The World Rhino Day 2025 is therefore a unique opportunity to invite National and International attention to why Rhino conservation is an important part of Uganda’s Tourism agenda. UNDP joins the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Ugandan people to commemorate the World Rhino Day 2025, and specifically, celebrate the remarkable recovery journey of the White Rhino in Uganda. Associated with the 2025 national commemoration is the name of newborn and young Rhinos. A strategy adopted by the Government of Uganda to ensure that the population of Rhino’s in Uganda, previously threatened, continues to steadily increase. Uganda’s Rhino conservation journey was rekindled in 2005 after the species was wiped out in 1980 because of poaching. The establishment of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2005 sought to strengthen their systematic re-introduction. Today, Uganda boasts of a family of 48 White Rhino’s. With Tourism designated as one of the Sectors that Uganda will rely upon to spur economic growth, conservation of its biodiversity species must be at the heart of bolstering tourism.

With the national commemorations of the World Rhino Day 2025 being designated also as the day of “Naming and saving a Rhino” in Uganda, UNDP has joined hands with other stakeholders in adopting and naming a Rhino to augment Uganda’s White Rhino conservation efforts. 

Naming a Rhino to celebrate Uganda’s conservation agenda: Meet “Nakadanya”.

For UNDP the recovery story of the Rhino in Uganda is a story in resilience and long-term vision development. “Nakadanya” is the name adopted for the Rhino to be named by UNDP. The name itself is derived from the “Ngakarimojong” in Karamoja region. The name embodies origin, strength, endurance, and the will to thrive through complex circumstance. “Nakadanya” now has means to survive to live to 40 years and beyond, like a normal Rhino. Without fear of being hunted down for its prized trophies. Similarly, “Nakadanya”, will be seen by millions of people, local and international during this time. Telling the living story of resilience, bearing generations that will keep shaping the Uganda’s future transformation. 

Therefore “Nakadanya” is not merely a name, but also a tribute to Karamoja’s resilience as a subregion. It honors the community’s ability to adapt, protect, and coexist with nature through the vastness of its protected areas, including: Kidepo Valley National Park, Matheniko Game Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and other protected areas, making it a vital corridor for wildlife. It also sends a message that conservation must be inclusive, rooted in local knowledge, and driven by community values. In Karamoja, resilience and conservation are intertwined, and the name stands as a living symbol of that connection and the broader aspiration for thriving Rhino population in Uganda and in the continent. 

The symbolism of the naming will therefore keep the story that connects wildlife conservation to cultural heritage and community values. The name itself refers in Ngakarimojong to “a traditional ceremonial site that embodies peacebuilding, prosperity, cultural identity, origin, and unity”. The process and actions related to the naming connects local conservation efforts to Uganda's commitment to various treaties and conventions that advance biodiversity conservation and their protection. 

UNDP broader contribution to advancing Tourism in Uganda

Uganda’s conservation of Biodiversity efforts and tourism initiatives are broader, all of which have contributed to tourism becoming a major part of the economy. In the course of this journey, UNDP has accompanied the government, private and community actors in positioning tourism as a critical sector of the economy. This has been accomplished through nature and technology-based tourism solutions, approaches and tools to stimulate growth, foster innovation and build resilience in the tourism industry. 

Embedding technology into conservation actions: UNDP supported the UWA with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and VHF radio communication systems. UWA rangers also received high end training to enhance their knowledge and skills in the operation of these devices, generating reports, models and predictions to ensure species such as the Rhino are conserved. Here integrating technology into wildlife monitoring and protection actions.

Expanding the tourism offer: UNDP has been partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, the private sector, and cultural institutions to harness nature and culture to diversify Uganda’s tourism product range. UNDP supported the curation and successful piloting of “Ekyooto Ha Mpango” - cultural tourism product - to promote and market tourism and investment opportunities in the Rwenzori region. 

Sport tourism and conservation: UNDP partnered with Uganda Wildlife Authority, Equator Hikes and several other private sector actors to co-curate the Mount Rwenzori marathon – a commercially viable yet innovative and inclusive development solution to expand the Rwenzori region’s tourism product offering. UNDP is also partnering with Mr. Joshua Cheptegei – a reigning Olympic champion and a three-time 10,000 metres World Champion – to develop a new sports tourism product for the Elgon region. The UNDP Elgon Half Marathon with Joshua Cheptegei is intended to drive tourism and sports enthusiasts to explore the spectacular beauty of the Elgon region. 

Happy World Rhino Day 2025!