Today, the City of Kigali, in partnership with the  SUNCASA  Project,  along  with numerous officials and thousands of residents from Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, and Gasabo districts, launched the ‘Igiti Cyanjye’ (My Tree) community tree planting campaign as part of the monthly Umuganda community service. More than 25,000 trees were planted, contributing to Kigali’s goal of planting three million new trees over the next five years. The campaign seeks to engage Kigali residents in planting and caring for trees, aiming to foster a sustainable, greener Kigali.

The Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, highlighted the importance of community-driven environmental initiatives: “Today’s Umuganda is more than a day of service; it’s a call to action. The launch of the ‘Igiti Cyanjye’ campaign is a crucial step in encouraging all residents of Kigali, young and old, to plant and care for their own trees. We want community champions to foster ownership of our urban environment. Together, we can build a sustainable, green, resilient, and vibrant city.”

This Umuganda also marked the launch of the Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project in Kigali. Led by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), and funded by Global Affairs Canada, SUNCASA aims to restore critical watershed areas and reduce flood risks, landslides, and soil erosion in Kigali. Implemented locally by ARCOS Network, AVEGA-Agahozo, and Rwanda Young Water Professionals (RYWP), the project will support the ‘Igiti Cyanjye’ campaign, facilitating the planting of trees through 2026, and creating over 5,000 green jobs.

Marc Manyifika, WRI’s Lead of Urban Resilience for Africa, emphasised the City of Kigali’s leadership in global climate action: “Kigali is setting a strong example in addressing climate challenges. Today’s tree planting is a powerful message—local actions can truly shape a sustainable future.”

Today’s event was attended by distinguished guests, including Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Dr. Mugenzi Patrice, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs from the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Justice Nthomeng Majara, along with her delegation.

The ‘Igiti Cyanjye’ campaign and the SUNCASA project not only strengthen Kigali’s climate resilience but also illustrate the impact of Nature-Based Solutions in addressing climate challenges, building a sustainable future for Kigali and the region.

For more information:

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director General in charge of Communications and Education - 0788597423, communications@kigalicity.gov.rw, info@kigalicity.gov.r