Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana has urged Rwandans to preserve the country’s cultural values by rejecting practices that undermine society and embracing those that promote unity, dignity and development.
The minister made the call during national Umuganura celebrations held in Rusizi District, where he said the traditional harvest festival should not only be a moment to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on the values that make progress possible.
Dr. Bizimana said Umuganura reminds Rwandans of important values, including patriotism, integrity, hard work, self-respect and responsibility, while warning against behaviours such as alcohol abuse, drug consumption and other practices he described as harmful to society.
“Our culture should be purified from what destroys it and enriched with what helps it grow. We should respect ourselves and avoid losing our values. This is the Rwandan identity the country needs,” he said.
He warned that Rwanda’s development gains should not be threatened by social challenges, calling on citizens to actively fight practices that affect families and communities.
“This country was rebuilt from difficult circumstances and should not be destroyed by drugs, immorality or other harmful behaviours. We must confront these challenges and overcome them,” Bizimana said.
During the celebrations, the minister also encouraged Rusizi residents to appreciate their agricultural achievements and continue supporting those facing challenges in production.
He provided cows to eight families in the district and praised local economic activities, including rice farming, coffee and tea production, cement manufacturing, fishing and fish processing.
Dr. Bizimana said celebrating Umuganura should go beyond sharing harvests and should serve as a reminder of the values of hard work, unity and love for the country.
Umuganura, a traditional Rwandan practice dating back to the monarchy period, was centred on celebrating harvests and national prosperity. The Government of Rwanda revived the celebration in 2011 as a platform to promote unity, self-reliance and appreciation of national achievements.
This year’s national Umuganura celebration in Rusizi marked the first time the event had been held in the district since 1894.
