RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
Former France international and Manchester United star Patrice Evra has joined Rwanda’s 21st Kwita Izina ceremony, where he named one of 22 baby mountain gorillas “Umuganura”, adding his voice to a global celebration of Rwanda’s remarkable conservation journey.
Evra described his visit to Rwanda as an increasingly emotional and inspiring experience, saying he had been falling in love not only with the country but also with its people. “Every single day, I’m falling in love more with your country, but also with your people,” he told the gathering.
His journey in Rwanda began at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a visit he described as deeply moving. “It was a really deep day for me, but at the end, really inspirational,” Evra said, reflecting on the stories of forgiveness and resilience he encountered.
The former football star also praised Rwanda’s transformation and the organisation of the Kwita Izina ceremony. He thanked President Paul Kagame, whom he said he first met six years ago, and expressed admiration for the progress he has witnessed since then.
“I couldn’t believe the work has been done, even today for this ceremony, the logistics, everything was perfect,” Evra said. He added that “many African countries should take example of Rwanda.”
When the moment came to name his baby gorilla, Evra briefly departed from the official script, joking with the audience before returning to the ceremony. He ultimately announced the name Umuganura, a name connected to Rwanda’s traditional celebration of harvest and thanksgiving.
According to the explanation delivered during the ceremony, the name Umuganura carries a special meaning as a celebration of harvest and thanksgiving. The gorilla is the first infant in its family, giving the name particular significance to its mother and family.
Evra was visibly moved by the atmosphere surrounding the ceremony, especially the performances by Rwandan children. “The kids were singing and dancing. I love this energy. It’s a very beautiful energy in Rwanda,” he said.
The experience even made the former footballer consider extending his stay in the country. “I’m supposed to fly on site today, but I think I’m going to already extend my stay because it’s so good,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
Evra ended his message with a warm tribute to Rwanda and its people: “My Rwanda peoples, I love you. Take care of yourself.” He also signed off with a phrase closely associated with his football personality: “Don’t forget to love this game.”
This year’s Kwita Izina saw 22 baby gorillas receive names, bringing the total number of gorillas named since the initiative began to 438. The 22 names given during the 21st edition were Ishakwe, Umukondo, Shikama, Inkera, Rugamba, Mucyo, Ingobonzima, Indongozi, Ikambere, Ubukaka, Ngoga, Muhuza, Komezutsinde, Intwarane, Tarama, On Top, Impeta, Igeno, Uruhembe, Ndahiro, Umuganura and Inkwakuzi.
The ceremony once again placed Rwanda’s mountain gorillas at the centre of an international gathering of sports figures, conservationists, business leaders and other global personalities. Beyond the naming itself, Kwita Izina has become a symbol of Rwanda’s broader commitment to wildlife conservation, community participation and sustainable tourism.
For Evra, however, the day appeared to be about more than simply giving a name to a gorilla. It was a personal encounter with Rwanda’s people, history, culture and conservation story, an experience he described with affection and admiration.
Daniel Nyionkuru
