This edition's theme, Cinema, celebrates iconic characters from the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s, with guests encouraged to dress as their favourite movie or TV character. The best-dressed attendee will walk away with a special prize.
In partnership with Jameson Black Barrel and Capital FM 103.5, the event will once again bring together some of the region's top DJs to deliver an eclectic mix of music, taking attendees on a journey through hip-hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall and the African classics that defined generations.
This edition's lineup features Kigali's own DJ RY and DJ Julzz, alongside special guests Sal Deejay and DJ Cisse from Uganda, promising an unforgettable soundtrack from start to finish.
Launched in 2021, The Reminisce has grown into an international experience spanning eight cities across seven countries in Africa, Europe and the United States.
Organisers describe it as more than an event, saying it is a shared cultural celebration that brings people together through music, nostalgia and meaningful social connection.
Dubbed 'The Grownfolks' Playground,' The Reminisce has established itself as one of the most sought-after events on Kigali's social calendar.
Tickets are now available via Sinc at reminisce.sinc.events.
The Reminisce organisers announce the return of the sixth edition, set to bring a Cinema-themed experience to Kigali on August 15, 2026.The Reminisce prepares for its sixth edition at Atelier du Vin, featuring a celebration of iconic movie and TV characters.The Reminisce sixth edition will combine music, nostalgia and cinema-inspired fashion as Kigali's Grownfolks Playground returns.
According to performance targets set by the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), the phase had reached 14.48% completion at the beginning of the financial year. Progress is expected to rise to 34.14% in the first quarter, 45.39% in the second quarter, and 67.36% in the third quarter, before reaching the 75.4% target by June 2027.
To meet the target, Bugesera Airport Company plans to increase the pace of construction by introducing two daily shifts and extending works into the night.
The company will also undertake preparations for the airport's eventual operations, including building the capacity of personnel who will work at the facility and coordinating different institutions involved in its operations.
MININFRA's performance targets did not disclose the budget allocated for this phase of the airport project.
Airport access road expected to reach 50%
Alongside airport construction, the access road connecting to Bugesera International Airport is expected to reach 50% completion during the 2026/27 financial year.
The road project has been allocated more than Rwf3.26 billion for the year, which will support activities including compensation payments, commencement of construction works, and completion of studies for a proposed toll collection system.
The plans indicate that authorities are considering introducing toll fees for road users, although details on the proposed charges and payment mechanism have not yet been disclosed.
Power projects to support airport operations
Two electricity infrastructure projects linked to the airport development are also included in the government's 2026/27 targets.
The Bugesera Industrial Park substation, with a capacity of 3x30MVA and 110/30kV, is expected to progress from 61.23% completion to full completion during the financial year. The project has been allocated more than Rwf3.55 billion.
Meanwhile, the 110kV transmission line connecting Bugesera Industrial Park to the airport is expected to move from 53.42% completion to 100%, with Rwf4.55 billion allocated to the project.
Combined, the access road, electricity substation and transmission line supporting the airport have been allocated at least Rwf 11.37 billion during the financial year.
Bugesera International Airport is designed with a 4,200-metre runway. In its first phase, the facility is expected to handle up to seven million passengers annually and 150,000 tonnes of cargo. A second phase, planned for completion in 2032, is expected to expand capacity to 14 million passengers per year.
The minister made the remarks as Rwanda prepares to celebrate Umuganura, the annual harvest festival observed on the first Friday of August, saying the occasion should not only be a time to celebrate achievements but also reflect on measures needed to prevent society from regressing.
In a message shared on his X account, Dr. Bizimana said Rwandans should appreciate the progress they have made while also looking at challenges that could threaten future development.
'Celebrating our achievements requires us to also consider what can prevent us from moving backwards, because those who contribute to development are healthy and strong,' he said.
He warned that Rwanda is increasingly affected by the consumption of harmful alcoholic beverages, especially among young people, as well as other behaviours he described as damaging to individuals and society.
'Today, we are facing an epidemic of people producing and consuming harmful alcoholic drinks that damage the health of Rwandans. We are facing alcoholism among the youth, drug abuse, prostitution, immorality and other behaviours that devalue people, while there is a lack of guidance from elders who should tell them: 'Stop, abandon these harmful practices,'' Dr. Bizimana said.
