The oldest known mountain gorilla in Uganda was Ruhondeza, the former leader of the Mubare gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ruhondeza passed away in 2012 at an estimated age of over 50 years.

Ruhondeza was famous for leading the first gorilla group that was habituated for tourism in Uganda in 1991, marking the beginning of gorilla tourism in Bwindi. His name, which means “sleepy fellow” in the local Rukiga language, reflected his calm and gentle personality. Despite challenges such as losing members of his group to rival males, Ruhondeza remained an iconic figure in Uganda’s conservation history.

His death was a significant moment in Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts, and he was buried near Bwindi National Park as a symbol of successful gorilla conservation and tourism in the country.