22 Baby Gorillas Named at Kwita Izina 2026 Ceremony

The annual Kwita Izina ceremony was held in Kinigi, Musanze District, on Friday, September 4, 2026, where 22 baby gorillas were given names in an event attended by government officials, international guests, celebrities and local residents. The ceremony, which became an annual event in 2005, aims to raise awareness about the protection of mountain gorillas and biodiversity, while also promoting sustainable tourism in Rwanda. Since the launch of Kwita Izina, a total of 438 gorillas have been named. The event also highlights the strong connection between conservation, tourism and community dev

The annual Kwita Izina ceremony was held in Kinigi, Musanze District, on Friday, September 4, 2026, where 22 baby gorillas were given names in an event attended by government officials, international guests, celebrities and local residents. The ceremony, which became an annual event in 2005, aims to raise awareness about the protection of mountain gorillas and biodiversity, while also promoting sustainable tourism in Rwanda. Since the launch of Kwita Izina, a total of 438 gorillas have been named. The event also highlights the strong connection between conservation, tourism and community development. Through Rwanda’s tourism revenue-sharing programme, 10% of tourism revenues generated from national parks is allocated to development projects benefiting communities living near protected areas. More than Rwf23 billion has so far been invested in about 1,300 community projects, including schools, health centres, water infrastructure and other social development initiatives. This year’s ceremony brought together guests from different parts of the world, including Patrice Evra, former Manchester United and France international defender; Mamadou Sakho, former France international who played for Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Crystal Palace; and James Chester, former Aston Villa and Wales international defender. Other prominent guests included Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO and majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid; Francesco Calvo, Aston Villa’s President of Business Operations; and David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union (UCI). Among those taking part in the naming ceremony was Rwandan gospel artist Israel Mbonyi, as well as Kenza Johanna Ameloot, a Rwandan who was crowned Miss Belgium in 2024. The conservation community was also represented by Alastair Fothergill, the British documentary filmmaker known for environmental productions including Planet Earth and Blue Planet, alongside Kelly O’Meara, Executive Director of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA). The ceremony was also entertained by several Rwandan artists, including The Ben, Riderman, Juno Kizigenza, Kivumbi King, Arriel Wayz and Senderi. The Ben performed several of his popular songs, including Why, Nta Cyadutanya, I’m in Love and Ndi uw’i Kigali. Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva was the chief guest at the ceremony. He arrived in Kinigi in the morning as residents and international visitors gathered for the annual event. Kwita Izina 2026 once again brought together tourism, conservation, culture and community development, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage while using it to support sustainable development.