The two-day dialogue, locally known as Umushyikirano, opened on Monday bringing together over 200 Rwandans, including central and local government officials, business actors, civil society, other members of the Rwandan community and diplomats.
Participants had different discussions that revolved around three topics which are; the National Strategy for Transformation, Values for Prosperity and the Youth at the Centre of Transformation.
Presenting the State of the Nation at the opening of Umushyikirano, Kagame said the general development has been registered in different sectors of the country’s life.
The meeting came up with eight resolutions under four areas which are education, health, economy and culture.
Kagame was speaking at the 15th National Dialogue Council, locally known as Umushyikirano, which was ended on Tuesday.
The Head of State said that the two-day dialogue had been a productive, thanking participants s for their time and ideas.
“I hope you agree with me that this Umushyikirano has been productive. I thank you for contributing your time and ideas,” he said.
Kagame said that they discussed about values for prosperity which are worthwhile.
“Let me emphasize a few important points which have more value. All we do, we work for Rwandans. These values cover some elements like serving, respecting and listening to citizens, fighting corruption and abuse of office,” he said.
“These values also include using public resources effectively by avoiding their use in personal interests. We should also treat every Rwandan equally and give women and girls the respect they deserve in particular,” he said.
Kagame stressed the alarming drug abuse, saying that it is an epidemic that the world should fight seriously.
“This is an issue of concern. We are too late to fight it, we should have started to think about it before and understand its prevalence. We should terminate them in our country,” he said.
He said that it is an issue that has also affected elderly population but added that they should not allow Rwandan youth to ruin themselves with drugs.
“It is a very tough issue because the demand is high, the supply is equally high, the amount of money involved is in billions and billions of dollars. It is commerce in some economies of countries, just to understand how serious it has become,” he observed.
He said that as a global issue that also affects Rwanda, they should give it a particular attention to prevent them from destroying attained development.
“Rwanda is not an island, drugs are scattered around the world. We should fight them in two ways; to prevent them from entering the country as well as fighting those that have already entered. This is a problem that we should fight as we continue to teach,” he urged.
During this year’s Umushyikirano, participants discussed the National Strategy for Transformation, Values for Prosperity and the Youth at the Centre of Transformation.
It brought together about 2,000 Rwandans including central and local government officials, business community, civil society, other members of the Rwandan community and diplomats.
The meeting came up with eight resolutions under four categories which are education, health, economy and culture.
The Head of State was speaking at the 15th National Dialogue Council, locally known as Umushyikirano, that kicked off in Kigali yesterday.
The call followed a discussion that revolved around ‘Values for Prosperity’.
However, the issue was raised by Bishop of Byumba Catholic Church Diocese, Servilien Nzakamwita, saying efforts that have been invested in science and ICT courses should be extended in teaching languages and Kinyarwanda in particular.
Kagame responded by insisting on the need to teach mother language and Rwandan culture especially among the youth, saying that it is a tool to help in the development journey.
He said that teaching Kinyarwanda should not be limited to schools as students would think that it is there for examinations and marks purposes.
Citing churches as an example, Kagame said that besides teaching Kinyarwanda in affiliated schools, institutions should contribute by offering lectures aimed at teaching Kinyarwanda in services.
“I don’t understand why it is not broadcasted on Radios and TVs. You should introduce some shows that bring experts to teach Kinyarwanda based on ordinary things,” he told institutions in charge.
Kagame urged children and youth to develop the spirit of learning, adding that it is less important to teach uncommitted people.
“If this issue is not given serious attention, we will see Kinyarwanda changing to the extent that people will get lost while speaking one language,” he cautioned.
Using some examples of false pronunciation of some words, Kagame said that some words tend to change the meaning when are improperly pronounced.
He called on members of the community to invest many efforts in learning Kinyarwanda, saying that there is not a shame for those unable to speak it properly as a result of their backgrounds.
At the 13th Umushyikirano in 2015, the issue of mother tongue was also raise and the thirteenth resolution recommended that Kinyarwanda language and Rwandan values be taught in all schools starting from primary to university.
Located in Masaka Sector of Kicukiro District, ‘Afriprecast’, the first of its kind in the country is owned by Rwandan investor, Alexis Bayigamba.
Worth $25,000,000 the factory will provide jobs to 1,000 people.
Kagame commended Bayigamba for investing in Rwanda saying that it is a valuable boost to Rwanda’s industrial sector.
Bayigamba has similar investment in Angola.
“Bayigamba had been investing in Angola, I would also wish to request people from Angola to also invest in Rwanda, it is not mandatory to invest in construction, you can also invest in other sectors, we shall be glad to help you, you will also find partners in Rwanda along the execution,” Kagame said.
