Authorities in Rwanda’s Western Province have confirmed the recovery of the body of a 23-year-old university student who drowned in Lake Kivu after a boat accident during a leisure outing with friends.
The victim, Cyuzuzo Grace, a student at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (UR-CST), had traveled to Karongi District with fellow students when the tragic incident occurred.
Her body was retrieved from the lake on the evening of March 9, nearly a day after she disappeared underwater when a small boat capsized while she was on the lake with one of her companions.
The incident took place in Gatwaro Village, Kibuye Cell, Bwishyura Sector, an area known for its scenic views of Lake Kivu and popular with visitors seeking weekend relaxation.
A Leisure Trip That Turned Tragic
According to local authorities, Cyuzuzo had traveled to Lake Kivu with a small group of friends from the university. The group consisted of three male students and two female students, who had planned a day trip to enjoy the lakeside environment.
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, attracts both local residents and tourists because of its calm waters and picturesque shoreline. In towns such as Kibuye, boat rides are common recreational activities for visitors.
On the afternoon of March 8, Cyuzuzo boarded a small boat with one of the male students she had traveled with. As the two moved further from the shoreline, the boat unexpectedly capsized while they were in the middle of the lake.
Witnesses say the young man managed to survive because he was wearing a life jacket that kept him afloat until rescuers arrived.
Cyuzuzo, however, was not wearing a life jacket.
Without flotation support, she quickly disappeared beneath the water before help could reach her.
Emergency Response and Search Efforts
Following the accident, local authorities were alerted and a search operation was immediately launched.
The Executive Secretary of Bwishyura Sector, Rwandekwe Songa, said the search involved coordination with the Rwanda National Police Marine Unit, which specializes in water rescue operations.
Rescue teams began combing the lake shortly after the incident was reported, using boats and specialized equipment to locate the missing student.
After hours of searching, the team eventually located her body late on March 9.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the young woman we have lost,” Songa said. “At the same time, this tragedy reminds us of the importance of respecting safety guidelines when visiting Lake Kivu.”
He emphasized that visitors unfamiliar with the lake should follow safety precautions strictly.
“People who come from areas where they are used to swimming pools should not treat Lake Kivu as if it were a pool,” he added. “Anyone going onto the lake must wear a life jacket and follow the instructions given by boat operators.”
A Young Life Cut Short
Cyuzuzo Grace was originally from Kanombe Sector in Kicukiro District, in the City of Kigali.
Friends described her as a dedicated student with strong academic ambitions. Those who studied alongside her at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology say she was known for her calm personality and close friendships within her class.
For many students at the university, the news of her death spread quickly through social media and campus messaging groups, leaving classmates shocked and saddened.
A fellow student who asked not to be named said the group had simply planned a short trip to relax after weeks of academic pressure.
“We were all looking forward to some time away from studies,” the student said. “No one imagined something like this could happen.”
For many young people studying far from home, weekend trips to destinations such as Lake Kivu are a common way to unwind.
The tragedy has now cast a somber mood over Cyuzuzo’s classmates, who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a friend.
Family Arrives as Community Mourns
By the time the body was recovered on Monday evening, members of Cyuzuzo’s family had already begun arriving in Karongi after receiving news of the accident.
Her father was among the relatives who reached the lakeside town as authorities concluded the recovery operation.
Local officials said the body was transferred to Kibuye District Hospital, where it will remain while the family prepares funeral arrangements.
Residents in the area who witnessed the search effort gathered quietly along the shoreline as rescue teams worked through the afternoon.
For many in the lakeside community, incidents like this are rare but deeply unsettling.
“Whenever something like this happens, it affects everyone,” said a local boat operator who watched the rescue teams. “We always remind visitors to wear life jackets, but sometimes people underestimate the risks.”
Growing Attention to Water Safety
Lake Kivu has long been considered one of Rwanda’s safest lakes for swimming and boating due to its relatively calm waters compared to other African lakes.
However, authorities frequently stress that even calm waters can become dangerous without proper precautions.
In recent years, local governments along the lakeshore have introduced stricter guidelines for tourism activities, including requirements that boat operators provide life jackets and ensure passengers wear them before departing.
Safety awareness campaigns have also been introduced in areas that attract tourists, especially during holiday seasons when visitor numbers increase.
Despite these efforts, officials say accidents can still occur when basic safety measures are ignored.
“The lake can be peaceful, but it must always be respected,” one local official said. “Wearing a life jacket is not opti it is essential.”
Lessons from the Tragedy
For residents and visitors alike, the death of the young university student has renewed conversations about safety around Rwanda’s lakes.
Community leaders say they will continue strengthening public awareness campaigns to ensure that visitors understand the risks associated with water activities.
The tragedy has also prompted calls among students and tourism operators for more consistent enforcement of safety regulations.
Some boat operators say they have already begun reviewing how they manage passenger safety to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Remembering Cyuzuzo
Back at the University of Rwanda, classmates and friends have begun sharing messages of remembrance for the young student whose life ended unexpectedly.
Many describe her as someone who balanced academic dedication with kindness toward those around her.
For the family now preparing to say goodbye, the loss is immeasurable.
What began as a simple outing between friends ended in a moment that will leave a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
As Lake Kivu’s calm waters return to their usual rhythm, the memory of the tragedy continues to resonate serving as a reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow when safety is overlooked.
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