Inside new district land use master plans

The new district land use master plans for eleven districts, approved by the Cabinet on November 28, are set to guide the sustainable utilisation of land and accelerate major projects that will drive urban development, according to the National Land Authority (NLA). The latest districts to get detailed land use plans include Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Kayonza in the Eastern Province; Kamonyi, Nyamagabe, Nyanza, and Ruhango in the Southern Province; as well as Karongi, Nyabihu, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi in the Western Province. ALSO READ: Land use master plans for six districts to be complete by end of 2025 The move follows earlier approvals for 13 other districts. “These District Land Use Plans are designed to safeguard agricultural and livestock land, support orderly and efficient urban development, promote environmental protection, and strengthen resilience against disasters,” said Marie Grace Nishimwe, Director General and Chief Registrar of Land Titles at National Land Authority (NLA). Nishimwe stressed that all stakeholders, ranging from the general public and investors to land purchasers and government institutions, must adhere to the provisions outlined in the District Land Use Plans (DLUPs). She said that the plans provide guidance on sustainable and efficient land allocation, supporting development priorities across urbanisation, agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda plans to set up tech to monitor land use The District Land Use Plans report, zoning plan, and zoning regulations are accessible via the geodata.rw portal, where every zoning designation and land use plan at the individual property (UPI) level can be verified. Nishimwe confirmed that Rwanda is now close to having all districts with detailed land use plans. “We are left with only three district land use plans to complete in order to achieve full national coverage. Plans for Ngororero, Rutsiro and Burera are ongoing and expected to be technically finalised early next year. Typically, the technical process of developing a district land use plan takes approximately one year,” she said. ALSO READ: New land use masterplan is in line with Vision 2050 She also highlighted that environmental considerations, demographic dynamics, and socio-economic activities are integrated into the planning process to ensure long-term growth. “Using GIS technology, the plans are based on evidence-driven mapping and spatial modelling,” she noted. Major planned projects At the local level, officials have welcomed the approvals as vital tools for guiding land-based investments. Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, Mayor of Nyamagabe District, described the master plan as a milestone. ALSO READ: Rubavu District revises master plan after volcanic earthquakes “We are nowmoving to develop detailed physical plans that will help us implement major initiatives, including upgrading Nyagisenyi Stadium, which will incorporate entertainment facilities and proposed multi-purpose commercial structures,” he revealed. Nyamagabe District has earmarked Rwf 3 billion for the stadium upgrade, with works to be executed in phases. The project will expand seating capacity from 6,000 to 10,000. Other projects in Nyamagabe include a light manufacturing zone in the district town, the Kaduha-Gitwe Corridor development to stimulate the agricultural economy, and the Kitabi Sector Ecotourism Project. Mayor of Kamonyi District, Sylvere Nahayo explained that the land use plan will correct past challenges and improve access to information for residents. He noted that the district is preparing to implement projects such as the Ruyenzi-Gihara road and construction of the Matengu bridge connecting Rukoma and Karama, alongside new commercial infrastructure in Kamuhanda Centre. ALSO READ: Secondary cities need to harness their potential “Discussions with investors are underway, with the spatial master plan serving as a foundation for the development of physical plans that identify future road networks, stormwater drainage systems and areas appropriate for multi-storey buildings,” he added. Cable car project underway Kamonyi District has identified 15 major projects to be implemented over the next twenty-five years. Among them is the Kamuhanda Cable Car Project, envisioned as a new tourism product hovering over River Nyabarongo and linking Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali to Kamonyi. The new Nyabarongo Bridge, valued at Rwf 5.2 billion, will symbolise close business ties between Kigali and the Southern Province while connecting pedestrians to the cable car station. Other projects include a proposed underpass at Ruyenzi junction to ease traffic, the Rwf 3.7 billion Remera-Rukoma Provincial Hospital, the Tourism Heritage Rocks project, and the Musambira African Village Craft Centre, which will showcase local artisanship. New airport city Bugesera District will host Rwanda’s Smart Airport City, linked to the development of the new international airport. The plan includes an Aeronautical Service Centre offering aircraft handling services, aviation training, and modern facilities for passenger and cargo transport. There will also be the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, designed to combine the speed of a metro with the flexibility of buses. In Gatsibo District, catalytic projects include the Gatsibo Model, a blueprint for integrated rural and urban development focusing on innovation and cultural growth. The Muhazi Lake Irrigation Scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, while the Gatsibo Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme will modernise farming practices. Infrastructure projects include a modern milk collection facility, alongside tourism initiatives positioning Gatsibo as the northern gateway to Akagera National Park. Stopover Business Hubs, modern markets, and a light industry zone at Kabarore are also planned. Landmark projects such as the Gatsibo Complex Stadium (Phase 3) and the Attractive Long Railway Suspension Bridge are expected to draw visitors and investors. Road connectivity projects will further link Gatsibo to regional and national routes. Rusizi District’s plan includes operationalising the Rusizi Water Port to connect with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rubavu, and Karongi. Other projects involve the Ruhwa and Bugarama-Kamanyola border posts, a city stadium, Mushaka Financial Plaza, a modern community playground, bus terminals, lorry parks, and road expansions. The district also plans a sanitary landfill, hot springs tourism in Nyakabuye Sector, and the establishment of a Colonial Museum. Karongi District will focus on agro-processing factories, road construction linking the Kivu Belt Road and Lake Kivu, and eco-tourism development. Ruhango District has identified 33 key projects, including a light industrial zone, bus terminals, modern markets, tourism trails from the western high mountains to the Amayaga plateau, and the development of sites such as Urutare rwa Kamegeri and Yezu Nyirimpuhwe. Youth and women’s centres and ecotourism parks are also planned. ALSO READ: Nyungwe-Ruhango green corridor restoration to begin in August National records show that 11,955,495 land parcels have been registered across Rwanda. Of these, 8.3 million are used for agriculture, 1.5 million for residential purposes, and around 1.1 million for forestry. Smaller shares are allocated to other uses, including 66,429 for commercial purposes, 105,256 for economic activities, 16,150 for industrial use, and 40,373 for livestock-related purposes.

News

Inside new district land use master plans