Museveni’s peace credited for Uganda’s Rhino resurgence, Speaker Among announces support for conservation funding

Uganda’s once-decimated rhino population is experiencing a remarkable recovery, a development Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has directly attributed to the peace and security ushered in by President Yoweri Museveni. Among made these remarks while announcing Parliament’s commitment to a major funding initiative for rhino conservation.

Speaking at the Speaker’s chambers during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Speaker Among highlighted the dramatic increase from an initial six rhinos to 48, underscoring the profound impact of national stability on wildlife.

“I want to thank the President of the Republic of Uganda for ensuring that there is security and peace in the country. The security and peace in the country is not only on the human beings but translated to the wildlife,” Speaker Among stated. “Because of the peace and security, the six rhinos that we got have now translated into 48 rhinos, and they are going to become more and more.”

Uganda’s rhino population faced near extinction during the widespread insurgency of the 1980s, which severely impacted the country’s wildlife and tourism sectors. The reintroduction of rhinos and their subsequent growth is seen as a flagship conservation success story, directly linked by the Speaker to the prevailing peace.

The meeting was held to announce Parliament’s decision to participate in the “First Ever Rhino Naming Ceremony,” an ambitious initiative aimed at raising US$11 million (approximately UGX 40 billion) for continued conservation efforts.

Among reiterated Parliament’s strong backing for wildlife protection. “As Parliament, you have our unwavering support. We passed the Wildlife Act, and that act will help you so much in whatever you are doing. You will always be there to support in whatever you want to do for the good of our country, for the good of the wildlife fraternity,” she affirmed.

The upcoming Rhino Naming Ceremony is intended to mobilize crucial resources for the continued protection and expansion of the rhino population, further solidifying Uganda’s position as a premier wildlife tourism destination and a leader in conservation in the region.