PICTORIAL: Glamour as Kwita Izina marks 20th anniversary in Kinigi

Thousands of people on Friday, September 5, flocked to Kinigi for the 20th edition of the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina. The annual conservation festival brought together conservationists, dignitaries, and international guests, with 20 distinguished namers taking part. The event, attended by senior government officials, was graced by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva. This flagship conservation celebration, which highlights Rwanda’s commitment to protecting wildlife, saw 40 baby gorillas receive names this year. Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has been held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District. It reflects Rwanda’s conservation success, where mountain gorillas, once critically endangered, have flourished alongside the socio-economic development of local communities. This year’s festivities were headlined by local artistes including Bruce Melodie, Mashirika troupe, Eric Senderi a.ka International Hit, Aliel Wayz among others. The gorilla population in the Virunga Massif, shared by Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda, has grown from 880 in 2008 to 1,063 today. The New Times photographers Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza covered the festival and captured some highlights.

In Pictures

PICTORIAL: Glamour as Kwita Izina marks 20th anniversary in Kinigi