Uganda, Rwanda celebrate gorilla conservation with shared pride

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Uganda is home to the largest share of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, and according to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Juliana Kagwa, the responsibility of conserving their fragile habitat in the Virunga Ranges rests squarely on the three neighbouring states: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“There are tourists who love to track gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. They spice up their trips by sampling what each destination offers for a full mixed grill of attractions. Uganda, for example, charges $800 for a gorilla tracking permit, compared to Rwanda’s $1,400. But here, visitors also enjoy more - from deep Lake Bunyonyi adventures to white-water rafting in Jinja, Batwa culture, and over 1,100 bird species.”

Kagwa added that the region is increasingly diversifying its tourism beyond the conventional safari.

“We are packaging cultural experiences, MICE tourism, culinary diversity, sports, and the arts. This way, visitors stay longer and spend more as they explore,” she said.

Mountain gorilla's from the Muhoza family move towards their nest at the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, on October 29, 2021. (Photo by Simon MAINA / AFP)

She also praised the East African Single Tourist Visa, which enables travellers to easily cross between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, thereby boosting regional collaboration and visitor numbers.

Gorilla baby boom

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) executive director James Musinguzi noted a surprising silver lining during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We witnessed an unprecedented baby boom among gorillas. We’re still studying the reasons, but it is clear that the period of reduced human activity benefited them greatly. Uganda has even received gorilla ‘refugees’ fleeing the smell and sound of gunshots in eastern DRC. One family that used to roam across all three countries now completely avoids Congo. Our area is safe, thanks to the communities in the neighbourhood, who receive 20 per cent of the gate entry fees. This is besides urging them to create a buffer space with tea gardens that they earn from,” Musinguzi revealed.

Kwita Izina: Rwanda’s gorilla festival

The discussion followed Rwanda’s just-concluded Kwita Izina Festival, an annual celebration that blends culture, conservation, and national pride. More than just a ceremony, Kwita Izina has become a statement of resilience, stewardship, and vision.

In Rwandan tradition, shared by communities across the region, naming is sacred. It carries blessings, identity, and belonging. Extending this cultural heritage to gorillas, Rwanda has made Kwita Izina a global attraction. Each year, newborn gorillas in Volcanoes National Park receive names such as Inyongera (abundance), Ubuzima (life), or Tega (listen).

“These names are more than labels. They are messages of hope, prayers for protection, and reminders of the deep bond between people and nature,” explained Rwanda Development Board CEO Irene Mwerwerwe.

From fewer than 300 gorillas in the 1980s, the global population has grown to more than 1,000, with Rwanda sheltering over a third.

“Gorillas were once on the brink of extinction. But thanks to deliberate conservation strategies, community involvement, anti-poaching laws, and eco-tourism, their numbers are steadily recovering. The naming ceremony is not just a party; it is a victory lap for conservation,” Mwerwerwe said.

Global spotlight on Musanze

During Kwita Izina, the quiet Rwandan town of Musanze transforms into a global stage. Streets come alive with traditional dancers, drumming echoes across the hills, and colourful processions captivate visitors. Conservationists, rangers, dignitaries, and celebrities gather to name the newborn gorillas before a cheering crowd and a global TV audience.

Past participants include President Paul Kagame, UN goodwill ambassadors, philanthropists, and Hollywood stars. For residents, the festival is more than a spectacle; it is an engine of economic growth. Hotels, craft markets, and tour companies thrive, while farmers and artisans supply products to support tourism. Young people find work as guides, drivers, and porters.

Indeed, the gorilla has become not only a symbol of conservation but also a source of livelihood.

As Kagwa emphasised, “The gorilla is the crown jewel of the Virunga Ranges tourism. But it is also a reminder that conservation is not a one-nation affair. It is a shared responsibility.