The meeting marked the end of Ambassador Kneedler’s tenure in Kigali, during which he engaged with Rwandan leadership on bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the United States.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also bid farewell to Ambassador Kneedler.
Ambassador Kneedler formally assumed his role as U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda on October 18, 2023, after presenting his letters of credence to President Kagame at Urugwiro Village. He succeeded Peter H. Vrooman. His appointment followed his nomination by U.S. President Joe Biden on August 3, 2022, confirmation by the U.S. Senate on July 27, 2023, and swearing-in later in August 2023.
A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Kneedler previously served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to his role in Rwanda.
His departure comes amid a broader diplomatic reshuffle in which the United States has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors from dozens of countries. The changes have largely affected Africa, where envoys from 15 countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and others, have been recalled. Additional recalls have also affected countries in Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.
Rwanda and the United States continue to maintain diplomatic relations spanning health, development, security and economic cooperation, with both sides reaffirming engagement through ongoing bilateral frameworks.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique journalist François Soudan, Ambassador Nduhungirehe directly addressed the persistent difficulties in improving ties with Burundi.
“After the fall of Uvira, meetings between Burundian and Rwandan security officials were held at the border on December 14 and 28, 2025, to establish modalities for de-escalation,” he said. “Rwanda’s objective is, and has always been, to pursue improved relations with Burundi. Unfortunately, statements by President Ndayishimiye and his Minister of Foreign Affairs have not made this task any easier.”
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi escalated in early December 2025 when AFC/M23 rebels captured parts of the Ruzizi Plain and the town of Uvira in eastern DRC, near the Burundian border.
Burundi quickly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels and of shelling its territory, claims Kigali firmly rejected as baseless.
Amid fears of a broader regional conflict involving Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, security officials from both countries met twice in December to prevent further escalation.
Relations have remained strained since late 2023, yet Rwanda has consistently signalled openness to dialogue. Bilateral delegations have met multiple times and agreed to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
However, President Ndayishimiye has continued to make strongly worded public statements against Rwanda in addresses to citizens, official meetings, and media appearances.
In a March 2025 BBC interview, he warned that any Rwandan attempt to attack Burundi would be met with a counterstrike on Kigali, stating: “We tell them that if they want to attack Bujumbura through Congo, Kigali is not far either if we pass through Kirundo.”
In August 2025, President Ndayishimiye appointed Dr Édouard Bizimana as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Albert Shingiro. The new minister, a former ambassador to Russia, has drawn criticism for adopting a confrontational tone widely viewed as undiplomatic.
Since early December 2025, Minister Bizimana has repeatedly used the social media platform X to criticise Rwanda, even while bilateral talks were underway.
On January 3, 2026, he posted accusations that Rwanda was violating Washington agreements by continuing to seize territory in eastern DRC, claimed Kigali had tested U.S. resolve without repercussions, and questioned Qatar’s mediation role, alleging the Gulf state was using financial influence to block American action.
The post provoked widespread backlash, especially for targeting an international mediator. It was later deleted following intense criticism. President Ndayishimiye subsequently distanced himself from the remarks, publicly praising Qatar’s contributions to mediation and development.
The delay is linked to pending financing agreements that must be signed between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and the World Bank.
Construction to expand and modernise Nyabugogo Bus Terminal was initially scheduled to start in mid-2025 and conclude by 2027. However, the project has yet to commence.
During a visit to the City of Kigali, Members of Parliament from the Budget and State Patrimony Committee questioned city officials about delays affecting several development projects, including the new Nyabugogo terminal.
According to Kigali City’s six-month report for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, more than three procurement processes linked to the Nyabugogo project faced setbacks.
These delays are tied to the unsigned agreements between MINECOFIN and the World Bank, which is expected to finance the project.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Fulgence Dusabimana, explained that the delay is primarily due to these pending agreements.
