MINEMA Conducts Multi-Agency Simulation Exercise to Test Emergency Response at Mukungwa I Hydropower Plant

The MINEMA, in partnership with Save the Children International, successfully concluded a three-day Tabletop Simulation Exercise aimed at strengthening Rwanda's disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity for critical infrastructure.

Held from 22–24 June 2026 in Musanze District, the exercise simulated a catastrophic flood scenario affecting the Mukungwa I Hydropower Plant, bringing together participants from national and local government institutions, humanitarian organizations, technical agencies, academia, utility operators, and the Musanze District Disaster Management Committee. 

The simulation tested the country's ability to coordinate and respond to a complex infrastructure emergency triggered by extreme weather and severe flooding. The scenario examined cascading impacts, including mechanical failures at the hydropower plant, power outages, communication disruptions, downstream flooding, and the spread of misinformation. 

Participants worked through coordinated response mechanisms covering incident command, public safety and protection, security management, and technical hydropower operations.

The exercise progressed through three phases: early warning and alert activation, infrastructure degradation and technical failures, and downstream impacts combined with crisis communication challenges. Response teams successfully addressed simulated incidents such as a jammed spillway gate, plant-wide blackout, loss of primary communication systems, evacuation of affected communities, rescue operations, and public information management under evolving emergency conditions.

Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Director General of Preparedness and Response, Niyotwambaza Christine, emphasized that simulation exercises are essential for strengthening national preparedness and ensuring coordinated action during emergencies.

"Preparedness saves lives. Exercises like this allow us to test our plans, strengthen coordination among institutions, identify operational gaps before disasters occur, and build confidence in our collective ability to protect lives, critical infrastructure, and communities. The lessons learned from this simulation will guide further improvements in Rwanda's emergency preparedness and response systems."

The exercise validated Rwanda's existing emergency preparedness frameworks and demonstrated strong inter-agency coordination in managing a complex disaster scenario. It also confirmed the effectiveness of communication redundancies and collaborative decision-making while identifying opportunities to strengthen equipment redundancy, improve localized early warning systems, and expand field-based emergency drills involving communities living in high-risk areas.

The Tabletop Simulation Exercise forms part of MINEMA's continued efforts to strengthen disaster risk management and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure against climate-induced hazards. By bringing together key stakeholders to test emergency plans in a realistic environment, the exercise contributes to improving national readiness and protecting lives, livelihoods, and strategic infrastructure from future flood emergencies.