The milestone event drew more than 30 influential figures from around the globe, who joined Rwandans in honouring the country's conservation achievements. First Lady Jeannette Kagame was among the high-ranking officials who attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
American film director Michael Bay, Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna, actress Michelle Yeoh Todt, former FIA President Jean Todt, PSG legend Javier Pastore, Nigerian Afropop star Yemi Alade, and leaders from global conservation organisations were among the distinguished participants who named the young gorillas.
Bay named one baby gorilla Umurage, meaning 'heritage,' while Alade named hers Kundwa, meaning 'loved.'
'As a movie director, I am going to make him a famous gorilla movie star," Bay remarked.
Reflecting on the moment, Alade said:
"As the first daughter of her mother, I know the responsibility of this role. It cannot be replaced because there is only one first daughter. The minute I laid my eyes on beautiful Kundwa, it was love at first sight. I feel grateful to the guides and trackers who spent hours locating the gorilla family. Their dedication allowed us to be welcomed into this family, and I love my baby Kundwa."
The ceremony, held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, came alive with traditional dances and vibrant attire, as the namers dressed in dark green blended with other colourful hues, celebrated alongside the locals.
Among the other prominent 'namers' were Princess Ingeborg Zu Schleswig-Holstein, Prince Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Professor Senait Fisseha, Sang-Hyup Kim, David S. Marriott, Dr Yin Ye, Charlie and Caroline Mayhew, Claver Ntoyinkima, Matthew Harris, Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), Mathieu Flamini, Laura Kabasomi Kakoma ('Somi'), Reed Oppenheimer, Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Dr Edward Hult, Suzanne Sinegal, Gagan Gupta, Camille Rebelo, Luis Garcia, Xi Zhinong, Lee Ehmke, Susan Chin, Ruth Fisher, Vivien Ressler, and Jean de Dieu Niyonzima.
Virtual participants included TikTok sensation Khaby Lame and a team of rangers and researchers from the Volcanoes National Park and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
In his address, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the global significance of the event:
"Today, we celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas but also conservation, communities, and the extraordinary power of nature to unite people from all corners of the world… Thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of conservationists, and the commitment of our communities, mountain gorillas have come back from the brink. Today, there are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif."
The Prime Minister also affirmed a bold plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25%, ensuring future generations of gorillas have secure habitats while simultaneously improving local livelihoods.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika described Kwita Izina as a symbol of the country's dedication to protecting its natural heritage and uplifting communities.
"This year, we celebrate 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total named since 2005 to 438. Kwita Izina is more than a ceremonyâ€"it is a global movement that combines conservation, community empowerment, and tourism, which in 2024 generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million."
"Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes and agricultural hubs across the country," he added.
He added that Rwanda's conservation achievements extend beyond gorillas, noting the reintroduction of lions and rhinos to Akagera National Park and the 2025 translocation of 70 white rhinosâ€"the world's largest such effort.
Governor of the Northern Province Maurice Mugabowagahunde welcomed participants and thanked the Head of State for safeguarding Volcanoes National Park. He noted that communities surrounding the park had benefited from over 695 projects funded through the tourism revenue-sharing program, with investments exceeding Frw 6 billion across 12 sectors.
"Residents appreciate the important project to expand Volcanoes National Park, which we believe will further boost tourism. Hosting the Kwita Izina ceremony here in the Northern Province is a great source of pride for our region," he said.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
