Muzungu made the announcement in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on September 2, 2026.

He said Afrinest Engineering Ltd, a boat-manufacturing company based in Karongi that built the vessel, is currently repairing it, with plans to return it to the water next year.

“Afrinest Engineering, the company that makes boats, also built this vessel, so they are repairing it. We work with them regularly, and they have given us confidence that next year it will be back in the water,” Muzungu said.

He added that the Kivu Queen uBuranga will not be the only vessel expected to operate on Lake Kivu, saying more boats are being built to improve transport across the lake.

“It is not the only one. There are other boats that will increase transportation on Lake Kivu, so that they can carry people from Rubavu to Rusizi and elsewhere, in a way that will improve transportation on Lake Kivu compared to what is happening today,” he said.

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, which operated as a floating hotel, struck a rock in Lake Kivu in 2024 while sailing from Nyamasheke District towards Karongi.

The incident occurred in Kagano Sector, in Ninzi Cell, when the vessel was in waters near Nyamasheke.

The vessel did not sink, and all passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated without injuries.