in 1937. The sanctuary was gazetted as a Game reserve under the game department in 1965 by Statutory Instrument No. 147 of 1965. 
 
COVER PHOTO: Web Image of a Rhino