The President said that the factory will employ a significant number of people and impart new skills to the workers.
“AfiPrecast will reduce our country’s import bill and we expect that these products will be exported to the region as well. It means a lot that this is a Rwandan investment. We continue to welcome investors from all over the world, starting from home,” he said.
He said the government will continue to do its best to support the private sector in getting the most from creative investments.
Bayigamba commended Kagame’s leadership that provides conducive investment environment in the country.
“We appreciate your leadership that makes such investment possible. You have supported us and we got all the necessary during the construction,” he said.
The factory occupies 15 hectares of land. The firm’s construction works started in May 2015 and started production in March 2016.
Mushikiwabo was speaking at the National Dialogue, commonly known as Umushyikirano, on Monday.
During a discussion about the National Strategy for Transformation, Mushikiwabo said that Rwanda is a transformational-led country which values human being.
“Recently, Rwandan government announced that the country is ready to receive Africans who were turned into slaves in Libya. This is an act of valuing human being,” she said.
“In partnership with other African States, African Union (AU) Commission and Europe, we are organizing to receive some of these migrants in the beginning of 2018. Such act of humanity and respecting human being is part of main strategies for transformation,” she explained.
Based on Rwandan history, Mushikiwabo said that Rwandans could acquire positive values from foreigners, but leave away bad ones as they continue to value human being.
The Government of Rwanda admitted to receive a total of 30,000 migrants from Libya.
The two-day conference brought together about 2,000 Rwandans, including central government and local government officials, businesses, civil society, other members of the Rwandan community and diplomats.
Kagame said that there is no doubt that the country has grown stronger and more united, urging to continue to do better.
In agriculture he said, after a period of slow growth last year, agricultural production grew by 8 per cent this year. He said the production came despite challenges, such as army worm and drought in some parts of the country
“The hard work of citizens has really paid off and I wish to thank you for this and ask you to keep it up,” he said on the growth of Agriculture.
He said the cooperation among government institutions has made delivery of inputs to farmers more timely and reduced corruption in the system. He said that increased access to irrigation has also helped raise productivity.
“We have decided to invest in domestic seed production, to improve quality and also reduce our dependence on unreliable supplies from abroad,” he said.
“It is encouraging to note that graduates are also finding entrepreneurial success in agribusiness. I call on more young people, to consider the opportunities in this sector,” he said.
On the economic front, he said, $1.5 billion in new investment and infrastructure deals were registered in 2017, which includes the new international airport, which is under construction in Bugesera.
The head of state said the conference tourism strategy is bearing fruit as Rwanda hosted 169 international meetings this year, which brought tens of thousands of customers to hotels, restaurants and national airline, RwandAir.
On Made in Rwanda, he said, strategy has already boosted production compared to the same period last year.
“Our exports have increased by 50%, while our imports have declined by 3%. As a result, our trade deficit fell by more than 20%,” he explained.
He said more than 8,000 new manufacturing jobs were registered this year, adding that they will continue to build on such achievement.
Kagame said that mineral exports now exceed the value of all other exports, combined, which is attributable, in part, to more effort in value addition and new exploration.
He went on to say that Rwanda’s electricity supply continues to grow. He said to stimulate demand for that power; government will work with industrial investors to ensure a competitive tariff.
“The State of our Nation is something we should evaluate constantly. Is the pace of development as fast as we would like? Are we looking after the well-being of all Rwandans without leaving anyone behind? The responsibility to ask and provide answers is ours,” Kagame noted.
Kagame said he believes that a revolution in the quality of education, at all levels, must be among the country’s highest priorities.
“Human capital is the most important feature of a high-income economy,” he said.
“We have had to deal with so many challenges, even impossible ones. But we rebuilt, stronger and more resilient than ever before,” he added.
Kagame assured that they will continue to document and preserve the history of the country, and to pursue own accountability, and others, where necessary.
“We cannot take our gains, or our future prosperity, for granted. Peace, security, and national cohesion are not irreversible,” Kagame noted.
Kagame said the expectations of Rwandans are growing fast, adding that it is not a problem as it pulls the ambitions higher and fuels a culture of always striving to do more, and better.
“We have opportunities and we have each other. Hard work and the commitment to serve all Rwandans is what will lead to our country’s transformation,” he assured.
He thanked citizens for playing an active role in the country’s development, for preserving the gains that have been made and the security; he said adding that they are the foundation of progress.
He urged Rwandans to continue to work together, within the country as well as with the neighbours and with the continent as a whole.
During this year’s Umushyikirano, participants are discussing about the National Strategy for Transformation, Values for Prosperity and the Youth at the Centre of Transformation.