“The feasibility study is complete, which should have enabled us to access funds for the project. We have requested MINECOFIN’s support to resolve the remaining issues. From the discussions so far, it seems the delay is not a refusal to sign but matters that still need alignment at their level to proceed smoothly,” he said.
If all goes according to plan, the financing agreements are expected to be signed by January 2026. The procurement process to select contractors could take at least ten months, potentially identifying a winning bidder by October 2026. Construction is then expected to begin in 2027.
Kigali City further explained that detailed architectural and engineering designs, along with construction works by the selected contractor, would start in January 2027. The construction phase is expected to last two years, with completion anticipated by 2029.
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal is the busiest transport hub in Rwanda, connecting passengers from all provinces and linking Kigali to major regional cities including Kampala, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Bujumbura.
City authorities note that the current terminal is constrained by limited space, leading to frequent congestion of vehicles and passengers. The master plan envisions upgrading Nyabugogo to international standards, providing passengers with a modern and comfortable experience similar to Kigali International Airport.
Plans to modernise the terminal were first announced in November 2017, with construction initially expected in 2018, but delays have persisted. The project was initially set to be implemented by the public transport company RFTC at a cost of Rwf 45 billion, but the City later announced that the World Bank would fund it.
Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, opened in 1998, has since served as Kigali’s main hub for domestic and international bus routes. The upgrade is estimated to cost between USD 100 million and USD 150 million and will include parking areas, passenger waiting lounges, offices, commercial spaces, ticketing areas, information desks, security offices, rest areas, and other modern amenities.
The decision was announced by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during an exclusive interview with Jeune Afrique.
The deadline for submitting candidacies closes at the end of April. Mushikiwabo’s current term is due to expire later this year.
If re-elected, Mushikiwabo, who has steered the international Francophone network advancing language, culture, and cooperation since 2019, would join former Senegalese president Abdou Diouf as the only Secretary General to have served three terms.
According to Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s decision to put forward Mushikiwabo for a third term follows consultations with her and reflects what Kigali sees as a strong and widely recognised record of leadership.
“At the last OIF ministerial conference, held in November in Kigali, several member states expressed their wish to see Louise Mushikiwabo run for a third term,” Nduhungirehe said. “This recognition represents a strong political signal, which Rwanda has taken into account.”
“Since 2019, under her leadership, the OIF has embarked on a deep, structured, and coherent transformation that has strengthened its political credibility, institutional clarity, and operational effectiveness. We are therefore fully confident in the success of this proposal,” he added.
Rwanda hosted the 46th Conference of Ministers of La Francophonie (CMF) for the first time in November 2025, bringing together more than 400 delegates from 65 member states and governments.
Held under the theme “Thirty Years After Beijing: The Role of Women in the Francophone World,” the meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women and underscored the OIF’s renewed focus on gender equality and women’s leadership.
Since taking office, Mushikiwabo has overseen a deep institutional transformation of the OIF, aimed at strengthening its political credibility, institutional clarity and operational effectiveness.
Reviewing progress since the 2024 CMF in Paris during the summit, Mushikiwabo highlighted the organisation’s electoral assistance missions and high-impact campaigns against disinformation in countries including Lebanon, Moldova and the Central African Republic.
Under her leadership, the OIF has also stepped up efforts to support Francophone candidates seeking leadership roles in major international institutions such as the African Union, the African Development Bank and UNESCO.
Programmatic initiatives have included a mobility scheme for French-language teachers, which recently brought a third cohort of 50 educators from 15 countries to Kigali to exchange expertise with Rwandan counterparts. Similar deployments have taken place in Ghana and Seychelles, with Cambodia next on the list.
Mushikiwabo also emphasised the growing role of the Francophonie économique, citing successful economic missions, including one to Benin that resulted in several commercial contracts, one valued at €30 million.
On gender issues, she called for increased support to the “Francophonie With Women” fund and invited member states to join a new initiative aimed at training and integrating girls and women into emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
Rwanda’s announcement comes against a backdrop of regional tensions in the Great Lakes area, a subject also addressed by Nduhungirehe in his Jeune Afrique interview.
