Bugesera: Drones Deployed to Combat Malaria with Advanced Technology
In a bid to fight malaria, which continues to claim many lives in Rwanda—particularly in Bugesera District—a new drone-based approach has been launched. The initiative began on August 29, 2025, in Ruhuha Sector and is being implemented by Charis UAS Ltd in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and GIZ.
Bugesera is one of the districts most affected by malaria, mainly due to the numerous wetlands surrounding the area. In recent months, the district ranked third nationwide in malaria cases, with over 6,000 infections recorded in July alone out of more than 90,000 cases reported across the country.
Harerimana Innocent, a resident of Ruhuha, said the new technological approach has given the community hope.
Bugesera District Mayor, Richard Mutabazi, emphasized that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among residents.
Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana, Head of the Malaria Vector Control Program at RBC, explained that research showed rice paddies to be the main breeding grounds for mosquitoes. He added that while conventional spraying methods often fail to reach all affected areas, drones can cover large spaces quickly and efficiently.
According to Paul Kamali Karenzi of Charis UAS Ltd, the drone spraying operation will start in Ruhuha, covering over 93 hectares, before expanding to three other sectors in Bugesera District.
RBC reports that between 2024 and February 2025, Rwanda recorded 657,365 malaria cases, underscoring the urgent need for new strategies and advanced technologies to tackle the disease.
