Nakasongola, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune has called for the creation of a Rhino sanctuary in the Lango subregion, saying it would both protect Uganda’s endangered Rhinos and safeguard a symbol central to Lango cultural identity.
He made the appeal during a fundraising drive on 22 September 2025 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to support the protection and growth of the country’s Rhino population. The event also featured a rhino naming ceremony.
Odongo Okune said the Rhino is the cultural totem of the Lango people and must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
He added that establishing a sanctuary in Lango would strengthen cultural heritage while contributing to national conservation efforts.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi reported that the country now has 50 Rhinos, a remarkable recovery from just six in 1986, following widespread poaching for Rhino horns.
He credited consistent conservation measures and international partnerships for the progress but warned that the species remains highly vulnerable.
British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, urged stronger protection for Rhinos, stressing their importance in driving tourism and generating revenue for the national economy.
The Minister of Public Service, Wilson Muruli Mukasa, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the event, commended UWA’s efforts and reaffirmed government support for conservation programmes.
On the proposed Lango sanctuary, he encouraged communities and leaders in the region to make land available to ensure the project’s success.
If established, the Lango Rhino Sanctuary would become Uganda’s second dedicated reserve after Ziwa.
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