{"id":55127,"date":"2025-08-05T11:43:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/bpr-bank-celebrates-50-years-of-service-by-honoring-its-roots-and-investing-in\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T12:10:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T12:10:58","slug":"bpr-bank-celebrates-50-years-of-service-by-honoring-its-roots-and-investing-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/bpr-bank-celebrates-50-years-of-service-by-honoring-its-roots-and-investing-in\/","title":{"rendered":"BPR Bank celebrates 50 years of service by honoring its roots and investing in community empowerment in Nkamba"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The milestone event brought together local leaders, long-standing clients, and community members, alongside the bank\u2019s leadership and board. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to BPR\u2019s founding values.<\/p>\n<p>The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, served as the guest of honor, accompanied by Kayonza District Mayor, John Bosco Nyemanzi, and Nkamba Sector Executive, Emmanuel Bisangwa.<\/p>\n<p>Senior management and board members of BPR Bank were also in attendance.<br \/>\nAs part of the celebration, BPR Bank Rwanda PLC donated 20 sewing machines to the Ruramira Tailors\u2019 Cooperative and pledged 3,000 roofing sheets to the Kayonza District administration to support vulnerable families in need of shelter.<\/p>\n<p>The bank also refurbished the building where it first opened its doors five decades ago. This building was transformed into a modern hub for the Ruramira Tailors\u2019 Cooperative, supporting entrepreneurship and local skills development.<\/p>\n<p>Ludoviko Nsengiyumva, 79, the first person to open a BPR Bank account, shared his inspiring story. He recalled how he lost his savings in a house fire while living in a traditional grass-thatched home\u2014a painful experience that prompted him to entrust his money to the newly established bank.<\/p>\n<p>He praised BPR\u2019s contribution to community development, highlighting how it instilled a culture of saving and financial security. \u201cThanks to BPR Bank Rwanda PLC, many of us have been able to grow and achieve economic stability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on behalf of more than 80 tailors, Aulerie Kantarama expressed heartfelt gratitude for the bank\u2019s donation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will use these tools to improve our lives and contribute to the development of our district and the country,\u201d she said. \u201cYoung mothers facing hardship will now have a place to learn and grow. In the past, we lacked a permanent workspace, but today, we finally have a stable home where our business can thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In her remarks, BPR Bank Managing Director Patience Mutesi reflected on the bank\u2019s origin and impact: \u201cThis place holds not only our origin but our enduring promise to the people of Rwanda. Fifty years ago, BPR began with a simple but powerful mission \u2014 to bring banking closer to the people and to empower communities. Today, we honor that legacy not just in words, but by transforming this former branch into a space where women in Nkamba can gather, tailor, train, and grow together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This transformation is repurposed into a safe and practical space for women to carry out tailoring activities, peer-to-peer learning, and build self-reliance. The initiative is a tangible example of the bank\u2019s tagline: \u201cFor People, For Better.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>George Rubagumya, Chairman of the BPR Board of Directors, reaffirmed the bank\u2019s commitment to continue walking with customers along the development journey.  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is more than a celebration. It\u2019s a reaffirmation of our promise. The trust we\u2019ve built over five decades is what carries us forward. What we launch here today is not only a tribute to our past, but a statement about our future \u2014 empowering communities, one step at a time,\u201d he noted.  <\/p>\n<p>Pascal Nyiringango, Board Director representing local shareholders, reaffirmed the Board\u2019s support toward inclusive growth initiatives, while also outlining plans for continued investment in communities that shaped the institution\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n<p>Governor Rubingisa also hailed the bank\u2019s legacy of empowering citizens. \u201cWhat we witness today is more than a commemoration \u2014 it is a powerful reminder that when institutions stay rooted in community, they grow with the people. BPR Bank\u2019s legacy in Nkamba is proof that sustainable progress begins at the grassroots, and I commend this initiative that empowers our citizens, especially women, with dignity and opportunity,\u201d he noted. <\/p>\n<p>Looking to the future, the bank announced a pledge to donate roofing sheets to Kayonza District in support of a planned construction project in 2026, reinforcing BPR\u2019s long-term commitment to impactful partnerships.<\/p>\n<p>This celebration is part of a series of events commemorating 50 years of BPR Bank\u2019s transformation journey, rooted in values of closer, connected, and courageous. