On May 8, 2025, for the first time ever, the residents of Mushungo Island, located in Lake Kivu, Nyarusange Cell, Kirimbi Sector, Nyamasheke District were connected to national grid means using electricity provided by the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
The island is home to 148 households, with a population of over 700 people. It hosts a school named GS Mushungo, a unique school for the island’s residents offering nursery, primary, and lower secondary education (9 Years Basic Education). The island also has a health post for its residents.
Jean Paul Kamana said, “Before we had electricity, we were unaware of what was happening around the country. But now, thanks to phones and televisions, we receive news from all over.”
Mutuyimana added, “We received electricity, and this is beyond our imagination! It’s a very good thing. We residents of Mushungo can now switch on lights with just a button. We are happy. Please thank President Paul Kagame on our behalf. If we saw him, we would hug him because of the great things he has done for us.”
Ntisinzira Drocella, a student at GS Mushungo, said that studying used to be difficult but now, with electricity, they are ready to pass national exams. She said, “As students preparing for national exams, we can now review our lessons, and on top of that, we will pass with excellent results.”
Jean Ndagijimana, the head of GS Mushungo, also confirmed that teachers are now better equipped: “Before we had electricity, it was extremely difficult for teachers to prepare lessons. But now, with electricity, teachers can plug in their laptops and conduct research. For example, here on Mushungo Island, it’s hard to access cars physically, but now with electricity and internet, a teacher can find images of a car online and show them to students for better understanding.”
Alex Mudasingwa, the REG Hub Manager for the Western Province, which includes Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, and Rutsiro Districts, explained the effort to bring electricity to the 148 households on Mushungo Island in Lake Kivu, Kirimbi Sector, Nyamasheke District. He stated, “Of all the inhabited islands in Lake Kivu, only two remain without electricity. One is currently under study, and the other is being advocated for, as it requires a dedicated power line.”
He continued, “As you know, the Government of Rwanda leaves no one behind, which is why even those few living on an island must be given access to electricity.”
He also urged the community to maintain and safeguard the infrastructure, emphasizing that it is their own property.
As of now, the Western Province has reached an electrification rate of 85.7%, with a target of reaching 97.1% by 2026.
