People living on islands considered unsuitable for permanent settlement are set to be relocated under increased allocations proposed in the 2026/2027 national budget to strengthen settlement and social support programmes. The proposed budget raises funding for urban and rural settlement programmes by more than Rwf1.44 billion, from Rwf145.46 billion in the Budget Framework Paper (BFP), while allocations supporting vulnerable and poor households increase by Rwf4 billion, from Rwf153 billion. Together, the increases amount to more than Rwf5 billion above figures initially proposed in the BFP. ALSO READ: Safety concerns prompt relocation of 11 island communities in Rwanda The planned relocation emerged during Senate discussions on Thursday, June 18, on the draft law determining the State budget. Total estimated resources for the 2026/27 fiscal year are projected at Rwf7,796.3 billion, representing an increase of Rwf844.2 billion, or 12 per cent, compared to the revised 2025/26 budget. Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Economy and Finance on the preparation of the Senate’s recommendations on the draft law determining the State budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, committee chairperson Fulgence Nsengiyumva said senators had raised concerns during earlier budget consultations over the absence of dedicated funding for relocation of people living on islands. ALSO READ: What is the fate of households to be relocated from islands? According to the committee, the recommendation was reflected in the draft budget through increased allocations under existing settlement and social support programmes rather than through a standalone relocation budget. “The relocation will be implemented through those programmes because there is no specific budget line for relocating people living on islands. It will be done in phases, and the process is expected to be completed by 2029,” Nsengiyumva said. He added that people living on islands will be relocated using the increased allocations. ALSO READ: Senators call for increased funding for roads, Genocide survivors' homes Senators indicated that the objective is to support movement from areas considered unsuitable for habitation and improve access to safer and more sustainable settlement conditions. Relocation from risky and isolated areas has repeatedly featured in parliamentary oversight discussions in recent years, particularly over concerns related to access to services, vulnerability to disasters and long term settlement planning. Senator Sosthene Cyitatire welcomed the move, saying it reflected concerns repeatedly raised by lawmakers. “I appreciate that the budget considered poor people and those living in risky areas, including relocation of people living on islands. That was among recommendations we made and we will continue following up on how the funds are used,” he said. Cyitatire added that parliamentary oversight would remain important to ensure implementation translates into actual relocation and improved living conditions for affected communities. The proposed budget remains under parliamentary review. Last year, the Ministry of Local Government outlined plans to compensate and resettle households living on several lake islands. In Musanze District, Mwegerera and Mukira islands in Gashaki Sector, covering 14.67 hectares, have 38 households comprising 181 people earmarked for relocation. In Burera District, Munanira Island has 26 households with 104 people set for resettlement. In Bugesera District, Sharita Island in Rweru Sector, spanning 90 hectares, has 84 households comprising 610 people expected to relocate. In Rusizi District, Gihaya Island, covering 14 hectares, has 184 households comprising 1,256 people identified for relocation. In Nyamasheke District, Mushungo and Muzira islands will see relocation of 157 households with 831 people. Also in Nyamasheke District, Kirehe, Ruzi and Tereri islands have a combined 186 households comprising 1,304 people earmarked for resettlement.
