Lifestyle
UK ambassador Alison Thorpe milks cow in Bigogwe, learns Rwandan cattle traditions
During her journey to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, UK Ambassador to Rwanda Alison Thorpe made a memorable stop in Bigogwe, a scenic region in Nyabihu District known for its lush pastures and iconic long-horned cattle.
There, she experienced a cherished Rwandan tradition milking a cow for the very first time.
Ambassador Alison Thorpe milking a cow in Bigogwe, Western Rwanda.
Sharing her experience on social media, Ambassador Thorpe wrote:
“On the way to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay, I stopped in Bigogwe and tried milking a cow for the first time. More milk ended up on my trousers than in the bucket! It was a joyful moment and I learned so much about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.”
Her lighthearted reflection captured the spirit of cultural exchange and appreciation.
In Rwanda, cows are more than a source of milk they symbolize wealth, unity, and honor. In traditional culture, gifting a cow is a profound gesture of love and partnership.
Visitors to Bigogwe are often invited to participate in milking, gaining hands-on insight into the daily life of pastoral communities and the cultural reverence for cattle.
The ambassador’s visit was facilitated by Ngabo Karegeya, founder of Ibere rya Bigogwe, a local tourism initiative that introduces guests to Rwanda’s cattle heritage. Karegeya, inspired by his upbringing among cows, has turned his passion into a platform for cultural education and rural tourism.
Ngabo Karegeya, founder of Ibere rya Bigogwe, shares Rwanda’s cattle traditions with visitors.
Impunzi 527 zivuye muri Congo ni zo zimaze kwakirwa i Rusizi
Tagawa wamamaye muri filime zirimo ’Mortal Kombat’ yapfuye
