On Saturday, June 21st 2008, Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) will be hosting the Fourth Annual Kwita Izina - Gorilla Naming Ceremony.

Since its inception in 2005, 65 mountain gorillas have been given names. The names are chosen by ORTPN, based on circumstances surrounding the baby’s birth or particular traits.

The event is a little like a comic movie. Kids dress in gorilla suits and imitate the gorilla. They jump, play, and cry just like gorillas.

The gorilla naming ceremony, ‘Kwita Izina’ which means ‘to give a name’, is however not a joke. For Rwandans it is a deeply emotional practice.

According to Rosette Chantal Rugamba, Director General of ORTPN, it’s through this unique ceremony and a continued life nurturing programme, that Rwanda ensures the gorillas remain part of her and the world’s heritage.

She says: "The event represents something more: Every birth is confirmation of a successful conservation and protection programme.”

Rugamba added that it is an effort to celebrate conservation success and community development, as we strive to protect the remaining population of less than 800 mountain gorillas.

"The hope is that one day mountain gorillas will be removed from the endangered species list,” says Rugamba.

Mountain Gorillas share with human beings 98 per cent of genes. Rwanda is a home to about one third of the 750 mountain gorillas only left in the world.

At this year’s event, under the theme ‘Caring for wildlife concerns us all’, names will be given to 20 mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park.

It being a unique and stupendous way of conserving and celebration, the event has won the hearts of many worldwide.

These include both local and international celebrities and conservationists of different dignities from all over the world.

Clever Kintu, a public certified accountant, who has attended the last two ceremonies, says that ‘Kwita Izina’ is something new and original and a great experience for tourists.

"It is a great, funny, entertaining, and an outstanding ceremony never heard anywhere else,” he added.

Launched in 2005, the President Paul Kagame and his wife by named the first twin gorillas ever born in the wild. The naming is done by only selected and previledged people, who have played a role in wild life conservation and are selected by ORTPN.

The naming process is done in two phases with entertainment breaks. At the podium, ORPTN proposes three Kinyarwanda names for each baby to the privileged candidates for selection.

The proposed names are coupled with justifying reasons, which usually depends on the events surrounding the birth of the baby gorilla.

It is upon these circumstances that the candidate decides which name suits the baby. There are no gorillas present but children in fancy dress do there best to make up for this.

In 2005, the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, named two baby gorillas Urumuli (light) and Agaseke (decorated basket), respectively.

The UK Ambassador, to Rwanda, Jeremy Macadie named one of the baby gorillas Big Ben.

Ashiraf Lumanthu, a Kenyan student, has come to witness the gorilla naming ceremony this year. His expectations are high.

"I have only heard about this event through my Rwandan friend but now am here to attend the awesome event. It is a different style of entertainment – therefore a must watch.”

This year’s ceremony is going to be as colourful as ever with international musicians performing (P-Square, Chameleon and Oliver N’goma).

Contact: eddiemukaaya@yahoo.com