Fish and small sardines from Lake Kivu have become a key source of nutrition for families living on Bugarura Island in Rutsiro District, contributing to efforts to reduce child malnutrition and stunting, according to local authorities.
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Uwimana Consolee highlighted the progress during a visit to the island on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, where she commended residents for using local resources to improve household nutrition and support children’s growth.
Bugarura Island, located in Lake Kivu, has a population of 2,469 people, most of whom rely on fishing as their main livelihood.
The minister, accompanied by Western Province Governor Ntibitura Jean Bosco and National Child Development Agency (NCDA) Director General Ingabire Assumpta, met residents to discuss government initiatives aimed at strengthening families, improving livelihoods and promoting child welfare.
Uwimana said the community’s fishing activities have helped families generate income while increasing access to nutritious foods, particularly fish and small sardines harvested from Lake Kivu.
She encouraged residents to continue strengthening family values, prevent domestic conflicts and protect children from abuse, including child defilement.
The minister’s visit was part of broader efforts to engage communities on programmes supporting family development, nutrition improvement and child protection.
Residents said fishing has remained central to their livelihoods, enabling them to provide food for their families and contribute to improved health outcomes among children on the island.