Speaking to IGIHE last week, Amb Rugira said the efforts intend to give the King a decent burial in Rwanda.
“Discussions are yet to start but we are preparing to open them in the near future as they don’t have more right than us on the body. He was the king of Rwanda and his body should be in Rwanda. I think they will not resist,” Rugira said.
However, Rugira did not reveal when discussions are set to start, saying he will first consult with Rwandan institutions for a common understanding about what to take into discussions.
Musinga was the son of Kigeli IV Rwabugiri and the father of two Rwanda’s kings, Mutara III Rudahigwa and Kigeli V Ndahindurwa.
Musinga died from Moba in the Democratic Republic of Congo and his body was taken to Belgium by colonialists. Musinga reigned in Rwanda from 1896 to 1931.
Recently, the senate urged the government to finds ways of returning to Rwanda archives and other historical artifacts.
Senator Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba said that Musinga’s body has a great role in Rwandan history among other historical objects that should be preserved. She added that it should be repatriated.
“We have many archives and history artifacts abroad. Why don’t we bring them back to Rwanda? As you know, the body of King Musinga is still in Belgium, why so? He was the King of Rwandans, we have the right to ask for his body,” she said.
It is said that there are over 1000 skulls of Rwandans that were also taken to Belgium during the colonial period. The two-year research was launched to identify their real origin.
He stated this while addressing 3,000 Rwandans from all districts gathered for the 6th Annual YouthConnekt Convention taking place at Petit Stade, Remera.
He said that the Youth should connect and learn from one another and to join their efforts to address their problems.
“As youth, you must be willing to constantly learn. You must have the humility to accept criticism as a means to become better,” he admonished.
On democracy and freedom, President Kagame advised the youth to uphold the two principles while maintaining their own values which will help them realize the principles.
“The right values must remain at the center of all that you do. Processes can change but our values remain the same,” he said.
President Kagame said that they must be willing to never stop learning and think critically.
“Being young is not enough but it is a great opportunity. Being young does not mean anything until you invest in yourself with what will be useful to you, your family and your country,” he said.
“You are as good as your peers from other countries. Do not take anything for granted. It is up to us to work to be where we want to be and claim Africa’s seat at the high table.”
Kagame rebuked those who want to give lessons to Rwandans, saying that they have to deal with their own problems first.
“Does what you accuse me of not exist in your country? Do you love me more than I love myself? Or do you care more about my fate than the fate of your own citizens?”
He urged Rwanda’s youth not to be at a standstill waiting to be helped to move forward.
“Any assistance must add to our own efforts. It must lead to ending dependency and achieving self reliance. It is a question of mindset, you must believe in your ability to help yourself. With the right mindset, you can recognize your need for help but set a timeline to build yourself up and help yourself,” he said
“When you look at international gatherings, ask yourselves why Africa, Rwanda are not considered worthy of being at the high table. It is your role as the youth to claim and work for Rwanda’s seat at the high table. ”
He urged the gathering to identify their and work hard to achieve them because “We are all created equal. You should never think that you are not good enough to be at the high table.”
Kagame was speaking on Saturday while concluding the three-day the RPF Congress that coincided with the celebration of party’s 30-year anniversary in Kigali.
Kagame said that over the three days of the congress, they have had very enriching experience and discussions.
“This RPF Congress has been an occasion for us to recommit to attaining our country’s transformation agenda,” he said.
He said part of their organizational renewal is in the election of those to lead them through the next phase. He said, those they have elected come from different age brackets, especially the young ones.
“We are empowering our youth by charging them with more responsibilities. Their contribution should define the history of our country for more decades to come,” Kagame noted.
“We leave here revitalised and dedicated to give the best of ourselves. I hope we will continue to be together to enjoy the 30th anniversary celebrations,” he added.
He said they have had to reflect on the last 30 years and plan for the next 30 years and more.
“Let’s pledge to work hard towards ensuring that those who will be visiting our country after every ten year-period will find a more developed Rwanda,” he tasked party members.
“Very organisation, more so, a transformational one like the RPF, needs to redirect its focus in the face of ever changing realities and circumstances,” he added.
He said the congress and 30th anniversary, have been an opportunity to recommit themselves to attaining the goals of the party.
Meanwhile, the national 30-year anniversary celebration event was marked by different socio-economic development activities performed by RPF members from different parts of the country.
As part of the preparation early this month too, the party had youth and women league that revolved around their contribution in the development of the country.
The congress ended by voting new party leaders. Kagame was re-elected the RPF Chairman while Christophe Bazivamo and François Ngarambe were also retained as Vice-Chairman and Secretary General respectively.