He defended the Washington and Doha agreements aimed at resolving the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), arguing that they provide an adequate framework for lasting peace if implemented in good faith. He also rejected the need for additional mediation efforts, following recent diplomatic initiatives led by Angola.
Asked whether strained relations between Rwanda, the DRC and Burundi could affect Mushikiwabo’s candidacy, Nduhungirehe pointed to the right of every OIF member state to support or nominate a candidate of its choice.
“The principles of the OIF are clear: every member state has the right to present a candidate for the post of Secretary General, and Rwanda is not opposed to an open, healthy and respectful competition,” he said.
He added that Rwanda’s position rests on Mushikiwabo’s “documented and measurable” record, which he noted had been unanimously praised at the OIF summits in Djerba and Villers-Cotterêts.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reveal that, between 2019 and 2024, a total of 54,287 people in Rwanda were diagnosed with HIV. The highest numbers were recorded in the City of Kigali and the Western Province.
In 2024 alone, 9,019 people tested positive for HIV, including 3,503 men and 5,516 women, out of 1,026,851 individuals tested that year. In 2023, more than 1.1 million people were tested, with 9,270 positive cases (3,752 men and 5,518 women), marking a slight increase from 2022, when 8,507 people tested positive (3,404 men and 5,103 women) from over 1.1 million tests. In 2021, 9,422 people were diagnosed, comprising 3,673 men and 5,749 women from more than 1.5 million tests.
In 2020, 9,279 people tested positive out of over 2.09 million tests, including 3,577 men and 5,702 women. This was an increase compared to 2019, when 8,790 people were diagnosed (4,040 men and 4,750 women) from 2.6 million tests.
{{Kigali and Eastern Province most affected
}}
The City of Kigali continues to record the highest number of HIV cases in the country. In 2024, 2,883 residents tested positive, compared to 2,811 in 2023 and 2,756 in 2022. Previous years saw 2,983 cases in 2021, 3,136 in 2020, and 3,707 in 2019.
The Eastern Province follows Kigali in new infections. In 2024, 2,439 people tested positive, compared with 2,675 in 2023 and 2022, 2,398 in 2020, and 2,676 in 2019.
The Southern Province also reported significant numbers, with 1,573 positive cases in 2024, compared to 1,543 in 2023, 1,420 in 2022, 1,589 in 2021, 1,665 in 2020, and 1,045 in 2019.
In the Western Province, 1,257 people were diagnosed in 2024, compared to 1,431 in 2023, 1,400 in 2022, 2,460 in 2021, 1,319 in 2020, and 852 in 2019. The Northern Province recorded 867 new cases in 2024, compared with 810 in 2023, 728 in 2022, 932 in 2021, 761 in 2020, and 510 in 2019.
{{Age and gender trends
}}
Over the six-year period, most HIV diagnoses were among people over 25 years old, totaling 41,385 cases, followed by young people aged 15 to 24, who accounted for 11,234 cases. Among pregnant women, 1,221 were living with HIV in 2024, up from 1,141 in 2023, while earlier years recorded 1,420 in 2022, 1,625 in 2021, 1,314 in 2020, and 1,831 in 2019.
In 2024, 5,570 women living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy, representing 99.0% coverage. That year, 67,761 couples were tested, with 3,350 found to be discordant, meaning one partner was HIV positive while the other was not.
{{National HIV landscape
}}
As of December 2025, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reported that 234,000 people were living with HIV in the country. HIV-related deaths are estimated at around 2,500 annually, while new infections among people aged 15 to 49 stood at 2.7%.
Rwanda has achieved and surpassed the United Nations 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. The country currently stands at 96-98-98.
The Ministry of Health notes that strong investment in HIV care is yielding positive results. In 2025, people aged 50 and above accounted for 30% of all individuals living with HIV, reflecting improved life expectancy among patients.