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92066\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg\" alt=\"The original BPR Bank building has been transformed into a fully equipped tailoring center for the Ruramira Cooperative.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92063\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/abaturage_ba_nkamba_bishimiye_imashini_zidoda_bahawe-5bebb.jpg\" alt=\"Nkamba residents were delighted to receive the donated sewing machines.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92062\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/abayobozi_ba_bpr_bank_rwanda_bari_kumwe_n_umuyobozi_w_akarere_ka_kayonza_nyemazi_john_bosco_ndetse_na_guverineri_rubingisa_bafunguye_kumugaragaro_inzu_izajya_ikorerwamo_ubudozi-f6a62.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92061\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/526f8b13-f90a-4d55-8131-19ff883998ce-5c9ae.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92064\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/acaac7d1-c44e-4f85-b87f-5703c39602ad-278c9.jpg\" alt=\"The management of BPR Bank Rwanda, along with Kayonza District Mayor Nyemazi John Bosco and Governor Rubingisa, officially inaugurated the new tailoring center.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92065\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/abayobozi_batandukanye_bitabiriye_ibi_birori-2f906.jpg\" alt=\"Various dignitaries attended the celebration.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92067\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/inzu_ya_mbere_bpr_bank_yakoreyemo_kuri_ubu_yahawe_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira-51da6.jpg\" alt=\"The first building where BPR Bank operated was handed over to the Ruramira Tailors\u2019 Cooperative.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92072\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/umuyobozi_mukuru_wa_bpr_bank_rwanda_mutesi_patience_yavuze_ko_bazakomeza_guteza_imbere_agace_ka_nkamba_nk_igicumbi_cy_iyi_banki-17c28.jpg\" alt=\"BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director, Patience Mutesi, affirmed the bank\u2019s continued commitment to supporting Nkamba as its historic home.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92073\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/shema_usanzwe_ari_umwe_mu_bayobozi_bakuru_b_iyi_banki_niwe_wari_umusangiza_w_amagambo-f3dc9.jpg\" alt=\"Shema Mugisha,  Executive Director of Commercial Businesses at BPR Bank Rwanda served as the event\u2019s master of ceremonies.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92074\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/umuyobozi_w_akarere_ka_kayonza_nyemazi_john_bosco_yavuze_ko_bishimira_iterambere_bpr_bank_ikomeje_kugeza_ku_baturage-4c75b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92071\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/nsengiyumva_wafunguye_konti_muri_bpr_ni_umwe_mu_bigisha_abandi_kudoda-0e2ea.jpg\" alt=\"Nsengiyumva, the first person to open an account at BPR Bank Rwanda, is now one of the tailoring instructors.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92070\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/perezida_w_inama_y_ubutegetsi_ya_bpr_bank_rwanda_rubagumya_george_william_yashimiye_abaturage_ba_nkamba-e638f.jpg\" alt=\"George Rubagumya, Chairman of the BPR Board of Directors, reaffirmed the bank\u2019s commitment to continue walking with customers along the development journey.  \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92069\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/webp\/migrants-2.webp\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92068\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/kantarama_aulerie_wavuze_mu_izina_ry_abandi_badozi_yijeje_bpr_bank_ko_bazakomeza_kwigisha_n_abandi_kugira_ngo_babageze_ku_iterambere-ed05d.jpg\" alt=\"Speaking on behalf of the tailors, Kantarama Aulerie assured BPR Bank that they would continue training others to promote development.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-92060\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/361d3d4b-a967-4cf0-9488-1fa095be527b-2958b.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, on August 4, 2025, commemorated its 50th anniversary with a community-focused celebration in Nkamba, the birthplace of the bank.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":2000092059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[170],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-55127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-igihe"],"bylines":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":8}],"contributors":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":8}],"featured_image":{"id":2000092059,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/inzu_bpr_bank_yatangiriyemo_kuri_ubu_yashyizwemo_ihuriro_ry_abadozi_ba_ruramira_banahabwa_ibikoresho-35c87.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55127"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55127\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000092059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55127"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=55127"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=55127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}