Kwita Izina: What name would you give a baby gorilla?

It’s one of the biggest events on the country’s annual tourism calendar. To take part in this event is a life time honour that everyone would wish to have. Kwita Izina- the annual gorilla naming ceremony is what we are talking about. And on July 1, 2014, all roads will lead to Kinigi, Musanze District in the Northern Province for the 10th annual Kwita Izina ceremony where 18 baby mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park will be named. Dean Karemera talked to a cross-section of people on the choice of names they would give baby gorillas and why if they were given the opportunity. I would name the gorilla Jack….(laughs). I think I would choose this name because it is unique and no one would expect such a name. I also think it would easily connect with the tourists Mark Mugarura, Marketing Director, at Skol Brewery ____________________ I would definitely go for the name Ebenezer which means ‘thus far the Lord has helped us’. My reason for picking this name is because I look at Rwanda today and I can’t believe how far we have come. Years back while we were still in exile; I would look at the development in the where country I was and thought that it wasn’t meant for Rwanda. I never thought we would have such a beautiful country as well. But here we are today with one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Bishop Nathan Amooti Rusengo, Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese __________________ I would name the baby gorilla Mahoro (Peace). My reason is that we need stability and tranquility and there’s no way we can attain the two without having a peaceful country. Innocent Muhizi, Head of Transactional Banking and I.T at I&M Bank __________________ I really don’t know but I think I would go with Cyuzuzo (literally meaning a “unifying link”). My reason for this choice is because our government has managed to be a unifying link for all Rwandans and if I named one of the gorillas such a name, I believe it would be a constant reminder for Rwandans that we must continue being united if we are to continue developing. Marie Yohana Mukankuranga, legendary musician _______________ I would choose the name Kanyarwanda. This is simply because they are special to us and we have them. It is very good to see people come from all over the world to visit the gorillas. Besides, if it is named Kanyarwanda, it sends out a message that Rwanda is the place to find gorillas. Emma Claudine, Managing Editor, Girl Hub _____________ If I got the opportunity to name a gorilla, I would name it Kaze. The reason behind this name is that it is a positive name. Its meaning (welcome) is heart-warming. It could be something like welcome to Rwanda, welcome to “gorilla-land,” or even welcome to the land of beautiful tourism. Nathan Mugume, Head of Division, Rwanda health communication centre _________________ I would have to choose from two names, Agaciro (values) and Ikizere (hope). My choice of Agaciro is because Gorillas have a big impact on our tourism sector and the country as a whole. My consideration of Ikizere is based on the fact that even though the gorillas are few, we still have hope that they will increase in number. Pierre Kayitana, Publics relations manager, Tigo Rwanda _______________ I would give it my name, Stella. Stella means “morning star”. The morning star gives us light, brightens our world and brings us warmth. That is the value I attach to the gorillas as far as nature and tourism are concerned. They are valuable to Rwanda as a country. Stella Ford Mugabo, Minister In Charge of Cabinet Affairs ____________ Without a doubt I would name it Agaciro (value). My reason is that as Africans we tend to de-humanise ourselves and end up losing value. Secondly, I see how far we have come as a country and it is amazing how much we’ve accomplished in such a short period; all this has been possible because we value ourselves. I think that would be an appropriate name. Charles Kakooza Nkuliza aka KNC, Proprietor Radio and TV 1 ___________ Joselyn Umutoniwase, Founder of Rwanda Clothing Fashion House I think I would give it my name, Umutoni but wouldn’t add “wase” because somehow it might not make sense. Umutoni literally means something lovely and I think the gorillas are lovely too. Actually, I would be very happy to have a gorilla I share a name with and it would be a tremendous honour if I did it myself.

Insight

Kwita Izina: What name would you give a baby gorilla?