Travelers passing through the departures terminal at Entebbe International Airport may notice a striking silverback gorilla sculpture that invites more than a passing glance. This is no ordinary piece of art—it’s a tribute to Ruhondeza, one of Uganda’s most iconic mountain gorillas, whose story is deeply intertwined with the nation’s conservation history and tourism journey.
Ruhondeza was the dominant silverback of the Mubare gorilla family, the very first gorilla group to be habituated for tourism in Uganda. Habituation began in 1991, and by 1993, the group was officially opened for tourism in the lush depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At the time, Ruhondeza was estimated to be between 28 and 32 years old. His name, derived from the local language, means “one who loves sleeping”—a name earned due to his calm demeanor and unhurried nature.
Leading a group of 17 individuals, Ruhondeza was known not for dominance through force, but through remarkable peace and stability. His leadership style reflected a quiet strength, and under his guidance, the Mubare family became a model of gorilla social harmony. Over his lifetime, Ruhondeza became the most photographed gorilla in Bwindi, a gentle giant who connected thousands of visitors to the beauty and fragility of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. By the time of his death on 27th June 2012, he had reached approximately 50 years of age and had been seen by more than 50,000 tourists from around the world.
What made Ruhondeza’s final days particularly extraordinary was his choice to retreat not into the solitude of the deep forest, but to the fringes of a nearby village. There, surrounded by humans rather than his wild kin, he spent his last moments in peace. It was an act that underscored the mutual trust that had developed over years of gentle encounters between gorillas and people. It was also a powerful reminder of the bond that can form between species when respect and care guide our interactions.
Today, Ruhondeza’s legacy is immortalized in the sculpture at Entebbe International Airport. But his true legacy lives in the continued efforts to protect Uganda’s mountain gorillas. He was more than just a gorilla—he was a pioneer, a symbol of peaceful coexistence, and a quiet ambassador for conservation. As travelers pause to admire his likeness at the airport, they’re also reminded of the urgent need to preserve the future of those who remain in Bwindi and beyond.
Honoring Ruhondeza means continuing the work he helped inspire. It means protecting the families that still roam Uganda’s highland forests and ensuring that generations to come will also have the chance to look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla in the wild. Because one family saved is truly a future preserved.