In recent days, the DRC government has expressed interest in launching new peace talks in Kinshasa, bringing together Congolese from different groups, with Angola serving as mediator.
To facilitate this, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has visited Angola three times since December 14, 2025, meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss how the process will proceed.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya explained that the planned Kinshasa talks will differ from previous meetings held in Washington, D.C., in the United States, and in Doha, Qatar.
“In Washington, the talks involved us and Rwanda, the father. In Doha, the talks involved us and M23, the son,” he claimed in an allegation that Rwanda has repeatedly refuted.
Sources indicate that representatives of AFC/M23 are expected to participate in the new Kinshasa talks, raising questions about whether the Doha talks will lose relevance.
The DRC government has called for the new talks while continuing to ignore the Doha process. In December 2025, Qatar invited the DRC to two meetings aimed at monitoring compliance with the ceasefire, but the government declined to attend.
On January 11, 2026, Minister Nduhungirehe responded to Muyaya’s comments, saying the DRC government itself is the “father,” while the FDLR terrorist group is the “son.” He described the new talks as a tactic to gain additional leverage, a strategy known as “forum shopping.”
Nduhungirehe emphasised that lasting peace in the DRC depends on genuine political will and that political talks complementing those held in Doha and Washington would be welcomed.
“When the father (Congolese government), the son (FDLR genocidaires), and the evil spirit (genocide ideology) attempt yet another ‘forum shopping’ in three years, as a delaying manoeuvre, we simply recall that salvation will first come from Kinshasa’s political will to apply the current peace processes in good faith,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated, adding “Any national political dialogue, which would be complementary to these processes, would then be welcome.”
The AFC/M23 coalition has asked the Angolan president for clarification regarding the new talks, seeking to know whether Qatar will participate, what role it will play, and whether the decisions made during the Doha talks will be honoured.
The announcement was made during the official visit of Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, to the Sultanate of Oman. The event was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali; Rwanda’s Minister of State for Infrastructure, Jean de Dieu Owehenganyi; Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire; and Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Owehenganyi said Rwanda’s vision is centred on expanding direct air connectivity to facilitate international cooperation and position Kigali as a key hub for aviation, economic and social activities.
The planned Muscat–Kigali route is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Rwanda and Oman, while enhancing Rwanda’s access to the Middle East and other international markets. Rwanda has emerged as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing destinations for tourism and business travel, particularly in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
According to Oman Air, the new route will offer travellers greater choice and improved connectivity between Africa and the Middle East, while also providing access to the airline’s wider network across India, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Oman Air has been expanding its destination network during 2025 and plans further growth in 2026, including new routes to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Besides the direct flight, the four MoUs signed during Nduhungirehe’s visit cover logistics services, including inland port development and supply chain operations; development cooperation between the Rwanda Development Board and Oman Airports Management Company, with planned investments around the Bugesera Airport District; and ICT and innovation, covering data hosting, cloud services, and data centre development.
The tour began in Volcanoes National Park, where IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., came face to face with Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas. The 20-year-old content creator documented the experience on social media, visibly excited. He later described Rwanda as one of the most beautiful countries he had ever visited.
“All my life, I kid you not, this has to be one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to,” he said.
Back in Kigali, the atmosphere shifted dramatically at Amahoro Stadium, where IShowSpeed made a surprise motorcycle entrance during a women’s football match between Rayon Sports WFC and Indahangarwa WFC. Thousands of fans erupted into chants of his name, creating scenes more commonly associated with national leaders than internet personalities.
Inside the stadium, he took part in traditional Rwandan dance and drumming performances, entertained the crowd with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “Siuuu” celebration, and posed for countless selfies. “Amahoro Stadium is the best stadium in Africa,” he told his livestream audience. The appearance drew national attention and was widely covered by local media.
The tour continued at BK Arena, where IShowSpeed participated in a basketball challenge with local players, demonstrating his competitive energy beyond the digital realm.
