Former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined Kigali residents in the monthly Umuganda community service on Saturday, praising Rwanda’s culture of collective action and urging young people to embrace teamwork in driving development.
Masisi took part in the activity in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, on August 29, alongside residents and senior government officials.
He is in Rwanda ahead of the Africa Food Systems Forum, which will bring together African leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders in Kigali from August 31 to September 4.
Among the officials who participated in the Umuganda were Youth and Arts Development Minister Abdallah Utumatwishima, Inspector General of Rwanda National Police Felix Namuhoranye and Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika.
Masisi said he admired Rwanda’s practice of bringing young people and older generations together through monthly community work.
“I am a friend of Rwanda. I love Rwanda. There are many good things about Rwanda, especially the way young people join their elders every last Saturday of the month to participate in Umuganda,” he said.
He said the practice provides an example of how communities can work together while strengthening ties between generations.
Masisi also joined participants in a traditional dance from Botswana, adding a cultural element to the community activity.
Addressing young people taking part in Umuganda, he encouraged them to pursue personal growth while working with others to advance their communities.
“I want you to wake up wanting to be better than you were yesterday, to progress beyond where you were and to work in a way that brings others along. Do not leave anyone behind,” he said.
Masisi also pointed to the ties between Rwanda and Botswana, saying the two countries could build on their relationship to support a more prosperous and developed Africa.
He said Africa’s progress would depend in part on a young generation with a clear vision, a spirit of cooperation and a commitment to inclusive development.
Masisi served as Botswana’s president from 2018 to 2024 and has continued to participate in regional and continental engagements since leaving office.
