List of Eight Rwandan Islands Officially Approved for Permanent Settlement

H1: Eight Rwandan Islands Officially Approved for Permanent Settlement

 The Minister of Environment, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, presented to the Senate Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights the current state of how land use policies, laws, and regulations are being implemented and respected in the islands.

H2: Overview of Island Settlement Policies in Rwanda

The Minister also presented a general overview of the islands within the country, highlighting those designated for permanent settlement and those considered unsuitable for habitation. Currently, there are eight islands that are permanently inhabited: Nkombo, Ishywa, Gihaya, Bugarura, Iwawa, Kirehe, Mushungo, and Birwa. These islands are deemed appropriate for continued settlement. On the other hand, some islands are not suitable for habitation—either because they are uninhabited or because residents have begun to be relocated. These include Mukira and Mwegera. Additionally, some districts plan to relocate residents from other remote islands such as Munanira and Sharita due to accessibility and sustainability concerns.

Dr. Uwamariya detailed the classification of islands based on their suitability for habitation. Currently, eight islands are permanently inhabited and have been designated for continuous residential settlement. These islands include Nkombo, Ishywa, Gihaya, Bugarura, Iwawa, Kirehe, Mushungo, and Birwa. They are considered appropriate for ongoing settlement due to their access to essential resources and infrastructure.

In contrast, several islands have been classified as unsuitable for permanent habitation. Among these are Mukira and Mwegera, which are either uninhabited or currently undergoing processes to relocate existing residents. Furthermore, districts have plans to relocate inhabitants from more remote islands such as Munanira and Sharita. These relocations are motivated by concerns related to accessibility, sustainability, and the provision of basic services, which remain significant challenges on these islands.

H3: Criteria for Island Habitation and Land Use Regulations

The use and management of land on islands is being properly regulated.

The Minister also presented an overview of the country's islands, specifying which ones are suitable for settlement and which are not. Currently, eight islands are permanently inhabited: Nkombo, Ishywa, Gihaya, Bugarura, Iwawa, Kirehe, Mushungo, and Birwa. These are considered appropriate for residential settlement.

In contrast, islands that are either uninhabited or already in the process of having residents relocated—such as Mukira and Mwegera—are classified as unsuitable for long-term settlement. Additionally, some remote islands, like Munanira and Sharita, are also considered unfit for habitation, and local districts plan to relocate their residents due to the islands' inaccessibility.

On most inhabited islands, residents have official land titles, except for Iwawa, which is state-owned and hosts government programs but is not a residential area.

These inhabited islands generally have essential infrastructure such as schools, administrative buildings, healthcare services, and electricity. However, some islands still lack basic services. For example, Gihaya Island does not have adequate access to clean water or electricity.

Other islands such as Ruzi (with 22 households), Muzira (15 households), and Tereri (5 households) are officially registered as government land. Residents on these islands are expected to be relocated and integrated into more centralized communities so they can benefit from improved access to infrastructure and services.

On the majority of inhabited islands, residents possess official land titles, reflecting government efforts to formalize land ownership and promote legal security. However, Iwawa Island is a notable exception; it remains state-owned and primarily serves as a hub for government programs rather than a residential area.

The inhabited islands generally benefit from essential infrastructure that supports the daily lives of their residents. These include schools, administrative offices, healthcare centers, and access to electricity. Nevertheless, some islands still face critical gaps in infrastructure and basic services. For example, Gihaya Island struggles with inadequate access to clean water and electricity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve living standards.

In her report, the Minister also mentioned smaller islands such as Ruzi (home to 22 households), Muzira (15 households), and Tereri (5 households), which are officially registered as government land. The residents of these islands are slated for relocation and integration into more centralized communities. This strategic move aims to enhance their access to better infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Dr. Uwamariya underscored the government’s commitment to regulating land use on islands responsibly, ensuring that settlements are sustainable and that environmental conservation is prioritized. The ongoing efforts to relocate residents from less viable islands reflect a broader strategy to balance human habitation with ecological preservation.

By providing adequate infrastructure, formalizing land ownership, and enhancing service delivery, the government aims to create resilient island communities capable of thriving despite geographic and environmental challenges.