Later, he made a stop at the magnificent Zaria Court, where a large crowd had gathered for a fan meet-up. Here, the lighter and more humorous moments of the tour took centre stage. A fan presented IShowSpeed with a customised cake featuring his face, which he famously bit into mouth-first.
Another supporter arrived with Speed’s name shaved into his hair and merchandise bearing his face, though the name was humorously misspelt. He was also presented with a custom painting from a local artist. During the visit, he wowed fans with backflip stunts, leaving a lasting impression on those who had waited hours to meet him.
Beyond the city’s central attractions, much of the livestream’s impact came from spontaneous encounters across Kigali and its outskirts. At a ranch just outside the city, IShowSpeed milked a cow for the first time and even drank the fresh milk.
Later, while driving through Kigali, fans repeatedly stopped his convoy, including one emotional encounter in which a supporter broke down in tears upon meeting him. Speed comforted the fan, a moment many viewers called the most wholesome of the entire stream.
After the broadcast, IShowSpeed shared that security had alerted him to a 16-year-old boy who had been riding a bicycle behind the convoy for more than three and a half hours, despite the bike repeatedly breaking down, just to meet him. Realising how far the teen had gone left Speed genuinely shocked, and he gave him a special, heartfelt greeting in return.
🚨WATCH: iShowSpeed explains after the stream ended that security had told him to notice a kid in Rwanda who’d been riding behind them for three and a half hours on a bike that kept breaking down, just to meet him.
Other memorable moments included a local challenge in which Speed was asked to pull two motorbikes while their riders tried to drive away. Against expectations, he succeeded, earning cheers from the crowd.
🚨WATCH: iShowSpeed is challenged by a local in Rwanda to a strength test — pulling two motorbikes while the riders try to drive away.
Against all expectations, Speed actually manages to do it, leaving everyone stunned pic.twitter.com/yS3Up9PqCA
Throughout the day, he also spoke candidly about the demands of his tour. Running on just four hours of sleep, he admitted it was tough but said his mental state was improving. He publicly thanked his team for their tireless work behind the scenes, even as some viewers complained the Africa tour felt rushed. Despite that, the numbers were undeniable: in Rwanda alone, the livestream drew over 4.1 million viewers in just a few hours.
The Rwanda visit concluded in Biryogo, Nyamirambo, where IShowSpeed fully immersed himself in local cuisine. He sampled pilau, ugali made from cassava, traditional sombe, and grilled brochettes, praising the food and visibly enjoying the experience.
From gorilla trekking and stadium ovations to cow milking on the city’s outskirts and emotional encounters with fans, IShowSpeed told his followers that he hopes to return for a longer stay, saying he would like to come back ‘for a week, just for a vacation.
IShowSpeed’s visit to Rwanda is part of his broader project, “Speed Does Africa Tour,” which he launched on December 21, 2025. The tour sees him livestreaming and sharing experiences from different African countries, showcasing culture, people, and tourism to his global audience.
The investment is outlined in the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) and aims to boost productivity, ensure food security, and strengthen Rwanda’s agricultural exports.
Agriculture currently contributes around 25% to Rwanda’s GDP, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), and remains a key driver of economic growth.
As part of the government’s long-term plan, agricultural productivity is expected to grow by at least 50% by 2029, with a focus on boosting crop and livestock production. The investment will also prioritise climate-resilient farming and innovations to ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable in the face of climate change, ensuring that Rwanda can meet the food demands of its growing population, projected to reach 22 million by 2050.
Under the government’s plan, the country’s food self-sufficiency ratio is expected to rise from 79.6% in 2024 to 100% by 2029. Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva told Parliament in October 2025 that agriculture and livestock have been key drivers of economic growth, helping per capita output rise from USD 754 in 2017 to USD 1,040 in 2024.
Rwanda also aims to increase exports by an average of 13% per year, with export revenues projected to reach USD 7.3 billion by 2029. Agricultural and livestock output is expected to grow by at least 50% over the same period.
