Umuganura 2026: Bizimana urges Rwandans to protect cultural values and reject harmful practices

By The Inspirer.

Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana has urged Rwandans to preserve the country’s cultural values by rejecting behaviours that undermine society and embracing practices that promote unity, dignity and development.

He delivered the message during the national Umuganura 2026 celebrations held in Rusizi District, where he said the traditional harvest festival is not only a time to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on the values and efforts that make progress possible.

Dr. Bizimana said Umuganura reminds Rwandans of important values, including patriotism, integrity, hard work, self-respect and responsibility, while encouraging citizens to avoid practices that harm individuals, families and communities.

He specifically warned against alcohol abuse, drug use, immorality and other behaviours that he said can slow down development and weaken social values.

“Our culture should be purified from what destroys it and enriched with what helps it grow stronger. We should respect ourselves and avoid becoming people without values. This is the Rwandan identity the country needs, and this is the true meaning of Umuganura,” he said.

The minister said Rwanda’s progress should not be threatened by practices that damage the wellbeing of citizens.

“This country was rebuilt from difficult circumstances and should not be destroyed by drugs, immorality or any other harmful practices. We must fight them and overcome them instead of watching them spread,” Bizimana said.

During the celebrations, the minister also encouraged residents of Rusizi to appreciate their achievements in agriculture and support those who did not achieve similar harvests.

He provided cows to eight families in the district as part of efforts to strengthen livelihoods and improve household resilience.

Dr. Bizimana praised Rusizi’s economic activities, including rice farming, coffee and tea production, cement manufacturing, fishing and fish processing, saying they contribute significantly to the district’s development.

He reminded citizens that celebrating Umuganura should go beyond sharing harvests, stressing that it should also serve as a reminder of the values that have guided Rwanda’s progress, including hard work, unity and love for the country.

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s traditional practices that dates back to the monarchy period, when it was observed as a celebration of harvests and national prosperity.

The tradition was revived by the Government of Rwanda in 2011 as a platform to promote unity, self-reliance and appreciation of national achievements.

The 2026 national Umuganura celebration in Rusizi marked the first time the event had been held in the district since 1894.