The Northern Province and RDB have announced that they are preparing a project to make Urugezi National Park the fifth national park in Rwanda due to its unique economy and biodiversity.
The Northern Province authorities have announced that they are working with the National Development Board (RDB) to prepare a project to make Urugezi National Park a national park, which could see Rwanda gain its fifth national park in the near future.
The new park will join four other existing parks, including Akagera, Ibirunga, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura, which were declared national parks in 2016.
The Northern Province Governor, Mugabowagahunde Maurice, said that the project is among the priority projects aimed at promoting tourism and conserving biodiversity.
He said: “It is in the master plan and will be implemented soon. We plan to make Urugezi a National Park. We are working with RDB on this and research has shown that Urugezi has many birds that attract birdwatchers, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.”
He continued by saying that infrastructure that will help tourism in the area is continuing to be improved, with the Kidaho-Butaro road being paved to make it easier for visitors to reach the wetland.
A wetland with unique biodiversity
Urugezi wetland is located between Gicumbi and Burera districts in the Northern Province. It was declared a protected area in 2017 due to its importance in preserving the environment and biodiversity.
It covers an area of over 7,000 hectares and is known for its abundant reed and reed grasses. It is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered ibis bird in Rwanda.
Statistics show that the conservation efforts of the swamp have yielded results, as from 2017 to August 2025, the number of otters in the area increased from 71 to 351.
Residents say it is a great opportunity
Rusizana Joseph, former head of Miyove Sector in Gicumbi District, said that making Urugezi a National Park would greatly help preserve the country’s history and natural resources.
He said: “It contains many types of traditional trees that have never disappeared. They are trees from which Rwandans can learn the history of ancient trees that are no longer found in many places. There are also many birds and other small animals that are only found in the swamp.”
He added that the swamp plays a major role in the livelihood of the people because the water it draws feeds Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
Potential tourism development areas
RDB continues to identify this area as a potential investment area for tourism due to its proximity to other popular tourist destinations including the Kings’ Palace and the Rukomo Centre in Gicumbi District.
The majority of the Urugezi wetland is located in Burera District, where it touches Gatebe, Kivuye, Butaro, Rusarabuye, Rwerere and Ruhunde sectors, while on the Gicumbi side it touches Miyove and Nyankenke sectors.
If the project is implemented, Urugezi will join the four existing national parks in Rwanda, which is expected to increase tourism opportunities and protect the environment.