Musanze District has come alive as Rwanda hosts the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, bringing together local communities, visitors, conservationists and distinguished guests for a celebration centred on mountain gorilla conservation.
The main Gorilla Naming Ceremony is taking place today, Friday, September 4, 2026, in Kinigi under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”
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Music and Entertainment Opened the Celebrations
The celebrations gained momentum on Thursday with the Kwita Izina Community Celebration Concert at Stade Ubworoherane in Musanze.
The concert brought together residents and visitors through music and entertainment ahead of the main naming ceremony, with several Rwandan artists taking the stage.
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22 Baby Gorillas to Receive Names
A total of 22 baby mountain gorillas are being celebrated during this year’s ceremony, with distinguished personalities from conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment and other fields taking part in the naming process.
The selected namers include Rwandan and international personalities who are joining Rwanda in celebrating the country’s conservation efforts.
Thousands of Visitors Bring Life to Musanze
The event has also created a busy atmosphere in Musanze, with visitors arriving for the celebrations.
Hotels, restaurants, taxi operators, retailers and other businesses are benefiting from increased activity as visitors attend the different Kwita Izina events.
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Conservation Remains at the Heart of the Event
Beyond entertainment and tourism, Kwita Izina continues to highlight Rwanda’s efforts to protect mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
The event has grown into a major conservation platform that brings together communities, conservation partners and visitors to celebrate Rwanda’s natural heritage.
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Celebrations Continue Beyond the Naming Ceremony
The Kwita Izina programme extends beyond the main naming ceremony, with exhibitions and other activities forming part of the celebrations.
A Kwita Izina Concert is also scheduled to take place at BK Arena in Kigali as the wider celebrations continue.
