Fresh Legal Dispute Emerges at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda's rhino conservation sector is facing renewed scrutiny after approximately 170 former employees of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary threatened legal action against the sanctuary's management and the Uganda Wildlife Authority over alleged wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages and interference in conservation operations.
A fresh legal dispute has emerged at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, placing one of Uganda's most recognised wildlife conservation destinations back in the spotlight.
According to a report published by Nile Post on November 11, 2026, the former employees, led by ex-ranch manager David Krispo Bakeine, have issued a notice of intention to sue Ziwa Ranchers Limited, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The group reportedly includes specialised conservation personnel such as rhino rangers, trackers, veterinary assistants and conservation educators who previously worked at the sanctuary.
Their lawyers, M/S Bwagi and Company Advocates, allege that the former employees were affected by contractual disputes, unpaid employment entitlements and administrative interference that ultimately disrupted their work at the sanctuary.
Allegations of unpaid salaries and wrongful dismissal
One of the central issues concerns the employment contract of former ranch manager David Krispo Bakeine.
According to the legal notice cited by Nile Post, Bakeine signed an employment contract on January 18, 2021, providing for a gross monthly salary of UGX 4 million.
However, his lawyers allege that he initially received a monthly allowance of UGX 100,000 while administrative arrangements involving the sanctuary, UWA and Rhino Fund Uganda were being resolved.
The lawyers further claim that management subsequently refused to honour the agreed salary provisions.
The notice also raises allegations of workplace harassment, unlawful arrest, unpaid salary arrears and failure to remit statutory National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions.
Bakeine's lawyers describe his eventual departure as constructive dismissal, arguing that the circumstances left him with no reasonable alternative but to resign.
These claims remain allegations presented by the former employees and their legal representatives.
A dispute involving land, management and wildlife conservation
Beyond employment matters, the threatened lawsuit raises wider questions about the management and administration of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The legal notice reportedly traces part of the disagreement to land-use arrangements involving Ziwa Ranchers Limited and Rhino Fund Uganda.
According to the former employees' lawyers, Rhino Fund Uganda entered into a 30-year land-use arrangement in 2002. They allege that subsequent developments involving Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited created conflicting rights and disputes that affected sanctuary operations.
The former employees also accuse UWA of failing to adequately address the disagreements and implement a presidential directive concerning the establishment of a nine-member National Rhino Management Committee.
They further raise concerns about wildlife translocation planning, habitat suitability and the introduction of predators without what they consider adequate risk assessments.
These are serious allegations concerning the governance of Uganda's rhino conservation programme, and they will require proper examination by the relevant authorities and, if proceedings are instituted, the courts.
Why Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary matters to Uganda
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary occupies an important place in Uganda's wildlife conservation history.
The sanctuary was established in 2005 to support the reintroduction of southern white rhinos into Uganda after the country's indigenous rhino populations were wiped out in the early 1980s.
The initiative formed part of a wider effort to rebuild Uganda's rhino population and eventually support the return of these animals to suitable protected areas.
Located in Nakasongola District, approximately three hours' drive from Kampala, Ziwa became an important destination for visitors travelling between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park.
Its rhino-tracking experience offered tourists an opportunity to observe white rhinos on foot under the guidance of trained conservation personnel.
The sanctuary therefore became more than a wildlife conservation facility. It developed into an important component of Uganda's tourism circuit, particularly for visitors interested in wildlife, conservation and experiential travel.
The history of earlier management disagreements, including disputes reported in 2021, demonstrates why the latest developments deserve attention beyond the employment dispute itself.
What happens next?
The former employees reportedly intend to seek compensation, including salary arrears, severance payments, statutory entitlements and damages.
Their legal representatives have also called for a forensic audit into alleged financial and revenue losses associated with the sanctuary dispute.
According to Nile Post, the lawyers have given the addressed parties 45 days to resolve the demands before the threatened court action proceeds.
The notice reportedly outlines demands involving approximately UGX 976 million for Bakeine and additional terminal benefits and severance packages for the other affected employees. The overall threatened legal claim has been reported at approximately UGX 1.5 billion.
At the time of publication, the allegations remain untested in court, and this report does not establish liability on the part of any of the named parties. Responses from the accused parties should be included as they become available.
The bigger question for Uganda's wildlife tourism industry
For Uganda, the developments at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary raise an important question: how can the country safeguard its wildlife conservation achievements while ensuring that the institutions, land arrangements and people responsible for protecting endangered species operate within a stable and accountable framework?
Rhino conservation requires more than suitable habitat and protected animals. It also depends on experienced conservation personnel, effective institutional coordination, sustainable financing and long-term management arrangements.
As Uganda continues promoting itself as a leading wildlife tourism destination, the future of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary remains an important matter for conservationists, tourism operators and international visitors.
The outcome of this dispute could have implications extending beyond the former employees and the sanctuary's management, touching on the future direction of Uganda's rhino conservation programme.
Source: Nile Post, reporting by Kenneth Kazibwe, November 11, 2026. Background information: Uganda Wildlife Authority and Daily Monitor reporting on Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.