Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda – A ground-breaking initiative is underway to reintroduce both black and white rhinos to the historic landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park, a move that promises to restore biodiversity and invigorate the region's tourism potential. This ambitious project, supported by the Platcorp Foundation, is not just about the majestic rhinos; it’s about weaving together wildlife conservation with tangible benefits for the local Ik and Dodoth communities. 

The project is a collaborative effort, with WildLandscapes East Africa (WLEA) implementing the activities, the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) acting as the grantee, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as a key partner. The Platcorp Foundation has pledged USD 50,000 to this initiative, specifically funding vital tsetse fly control measures and the establishment of a community poultry farming enterprise.

Preparing a Safe Haven: Tsetse Fly Control

Before rhinos can once again roam Kidepo, the significant challenge of disease-spreading tsetse flies must be addressed. It is therefore reassuring to note that under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Mutinda, a comprehensive tsetse fly control program is in full swing.

As of July 2025, impressive progress has been achieved, with all 998 planned tsetse fly control targets installed within and around the designated rhino sanctuary. This vital work includes not only the scientific deployment of insecticide-treated screens but also active community involvement. Equally important, all nine community members from the Morungole Community Conservancy have now been recruited and trained to monitor, maintain, and replace traps, providing the community with a direct role in safeguarding the future rhinos. This marks the complete conclusion of the deployment phase.

Monitoring results are already showing success. Average tsetse fly densities inside the sanctuary have dropped sharply to 6.25 flies per trap per day, compared to the baseline data of 170 flies per trap per day. 

The path hasn't been without its obstacles. Elephants have occasionally damaged traps, heavy rains have reduced the effectiveness of insecticides, strong winds have displaced targets, and curious baboons have interfered with bait bottles. However, the implementation team has shown remarkable adaptability, relocating traps to shaded areas, reinforcing installations, adjusting spraying schedules, and securing bait bottles. These learned lessons are vital for the long-term success of vector control in such a dynamic environment. 

Sowing Seeds of Opportunity: The Poultry Project

Parallel to the tsetse control efforts, a poultry farming initiative is being launched to enhance food security and create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, particularly for women. By July 2025, 30 women from six sub-counties had been identified and formally selected as beneficiaries following a rigorous community-led process. The project has already conducted sensitisation meetings, a baseline survey, and the first round of training in improved poultry practices.

The site for the community chicken coop is under review, with construction to begin once approvals are finalised. The baseline survey revealed strong enthusiasm, with 100% of selected women expressing willingness to participate, despite many having little prior poultry training. With livelihoods in the region often fragile, this initiative is designed to boost incomes by 25%, while providing a sustainable, conservation-linked alternative to traditional livestock.

The Rhinos Are Coming!

With the sanctuary now increasingly ready, anticipation for the rhino's return is growing. Recent site visits by WildLandscapes, African Parks, the Rhino Recovery Fund, and UWA underscored the progress and continued preparations. Between 34 and 38 rhinos are expected to be translocated from South Africa by African Parks, potentially during the first quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, fencing work for the sanctuary continues, with 16.2 km of perimeter poles already installed (out of 17.8 km), though rain has caused some delays.

A Partnership for Lasting Impact

The Kidepo Rhino Reintroduction and Community Participation Project is a testament to what can be achieved when conservation goals are aligned with community well-being. The financial support from the Platcorp Foundation is catalytic, enabling WLEA and UCF to implement crucial on-the-ground activities.

Looking Ahead

The coming months are critical. Key activities planned for the third quarter include:

• - Continued tsetse fly density monitoring to refine Glossinex application and trap management.
• - Completion of hands-on training for community scouts in tsetse fly control.
• - Finalising chicken coop site approval and beginning construction.
• - Follow-up support for the 30 women beneficiaries to strengthen poultry project adoption.
• - Ongoing coordination with UWA and UCF to align sanctuary readiness with rhino translocation plans.

This multifaceted project is more than just bringing rhinos back to Kidepo; it’s about promoting a resilient ecosystem where wildlife and people can thrive together. It’s about building local capacity, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring that the communities that live alongside this precious wildlife are integral partners in its conservation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey of restoration and empowerment.