Bugarura Island Residents Drive Record Turnout at the Kivu Beach Expo 2025 in Rutsiro

The Rutsiro edition of the Kivu Beach Expo and Festival 2025 opened on Tuesday, December 9, with an unexpected and unprecedented spectacle. More than 5 000 people attended the first day, the majority coming from Bugarura Island, a remote community of over 2 000 residents whose only route to the mainland is by boat.

Held at the scenic Palega Beach Inn Hotel in Boneza Sector on the shores of Lake Kivu, the festival marked a historic moment for the district as boatloads of enthusiastic residents crossed from the island to join celebrations aimed at boosting local tourism.

For many attendees from Bugarura, the festival offered a rare opportunity to participate in a major national event, prompting long lines of boats arriving throughout the day. Organisers described the turnout as one of the most vibrant community mobilisations ever recorded in the district.

The festival, organised by Yirunga Ltd in partnership with Rutsiro District, brought together more than fifty exhibitors showcasing Made in Rwanda products ranging from handicrafts and traditional agriculture to locally processed beverages.

The presence of popular musician Igisupusupu, who performed in Rutsiro for the first time, was another major attraction for islanders and mainland residents alike. Crowds danced along the beach as he delivered a lively performance that festivalgoers described as historic.

Organisers and Local Leaders Praise Community Spirit

Yves Iyaremye, Director of Yirunga Ltd, expressed deep satisfaction with the unique atmosphere created by island residents and the entire district.

“The joy I found here is extraordinary,” he said. “We have every pathway and support we need and I plan to organise more events in Rutsiro. These celebrations benefit communities and bring shared opportunities.”

Rutsiro District Mayor Dative Kayitesi applauded Yirunga Ltd and partners for staging a successful event that brought renewed energy to residents.

“The effort we put into preparing for this festival has truly paid off,” she said. “It is the first time we have experienced an event of this scale in our district. We will keep working to ensure such festivals become frequent, thanks to partners who continue supporting us.”

Festival Activities to Continue Across Multiple Locations

The Kivu Beach Expo and Festival 2025 will run from December 12 to 14 across several tourism sites including Kinunu Wonders, Rushel Kivu Resort, Umutuzo Lodge, Kaysun and Kariba Beach. Activities will feature boat competitions, beach volleyball, swimming contests, traditional long horn cattle viewing, a Triathlon, Badminton and hiking.

One of the most anticipated attractions is the three day Boat Party, expected to draw even more visitors from surrounding communities.

For Bugarura Island residents, whose boats once symbolised isolation, the opening day of the festival transformed them into symbols of connection, celebration and a new chapter in Rutsiro’s tourism journey.