New partnership to boost cultural tourism

NYANZA – The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) has signed a pact with the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) that will see the multiplication and exhibition of a traditional breed of cattle.The traditional long-horned cows commonly known as Inyambo are seen as a major tourist attraction owning to the country’s heritage, spanning back during the monarchical days of the country.Under the three-year agreement, RAB will provide the cows to the museums for live exhibitions to visitors.“Our target is not to make money, but rather preserve the Rwandan culture. We want people to visit these cows and get an insight into how the cows were a very important part of our history,” Dr Jean Jacques Muhinda, the Director General of RAB, said.“The Museums will help us portray that image while we will make every effort to safeguard this breed.”Last year, the collaboration between the two institutions resulted into the introduction of 20 cows at the Nyanza based Ancient History Museum- the very place where the kings used to live. Currently, 30 cows graze at the palace.The introduction of Inyambo has since boosted tourism at the museum, according to the Rwanda Museums Director General, Alphonse B. Umuliisa. He noted that the monthly income at the museum has grown from Rwf500 000 to the current Rwf5m per month.“The cows are making a big impact,” he said.Statistics indicate that visitors grew from 70 000 in 2010 to over 120 000 last year. The growth is mainly attributed to the introduction of Inyambo.