The initiative was unveiled on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Nyamata Sector, Bugesera District, where First Lady Jeannette Kagame inaugurated the first Imbuto Hub.
The Bugesera hub will provide a wide range of free services, including counselling on health and wellbeing, sports and recreation, digital skills, vocational training, early childhood care, and other community-focused programmes. The services are designed to benefit children, youth and adults.
Although the programme has begun in Bugesera, Imbuto Foundation plans to expand it to Kicukiro, Rwamagana and Muhanga districts in the next phase.
The foundation also intends to establish at least one Imbuto Hub in every district over the next five years to improve the wellbeing of families across the country.
As part of the initiative, the Kimisagara Youth Centre has already been renovated and equipped to offer the full range of services available at an Imbuto Hub.
The Imbuto Hubs project was conceived as Imbuto Foundation marked its 25th anniversary, representing a new approach to bringing essential services closer to communities.
The Bugesera hub features sports facilities, recreational spaces, areas for community engagement, a library, and child-friendly spaces for young children, whether accompanied by parents or on their own.
The hubs will also host business and entrepreneurship advisers, innovation mentors, development partners and accomplished professionals who can inspire and guide young people.
Older youth will have access to vocational training in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, handicrafts, and literacy, among other skills.
The specific vocational courses and services offered at each hub will be tailored to the needs of the surrounding community.
Speaking at the launch, Imbuto Foundation Director General Elodie Shami said the establishment of Imbuto Hubs is intended to strengthen families and communities by creating spaces where people can learn, connect and thrive.
She said this will be achieved through sports, recreation, early literacy programmes for children, technology and other community-based activities.
“This is the culture we want to build. It is not just the culture of Imbuto Foundation; it is something that is rooted in the community,” she said.
Shami stressed that the initiative is about more than constructing buildings.
“Buildings alone do not transform the wellbeing of families. It is people and our partners who make that happen. That is the journey we are inviting everyone to join. We are not simply asking for support to build structures; we are asking people to be part of building stronger families and communities,” she said.
Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi described the project as a major milestone for youth development, talent promotion and good governance.
He said the initiative was developed after assessing the needs of children and young people, resulting in facilities that include sports grounds, recreational spaces and other community services.
“Previously, young people in Bugesera had limited access to sports infrastructure, and the facilities that existed were outdated,” Mutabazi said.
“We are delighted that our youth now have a modern centre that will help them expand their knowledge, foster innovation and prepare them to contribute to the country’s development,” he added.
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