Church leaders vow to strengthen ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ awareness

By The Inspirer.

Church leaders under the Evangelical Alliance of Rwanda (AER) have pledged to intensify awareness and promotion of the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme among believers as part of broader efforts to strengthen unity, patriotism, and values-based development.

The commitment was made during the conclusion of a three-day retreat held in Gatsibo District from May 18 to 20, 2026, bringing together 59 leaders from churches and Christian organizations affiliated with AER.

The retreat focused on the role of faith-based institutions in supporting national development priorities, promoting social cohesion, and reinforcing values that contribute to sustainable development.

Key discussions centered on “Ndi Umunyarwanda,” Pan-Africanism, self-reliance, and home-grown solutions.

Speaking at the event, AER President Anfred Gatabazi said church leaders resolved to align their activities and messages more closely with national programmes, including Vision 2050.

“We invited the Pan-Africanism Movement to help educate our pastors on programmes such as Ndi Umunyarwanda so they can better understand their importance and pass these values on to the communities they lead,” he said.

Gatabazi added that church leaders also agreed to strengthen gender equality within churches, fight violence against girls, and increase civic awareness around government programmes.

“We concluded that pastors should play a stronger role in fighting harmful behaviors and promoting positive values within society,” he said.

The Head of Family Development Commission at AER, Ada Darlene Kiyange, said participants also discussed ways of strengthening economic self-reliance among churches through income-generating projects and development initiatives.

She noted that discussions further focused on promoting African identity and empowering women through economic activities.

“We discussed Ndi Umunyarwanda and the importance of promoting love for Africa so that Christians strengthen both their Rwandan identity and African values,” she said.

Emile Rwamasirabo, a member of Pan African Movement Rwanda, urged churches to take a leading role in promoting unity, solidarity, and mindset transformation.

“We want Rwandans to embrace a mindset centered on cooperation and collective progress. Churches can help transform communities and discourage hatred,” he said.

The retreat also adopted resolutions aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity within AER leadership structures to improve institutional effectiveness.

Participants further agreed to prioritize sustainable income-generating projects to reduce dependence on foreign aid and promote self-reliance among member churches and organizations.

Church leaders additionally committed to integrating the values of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” and Pan-Africanism into annual programmes and activities aligned with national frameworks such as NST2 and Vision 2050.

Founded in 1992, the Evangelical Alliance of Rwanda brings together 91 churches and Christian organizations operating across Rwanda.