UWA spokesperson, Bashir Hangi, says that the birth of the Rhino is a clear testimony that the sanctuary has the ability to multiply the rhinos, conserve as well build confidence among tourists.
Josephine Naiga, a resident of Kikoba village in Nakitoma, says that she has been grazing and watering about 40 cows in the sanctuary. She says that since Nakasongola is a dry area, the availability of free pasture and water for their animals was a great relief to pastoralists.
This followed a land wrangle between Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranches (ZRWR), the owners of the 16,000 acres of land where Rhinos are being bred and Rhino Fund Uganda who are managing the sanctuary. Capt Joseph Charles Roy, the proprietor of Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranches has since ordered Rhino Fund Uganda to vacate the land.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a home to 33 white endangered rhinos in Nakitoma sub-county, Nakasongola District is currently out of bounds to tourists and the public following a directive by Uganda Wildlife Authority to have it closed off.
The statement further says that in the medium and long time, the rhinos will be introduced to UWA managed protected areas, adding that plans are underway to achieve this after completion of feasibility a study to identify a suitable location and conditions that need to be met.
The antelope, crocodiles, hippos and bushbucks are mostly targeted by poachers in the sub counties of Karungi, Kalongo, Nabiswera and Nakitoma, according to Nakasongola district Environment Officer James Bond Kunobere.
Nandi, a female Rhino brought from Kenya gave birth to a male calf, bringing the number of the rhinos to 15 in the sanctuary and 17 in the whole country.