MINAGRI says the investment will focus on multiple pillars, including climate-resilient farming, irrigation, modern crop and livestock production, and seed quality improvement, with private sector collaboration expected to help scale production. Over 37% of the planned investment will go toward high-yield, climate-resilient crops.
Irrigation coverage has already expanded from 52,000 hectares in 2017 to over 74,000 hectares, with a target of 132,171 hectares by 2029. The government also provides farmers with 50% subsidies for small-scale irrigation equipment on plots up to 10 hectares.
Livestock development will remain a priority, with modern breeding programs, including embryo transfer technologies, aiming to increase milk, meat, and fish production. Fish output is projected to rise from 52,000 tons in 2025 to 77,000 tons by 2029, while egg production is expected to reach 21,000 tons from 17,000 tons in 2024.
Since 2017, the government has invested over Rwf 36.6 billion to improve access to livestock vaccines and other essential inputs.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore recently emphasised that the “food basket sites” initiative, along with other programs, will help double agricultural productivity and reinforce Rwanda’s food security ambitions.
From ancient sacred forests linked to spiritual rituals and royal courts to hills that once cradled thriving kingdoms, these places capture the heart of Rwanda’s story, deep traditions, vibrant culture and enduring spirit.
While there is no official ranking of the nation’s top historic sites, the eleven we have selected stand out for their ability to illuminate Rwanda’s remarkable journey, each revealing a unique chapter of its roots and ongoing evolution.
Many more sites deserve mention, yet these eleven bring the past to life most powerfully, highlighting who Rwandans are today. Join us as we explore these extraordinary places, discovering together Rwanda’s layered history, timeless traditions, and the lives of the people who shaped it.
{{1. Karongi museum of environment }}
In the lakeside town of Karongi, overlooking Lake Kivu, stands the Museum of the Environment, one of the eight museums under the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda.
The first of its kind in Africa, it explores renewable and non-renewable energy sources while promoting harmony between people and nature.
Spread across two floors with interactive exhibits, it also features a rooftop herbal garden that celebrates Rwanda’s traditional healing heritage.
More than a museum, it serves as an educational centre helping visitors understand and protect their environment. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
{{2. Buhanga Eco-Park}}
[Buhanga Eco Park->https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/inside-buhanga-eco-park-where-nature-meets-rwanda-s-royal-legacy], a 31-hectare forest located eight kilometers west of Musanze in the Nyakinama community, is a place where nature and history intertwine. Recently integrated into Volcanoes National Park, it holds deep cultural significance in Rwanda’s monarchy.
The name Buhanga, meaning “creation,” recalls its sacred past, legend says Rwanda’s first king, Gihanga, founded the kingdom here, and for centuries, kings were crowned in this very forest. Its untouched beauty, protected by its sacred status, features towering Ficus and Drago trees, lava-stone paths, and vibrant birdlife.
Walking through Buhanga feels like stepping into Rwanda’s living history, a tranquil sanctuary where nature and ancient royal heritage coexist in perfect harmony.
{{3. Kamegeri Rock }}
[Kamegeri Rock->https://en.igihe.com/history/article/when-the-evil-falls-in-own-trap-the-story-of-kamegeri-rock], located in Ruhango District, is one of Rwanda’s most symbolic historic sites.
It is named after Kamegeri, a local chief and trusted servant of King Mibambwe II Gisanura, who ruled around 1600.
Known for his wisdom, Kamegeri earned the king’s favor but later misused his influence by proposing a cruel punishment, burning traitors on a red-hot rock.
To teach a lesson in justice and humility, the king ordered Kamegeri to suffer the same fate on the very rock he had chosen. His story remains a moral reminder that cruelty and arrogance can lead to one’s downfall.
