September 4, 2026
Kinigi, Rwanda | 4 September 2026 – Rwanda today celebrated the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, where 22 baby mountain gorillas were officially named. The annual event brought together local communities, conservationists, partners, and guests from Rwanda and around the world to celebrate the country’s mountain gorillas and the continued success of its conservation efforts.
Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” this year’s ceremony saw distinguished Namers from the fields of conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service bestow names on the newborns, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and promoting sustainable conservation.
The ceremony was graced by Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, as Guest of Honour, alongside H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Former President of Botswana; H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Rt. Hon. Peter Pinda Mazengo, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania.
The celebration featured performances and entertainment highlighting Rwanda’s culture and conservation journey, while recognising the communities, rangers, researchers, conservation organisations and partners whose work continues to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat.
With 22 babies named this year, the total number of mountain gorillas named through Kwita Izina since it became an official annual event in 2005 now stands at 460.
Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, said:
“In the early 1980s, there were only about 250 mountain gorillas left in the Virunga Massif. Today, there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the world, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif. This remarkable recovery did not happen by chance. It was built through the persistence of rangers, the expertise of veterinarians and researchers, strong conservation policy, responsible tourism, and the recognition that no single actor could do this job alone. Protecting nature cannot be separated from improving people’s lives, just as national conservation efforts cannot be separated from international cooperation.”
Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, said:
“The mountain gorilla demonstrates what sustained commitment, strong institutions, community partnership and international partnerships can achieve. This is an extraordinary conservation achievement, but it is also a reminder that our work must continue.”
Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Governor of the Northern Province, said:
“Kwita Izina is an opportunity to recognise the value of the natural heritage we have, to encourage communities to protect biodiversity, and to remind us of the important role of Volcanoes National Park in the development of our people and our country.”
2026 Kwita Izina Namers and Baby Gorillas:
- Ishakwe – ‘Determination’
H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais named a female baby gorilla from the Muhoza family, born to mother Inkubito. The name Ishakwe, meaning “determination,” honours Rwanda’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and its natural environment.
- Mukondo – ‘Starting Point/Source’
Dominic Barton named a male baby gorilla from the Izuba family, born to mother Muhabura. The name Mukondo, meaning “starting point” or “source,” reflects how protecting mountain gorillas can help safeguard the wider ecosystem they call home.
- Shikama – ‘Stand Strong’
Paul Danforth named a male baby gorilla from the historic Susa family Shikama, meaning “stand strong.” The name celebrates the resilience of a gorilla family that has endured challenges and continues to thrive.
- Inkera – ‘Traditional Celebration’
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín named a male baby gorilla from the Pablo family Inkera, meaning “traditional celebration.” Born just one day before Umuganura, Rwanda’s traditional celebration of harvest and thanksgiving, the name celebrates both Rwanda’s heritage and continued conservation progress.
- Rugamba – ‘Fighter’
Eng. Sadek Elsewedy and Anita Dravec named a male baby gorilla from the Hirwa family Rugamba, meaning “fighter.” The name reflects a story of resilience, beginning with his mother’s successful integration from an unhabituated group into the Hirwa family and continuing with the arrival of her young son.
- Mucyo – ‘Light’
Olivier and Quitterie Granet named a male baby gorilla from the Ntambara family, born to mother Urahirwa. They named him Mucyo, meaning “light,” recognising the role mountain gorillas play in drawing attention to protecting Rwanda’s wider biodiversity.
- Ngabonzima – ‘Protector’
Garreth and Nicola Wood named a male baby gorilla from the Segasira family Ngabonzima, meaning “protector.” As the first-born male in his family, the name carries the hope that he will one day support the dominant male in protecting the group.
- Ndongozi – ‘Leader’
Aston Villa legend James Chester named a male baby gorilla Ndongozi, meaning “leader.” Born to mother Isaro of the Musilikale family, Ndongozi joins the largest gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
- Kambere
Susan Hollern named a female baby gorilla Kambere. The name recognises Volcanoes National Park’s important role in welcoming visitors to Rwanda and connecting them with the country’s natural heritage.
- Bukaka – ‘Majesty, Strength and Power’
Acclaimed Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo named a baby mountain gorilla from the Humura family Bukaka, meaning “majesty, strength and power.” The name reflects the strength of the baby’s lineage and celebrates the continuing story of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
- Ngoga – ‘Brave/Courageous’
Francesco Calvo named a male baby gorilla from the Kwitonda family Ngoga, meaning “brave” or “courageous.” His mother gave birth at a young age, and his arrival supports the family’s continued growth.
