Uganda’s efforts to restore and protect rhinos have gained international recognition following the announcement of the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign at the US–Africa Business Connect Roosevelt Africa Trail Conference in New York City.
The campaign, developed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in partnership with the Roosevelt Africa Trail and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, is set for official launch in December 2025.
Under the initiative, a rhino in Uganda will be named after former United States President Theodore Roosevelt, drawing inspiration from his historic 1909–1910 Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition.
While rooted in history, the campaign focuses on the present, spotlighting Uganda’s steady progress in rebuilding rhino populations and strengthening conservation systems after decades of absence in the wild.
By tracking the journey of the Roosevelt Rhino from sanctuary protection to eventual rewilding, the campaign will provide global audiences with a practical insight into how species recovery is planned, funded, and implemented.
The christening ceremony will take place in Uganda and will be officiated by a member of the Roosevelt family, underscoring the initiative’s international character. This will be only the second rhino named after a U.S. president, following “Obama,” the first rhino born at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a name that resonated strongly across East Africa.
The campaign is supported by a range of complementary initiatives aimed at expanding public engagement. These include Roosevelt Encounters Africa, a children’s educational series produced by NABU, which will feature The Rhino Named Roosevelt and incorporate QR codes allowing audiences to contribute directly to conservation efforts.
Private sector partnerships and digital innovation also form a key part of the campaign. Roosevelt Africa Safari Coffee, developed by Kahawa 1893 in collaboration with the Roosevelt Africa Trail, will feature the Roosevelt Rhino as a specialty blend, with a portion of proceeds directed toward rhino conservation.
In addition, the Roosevelt Africa Virtual Trail will offer an immersive digital experience, enabling audiences worldwide to explore the rhino’s habitat and Uganda’s conservation work.
Speaking at the conference, UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi said Uganda’s progress in rhino conservation is the result of long-term investment, strong institutions, and trusted partnerships.
He noted that initiatives such as the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign help deepen international understanding and support for wildlife recovery.
Joshua Sentongo, Director of Business Development and Strategy for the Roosevelt Africa Trail, described the campaign as a continuation of a family legacy in conservation.
He is the son of the late conservationist Paul Ssali Naluma, whose story The Wild and the Brave was nominated for an Oscar in 1975.
The initiative also highlights the connection between conservation, culture, and heritage. Dr Jackline Besigye Nyiracyiza, Acting Commissioner of Museums and Monuments, said the campaign’s global visibility will elevate sites such as Rhino Camp and Ajai Wildlife Reserve, positioning them as key destinations for heritage and conservation tourism.
She also noted the role of Intelligent Trail Markers, developed in partnership with a tech consortium led by MIT Creative Technologist Rus Gant, in helping visitors connect more deeply with Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Roosevelt Rhino Campaign will roll out through a series of milestones, including a hybrid launch in Uganda and the United States on December 18, 2025, featuring a live event at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
A mid-campaign engagement at the Roosevelt Library is planned for July 4, 2026, followed by the official christening of the Roosevelt Rhino in September 2026.
Through the Roosevelt Rhino Campaign, Uganda is reaffirming its commitment to long-term wildlife recovery while inviting global partners, institutions, and individuals to support the careful work required to return rhinos to the country’s protected landscapes.