{{4. Ndaba Rock }}
[Ndaba Rock->https://en.igihe.com/history/article/when-greed-is-overwhelming-the-tale-of-ndaba-rock], located about 20 kilometers from Karongi on the road to Muhanga, is one of Rwanda’s most captivating cultural sites. It is named after Ndaba, a man who died tragically after succumbing to greed.
According to legend, Ndaba was lowered into a honey-filled rock by his friends but chose to eat the honey himself instead of sharing. Angry, his companions abandoned him, and when he tried to climb out, his weight and the slippery rock caused him to fall to his death.
The site remains a powerful symbol against selfishness and attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and storytelling traditions.
{{5. Huye Ethnographic Museum }}
The Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which has existed since the late 1980s, stands as one of Africa’s finest cultural museums.
Its seven galleries take visitors on a journey through Rwanda’s heritage, from geography and geology to daily life, craftsmanship, and tradition.
Exhibits display tools used in farming, pottery, weaving, and woodwork, alongside traditional clothing and architectural methods. The museum also highlights the social importance of cattle, whose royal descendants still graze in nearby Nyanza.
The final gallery immerses visitors in Rwanda’s customs, beliefs, and oral traditions, while the adjoining craft centre keeps these timeless skills alive.
{{6. Mu Bisi bya Huye kwa Nyagakecuru (Nyagakecuru residing in Huye mountains) }}
High in the mountains of Huye District, Southern Rwanda, once lived an old woman named Nyagakecuru, remembered for her defiance against King Kigeli IV Rwabugili in the 18th century.
While others bowed to royal authority, she refused to submit or send tributes to the king. From her fortified home atop Mount Huye, she was guarded by a massive snake said to protect her from attacks.
After repeated failures to capture her, the king sent her fifty goats as a trick. The goats devoured her thorny fence, leaving the snake homeless. It had no choice but to flee.
Seizing the moment, Rwabugili’s soldiers stormed the mountain and captured her, ending her rebellion.
{{7. Kandt House Museum }}
In the heart of Kigali lies the home of Richard Kandt, the German explorer who founded the city in the early 1900s.
Now the Kandt House Museum, it offers an intriguing glimpse into Rwanda’s colonial encounter and transformation. Through its rooms, visitors trace the shift from pre-colonial life to modern urbanization.
{{8. Mwima Mausoleum}}
A short drive from Nyanza, the Mwima Mausoleum sits quietly among trees, its simplicity befitting the dignity of its occupants.
Here lie King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda, whose lives and legacies shaped Rwanda’s modern identity.
When you stand at Mwima, you can see Rwesero, Rukari and Mushirarungu hill next you.
{{9. ‘Ku Kirenge cya Ruganzu’ – The royal footprint }}
In the hilly Rulindo District, about an hour from Kigali, stands a striking sculpture of a muscular man holding a bow and spear, said to depict King Ruganzu II Ndoli, who ruled Rwanda from 1510 to 1543.
Known as Ku Kirenge (“at the footprint”), the site hosts the Ikirenge Cultural Centre, where a rock bearing Ruganzu’s supposed footprint is displayed.
Guides eagerly point out the marks of his toes and heel, astonishing visitors with the legend’s vivid yet believable detail.
{{10. Akarwa k’abakobwa — The Girls’ island }}
Among Rwanda’s legendary islands is Akarwa k’Abakobwa, the Island of Girls, once a place of banishment for unmarried pregnant girls, seen as a disgrace to their families.
Tradition held that parents would present the girl to the king, who ordered her sent to the island to die in isolation. Sometimes, fishermen from nearby Idjwi Island rescued and married them, while others perished, their fate unknown.
The story instilled fear against premarital sex. Today, the island’s silence remains, now serving as a peaceful grazing ground for Rwanda’s famous swimming cows.
{{11. Campaign Against Genocide Museum }}
In the heart of Kigali’s parliamentary complex stands the Campaign Against Genocide Museum a solemn tribute to courage and unity.
Through powerful displays, visitors retrace the Rwandan Patriotic Army’s heroic efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and restore peace.