- Muhuza – ‘One Who Connects/Brings Together’
David Lappartient named a male baby gorilla from the Kwisanga family Muhuza, meaning “one who connects” or “brings together.” The name reflects the shared responsibility of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in protecting the mountain gorillas’ transboundary habitat.
- Komezutsinde – ‘Keep Winning’
Dominique Laura Plewes named a male baby gorilla, born on 19 June 2025 to mother Nzeri of the Mutobo family. The name Komezutsinde, meaning “keep winning,” reflects continued success in conserving Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
- Mpinga – ‘On the Top’
Award-winning filmmaker Alastair Fothergill named a female baby gorilla, born on 11 November 2025 to mother Teta of the Pablo family. The name Mpinga, meaning “on the top,” carries the wish that she will thrive as Rwanda’s conservation progress continues for generations to come.
- Tarama – ‘To Socialise/Come Together’
Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim named a male baby gorilla from the Humura family Tarama, meaning “to socialise” or “come together.” The name reflects nature’s power to connect people across cultures and borders.
- Impeta – ‘Award/Symbol of Recognition’
Rwandan gospel singer and songwriter Israel Mbonyi named a male baby gorilla from the Izuba family Impeta, meaning “an award” or “symbol of recognition.” The name honours Rwanda’s continued progress and commitment to protecting its natural heritage.
- Igeno – ‘Destiny’
Kelly O’Meara named a female baby gorilla Igeno, meaning “destiny.” Born to mother Tabaro of the Musilikale family, Igeno begins her life surrounded by several generations of relatives.
- Ruhembe – ‘At the Forefront’
Neil and Susan McDougall named a male baby gorilla from the Izuba family Ruhembe, meaning “at the forefront.” The name recognises the rangers who work on the frontline every day to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and their habitat.
- Ndahiro – ‘Commitment’
Nyungwe National Park Ranger Jeannette Uwimbabazi named a male baby gorilla from the Musilikale family Ndahiro, meaning “commitment.” The name represents the shared responsibility to protect mountain gorillas, their habitat and Rwanda’s wider biodiversity.
- Ntwarane – ‘United in Pursuit of a Common Goal’
Former French international footballer Mamadou Sakho named a male baby gorilla Ntwarane, representing people united in pursuit of a common goal. The name celebrates the collective effort of communities, rangers, conservationists, government and partners in protecting mountain gorillas.
- Muganura – ‘Harvest/Thanksgiving’
Former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra named a male baby gorilla from the Izuba family Muganura, inspired by Rwanda’s traditional harvest and thanksgiving celebration. As Mafubo’s first infant, his arrival is especially significant for his mother and family.
- Nkwakuzi – ‘Brave Persons’
Miss Belgium 2024 Kenza Johanna Ameloot named a male baby gorilla, born on 15 April 2026, to Isimbi of the Umubano family. Nkwakuzi, meaning “brave persons,” carries the wish that he will grow strong and brave alongside his family in Volcanoes National Park.
More than 1,060 mountain gorillas now live in the wild across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi ecosystem. Mountain gorillas remain the only great ape whose population continues to grow, following decades of collaboration between governments, conservation organisations, researchers, veterinarians, rangers and communities.
Kwita Izina also highlights the connection between conservation, tourism and community development.
Through Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, 10 per cent of national park tourism revenues are reinvested in communities surrounding protected areas. To date, more than RWF 23 billion has supported nearly 1,300 community projects, including schools, health centres, water infrastructure and livelihood initiatives.
This year’s celebrations have also included the groundbreaking of the Smart Green Village in Kinigi, part of the wider Volcanoes Community Resilience Project. Rwanda’s long-term vision includes expanding Volcanoes National Park by approximately 3,740 hectares and establishing approximately 6,620 hectares of buffer zones, with the broader programme expected to improve livelihoods for more than 17,000 people.
Kwita Izina, meaning “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, draws on Rwanda’s centuries-old tradition of naming newborn children in the presence of family and community. Since becoming an official annual event in 2005, it has grown into an international platform that celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements and recognises the important role of communities and partners in protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat.
Media Resources
- View and download photos from the 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony here.
- Watch the ceremony here.
Media Contact
For media enquiries, please contact communications@rdb.rw
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