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By Annonciata Byukusenge
A new boat named Amarebe Cycle Boat Tours has been launched on Lake Mirayi in the Bugesera District. The boat is designed to support tourism activities conducted on the lake.
The boat was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during a ceremony attended by the Commander of the Reserve Forces, Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame, alongside the Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, and the Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi.
The event took place on the shores of Lake Mirayi, where the boat will operate, offering visitors lake tours, shoreline excursions, and a unique form of water-based sports.
Retired Captain Mbavu Rachid, one of the Reserve Force members involved in the boat’s construction, stated that the idea emerged from a collective effort to contribute to national development.
He said, “We came up with the idea of building this boat as a way to find how we, too, could contribute to nation-building. What’s special about this boat is that it can be powered in two ways: using a motor or pedaling.”
Maj. Gen. Alex Kagame noted that there are plans to build more boats of this kind to facilitate residents and tourists wishing to visit various parts of Bugesera and beyond through sports boating.
He remarked, “Mutual support is a core value in our culture. We must work together to support retired soldiers in achieving a decent livelihood after military service. What they’ve done here is impressive. We will provide all the necessary support to ensure this initiative doesn’t go to waste. Bugesera District is rich, especially in its numerous lakes.”
Governor Pudence Rubingisa expressed the administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Reserve Forces in promoting tourism based on water sports.
He said, “We must harness the potential of these lakes and develop water sports to an international level. We will continue to support and work together with the Reserve Forces. We also call upon private investors in tourism and sports to visit this new innovation. It’s a positive development to see retired soldiers actively engaging in meaningful, much-needed projects.”
The Amarebe Cycle Boat Tours was built by a cooperative of Reserve Forces members and cost around 40 million Rwandan francs. It is expected to boost the number of tourists visiting different parts of Bugesera District, especially those exploring Lake Mirayi.
The boat will also ease transportation for residents of Gashora Sector and visitors to Lake Mirayi.
