Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary Temporary Closed Over Land Wrangles

The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s flagship rhino conservation site, has been temporarily closed due to an ongoing land ownership dispute, raising concerns for the future of rhino protection and tourism in the country. This sanctuary, located along the route to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park, has been instrumental in Uganda’s efforts to save the critically endangered rhino from extinction, but recent conflict between Rhino Fund Uganda and the landowner threatens to halt this important work.

Background: The Importance of Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Established in 2002 after acquiring a 30-year lease on the land, Rhino Fund Uganda aimed to revive Uganda’s rhino population, which had been wiped out during decades of civil unrest and poaching. Through dedicated conservation efforts, Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary has become the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be viewed in a protected setting before reintroduction efforts begin. Today, the sanctuary is home to 33 rhinos, a testament to the success of these conservation initiatives.

The sanctuary also provides employment opportunities for over 140 local staff members involved in the care, security, and management of the rhinos and their habitat. Moreover, it has served as an important ecological tourism attraction, drawing visitors in transit to and from Murchison Falls National Park, and contributing to Uganda’s tourism economy.

The Dispute and Its Impact

The current closure stems from a protracted dispute between Rhino Fund Uganda and Captain Charles Roy, the landowner. For over five months, Captain Roy has demanded that Rhino Fund Uganda vacate the land, which has brought sanctuary operations to a standstill. The exact nature of the disagreement involves contested land rights and lease terms, but the outcome threatens not just conservation efforts but also the welfare of sanctuary employees and the local economy dependent on tourism.

The COVID-19 pandemic had already dealt a heavy blow to Uganda’s tourism industry through border closures and reduced travel demand, making the sanctuary’s closure even more detrimental at this critical time when tourism is trying to recover.

Future Prospects and Government Involvement

With Rhino Fund Uganda stepping back, the onus now lies on the Uganda Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and other government agencies to intervene. Officials are expected to explore viable solutions such as relocating the rhinos to a new sanctuary or initiating programs to reintroduce them safely back into the wild, though the latter remains uncertain as the rhinos have not yet been assessed for their adaptability to open habitats beyond the sanctuary.

Stakeholders are calling for swift action to protect the rhino population and preserve Uganda’s status as a key conservation hub in East Africa. There is also hope that new management structures or partnerships can be established to sustain rhino conservation efforts amid changing land ownership dynamics.

The Role of Tourism Partners

Tour operators like Mumwe Global Safaris have long promoted trips to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary as part of broader wildlife safari experiences. The sanctuary’s closure removes a unique opportunity for travelers to see rhinos in Uganda, diminishing the appeal of routes leading to premier parks such as Murchison Falls. Many tourism professionals express concern that this setback could hamper Uganda’s wider goals of eco-tourism development unless a timely resolution is found.

Conclusion

The temporary closure of Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary highlights the complex challenges conservation projects face when land tenure issues intersect with environmental goals. As one of Uganda’s few strongholds for rhino protection, the sanctuary’s fate will significantly influence the country’s ability to safeguard these magnificent animals and grow a sustainable tourism sector.

All eyes are on government bodies and conservation stakeholders to find a balanced resolution that not only safeguards the rhinos but also supports local livelihoods and Uganda’s growing reputation as a top wildlife destination. 

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