Kicukiro District has concluded a month-long campaign dedicated to promoting Rwandans’ unity and resilience under the theme “Ubumwe n’Ubudaheranwa: Amahitamo Yacu” (Unity and Resilience: Our Choice), calling on residents of Rusheshe to make unity, patriotism and resilience a priority in their daily lives and collective efforts to build the country.
The campaign provided an opportunity for residents to reflect on Rwanda’s history, appreciate the progress made in rebuilding national unity and recognize their individual responsibilities in safeguarding the achievements made over the years.
Addressing residents during the closing event, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Kabera, in charge of the Interconnection of Soldiers to Civilians, highlighted the importance of understanding Rwanda’s history; particularly how divisions were introduced during the colonial period and the consequences they had on the country’s social fabric.
He recalled that Rwandans were historically well organized under their traditional leadership structures and shared common cultural values and identity. However, he explained that colonialists introduced ethnic divisions as a means of weakening the existing unity and making it easier to rule the country.
He urged residents to learn from this history, emphasizing that understanding the past should go beyond remembering what happened and should instead inspire citizens to protect the country’s achievements and prevent the recurrence of divisive practices.
“Learning history is not only about remembering the past; it is also about protecting what the country has achieved. Resilience is rooted in the unity of Rwandans. We must raise young people with patriotic values, ensure that every Rwandan participates in the country’s development, enjoys equal rights and remains committed to our resilience, because unity is a pillar of peace and sustainable development,” he said.
He further emphasized that strengthening unity and resilience requires collective responsibility, particularly through educating young people about patriotism, encouraging equal participation in national development and ensuring that every Rwandan enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
His message highlighted the importance of passing historical knowledge and positive values from one generation to another so that young people can understand the country’s journey and contribute to maintaining peace, unity and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Kicukiro District Deputy Executive Administrator, Monique Huss, noted that unity and resilience are choices that begin with individuals and extend to families and the wider community.
She emphasized that building a united and resilient country requires every citizen to take personal responsibility, starting within their families and extending to their contribution to society.
She also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in understanding Rwanda’s development journey, helping them recognize the progress made and the role they are expected to play in building the country’s future.
“Unity and resilience are our country’s choice, and that choice begins with individuals before extending to families and the wider community. We must educate young people about how far we have come in building our nation and the contribution expected of them. Unity and resilience are the pillars on which we must continue to build the Rwanda we want,” she said.
A national commitment to unity and resilience
Ubumwe n’Ubudaheranwa is part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to strengthen national unity, social cohesion and the resilience of citizens while promoting shared responsibility in building a peaceful and inclusive society.
October is observed annually as the month dedicated to reflecting on Rwandans’ unity and resilience. It offers an opportunity for citizens across the country to assess the progress made in the journey of unity, identify existing challenges and discuss measures needed to overcome them.
According to the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), activities organized during this period include public discussions, educational sessions and engagements with different groups, including young people, students, cooperatives and other community members.
The 2026 theme, “Ubumwe n’Ubudaheranwa: Amahitamo Yacu,” emphasizes that unity and resilience are choices that require continuous commitment from every Rwandan. It also reminds citizens that the country’s achievements are built on collective responsibility, solidarity and the willingness to work together.
Beyond the month-long campaign, the promotion of unity and resilience is connected to broader national efforts in civic education, preservation of historical memory, promotion of Rwandan cultural values and prevention of genocide ideology and discrimination.
These efforts also emphasize the role of families, educational institutions, community organizations and public institutions in nurturing citizens who understand their responsibilities and contribute positively to society.
