The Roosevelt Rhino Campaign was officially launched in the United States. The launch followed the US–Africa Business Connect – Roosevelt Africa Trail Summit held earlier in December at the Explorers Club in Manhattan.
The hybrid event took place at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations in New York. Minister Counsellor Celia Nabeta moderated the session. It brought together government officials, conservation bodies, academics, cultural institutions, and private sector leaders.
The campaign draws from the 1909–1910 Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition. It shows how early scientific collections from Ajai in northern Uganda still support modern conservation science, habitat restoration, and wildlife management.
A major highlight was a live link from Uganda. The Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority joined from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to identify a three-year-old rhino cub named “Roosevelt”. The cub will be officially named in October 2026. This will mark a key step in Uganda’s rhino rewilding efforts at Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
The launch brought together partners from the American Chamber, AmCham Uganda, the Theodore Roosevelt Association, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and the Theodore Roosevelt Center. Others included conservation leaders, academics from Muni University, and officials from Madi Okollo District.
In a virtual message, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reaffirmed Uganda’s support for the campaign. He said it promotes conservation diplomacy, heritage preservation, and sustainable development.
Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Godfrey Kwoba stressed the need for coordinated action. He said Uganda remains committed to strong international partnerships for wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and inclusive growth.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director James Musinguzi said progress in rhino conservation reflects long-term investment and trusted partnerships. He said the campaign will boost global support for wildlife recovery.
One pillar of the campaign is the Roosevelt Encounters Africa children’s book series, led by A Rhino Named Roosevelt. Developed with NABU, the series uses storytelling to promote conservation education, youth engagement, and heritage tourism along the Roosevelt Africa Trail.
The campaign aims to raise $5 million through Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Name a Rhino Initiative. The funds will support rhino rewilding, conservation diplomacy, heritage tourism, and community development.