The British High Commission, in partnership with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), hosted a Rhino Naming Dinner on Wednesday, 17th September at the residence of H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, to advocate for the Name and Save a Rhino campaign.
The dinner was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors, conservationists, private sector leaders, and other key stakeholders in tourism and wildlife conservation.
It served as both a networking and strategic dialogue platform, emphasizing the role of conservation in driving Uganda’s tourism growth and enhancing the country’s global image under the Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa brand.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Lisa Chesney highlighted the significance of the partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom in promoting conservation and sustainable development.
She noted that initiatives such as the Rhino Naming Campaign represent the kind of innovative collaborations that bring together conservation, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
“I celebrate everybody playing a part in restoring the rhino population, celebrating Uganda’s biodiversity, looking at the challenges and the opportunities attached to the tourism sector, we are at our best when we do it together,” the British High Commissioner to Uganda concluded.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime highlighted that the Rhino Naming initiative is not only about celebrating conservation milestones, but it is about securing Uganda’s biodiversity for future generations.
“By bringing together government, international partners, and communities, we are creating a model of conservation that balances protection with prosperity. This campaign will position Uganda as a country that treasures its wildlife while welcoming the world to share in its beauty,” he added.
The Rhino Naming Dinner offered stakeholders an opportunity to symbolically “name or and friend” rhinos, an activity that not only generates awareness but also raises support for ongoing rhino conservation programs spearheaded by UWA and supported by conservation partners.
The discussions during the dinner underscored the need for stronger cross sector collaborations. Participants explored opportunities to integrate conservation with tourism product development, and create sustainable financing models to secure Uganda’s rhino population.
Juliana Kagwa, the Uganda Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer reiterated UTB’s commitment to aligning conservation efforts with tourism promotion, noting that rhinos are not only a flagship species for conservation but also an iconic attraction that enriches Uganda’s tourism portfolio and therefore lauded H.E. Lisa Chesney for accepting to champion the rhino cause.
“Thank you for accepting to be an ambassador of not just Uganda, but everything in Uganda and beyond. Very rarely would you find this kind of partnership where somebody opens not just their office but their home? I think it’s the biggest manifestation of belief in our agenda and our sector. It’s the biggest manifestation of a promise to continue a partnership,” she said.
In addition, Kagwa remarked that under the Explore Uganda brand, UTB will continue to highlight conservation success stories to attract responsible travellers who seek authentic and sustainable experiences.
In his remarks, Dr James Musinguzi, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s executive director noted that the return and survival of rhinos in Uganda is a powerful symbol of the country’s commitment to conservation.
“The Rhino Naming Campaign will raise awareness and mobilise resources critical for protecting this endangered species, while also boosting Uganda’s image as a destination where conservation and tourism work hand in hand,” he said.
Dr Musinguzi further invite the public to join the cause on Monday at zwa Rhino sanctuary, adding, “You can name and save a rhino at 10,000 US dollars, but you can also friendly Rhino at any amount of money you have.”
He concluded with an appreciation to Captain Roy, who gave up his land and the rhinos have multiplied from 6 to 48.
As the countdown to the Rhino Naming Ceremony continues, the dinner has set the tone for what promises to be a landmark celebration of conservation, partnership, and the promotion of Uganda as the true Pearl of Africa.
With over 10 rhinos now named, the initiative has sparked excitement ahead of the historic Rhino Naming Ceremony scheduled for 22nd September 2025 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
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