He called on Rwandans to use Umuganura as an opportunity to collectively fight against practices that threaten people's wellbeing.
'Let Umuganura become a moment when we rise together and reject these harmful practices. Bad behaviours are destroying lives in the Rwanda of Kanyarwanda. Together, through our shared commitment, let us say: 'Enough is enough; we reject them,'' he said.
The minister urged young people to prioritise healthy lifestyles, saying a healthy population is the foundation for personal and national development.
'Through one united voice, young men and women should say: 'We are committed to living healthy lives because that is the source of our prosperity and development, as well as that of Rwanda. We will avoid the dangers of alcohol, drunkenness, drug abuse, immoral behaviour, self-destruction and anything that diminishes our dignity,'' he said.
The warning comes after the Ministry of Health revealed that during the first six months of 2026, about 500 people sought medical treatment in different health facilities after consuming substandard alcoholic drinks.
Among them, 100 suffered permanent blindness, more than 50 died, while over 11,000 people were reported to have developed addiction linked to the consumption of such drinks.
Rwanda has since taken measures to address the issue, including closing several factories producing substandard alcoholic beverages that posed health risks.
More than 50 types of imported alcoholic drinks were also removed from the Rwandan market over quality concerns.
Minister Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana has reminded Rwandans that celebrating Umuganura should go hand in hand with promoting positive values and responsible choices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) said the latest group, the 24th to arrive under the programme, was received in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The group comprises 68 Sudanese, 66 Eritreans, 26 South Sudanese, 15 Ethiopians and two Somalis.
According to the ministry, the asylum seekers will be accommodated at the Gashora Transit Centre in Bugesera District, which hosts other evacuees who previously arrived in Rwanda under the humanitarian initiative.
The Emergency Transit Mechanism was established in September 2019 through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and the African Union to provide temporary protection to vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya while durable solutions, including resettlement, are pursued.
MINEMA said that since the programme began, Rwanda has received more than 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Libya.
Of these, 2,681 have been successfully resettled in third countries, including Canada (927), France (332), the United States (325), Sweden (297), Finland (271), Norway (229), Germany (132), the Netherlands (94) and Belgium (72).
The ministry reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to providing protection to people fleeing conflict and persecution, saying the country remains committed to offering refuge to people in need.
The group comprises 68 Sudanese, 66 Eritreans, 26 South Sudanese, 15 Ethiopians and two Somalis.The asylum seekers will be accommodated at the Gashora Transit Centre in Bugesera District, which hosts other evacuees who previously arrived in Rwanda under the humanitarian initiative.
Implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), SAIP II aims to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security from October 2024 to October 2026.
The project focuses on several areas of agricultural development, including irrigation, where more than Rwf5 billion has already been invested, while an additional Rwf6 billion is planned for use by December 2026.
SAIP II supports small-scale irrigation schemes covering areas of up to 10 hectares, particularly benefiting farmers growing crops such as vegetables, tomatoes, chilli peppers, avocados and maize seeds.
Through the project, farmers receive irrigation equipment, training on its use and support to access markets for quality produce.
Jean Paul Buregeya, a tomato and maize farmer in Mimuri Sector, Nyagatare District, said irrigation support transformed his farming activities. He previously relied on manual watering using watering cans, which limited production.
After receiving irrigation support through SAIP II, Buregeya said his tomato harvest value increased from about Rwf1.5 million to Rwf3.5 million.
The improved income has enabled him to invest in assets, including buying a cow worth Rwf1 million and a house valued at Rwf3.5 million within one and a half years.
In Murundi Sector, Kayonza District, farmers in the Buhabwa agricultural zone also say irrigation has helped them overcome challenges caused by drought.
Mbaraga Potiane, who leads farmers in the area, said SAIP II provided more than Rwf70 million to establish an irrigation system covering five hectares.
'On one hectare, watermelon production generates about Rwf7 million. Previously, crops would dry up during periods of intense sunshine. We now have reliable markets, and we have earned up to Rwf15 million from three hectares of chilli peppers, which we export,' he said.
Meanwhile, Faustin Ugirumurera, head of Ubuzima Bwiza Kayonza, a water users' association, said SAIP II support helped improve irrigation systems in the Kayonza Kane agricultural zone in Kabare Sector, which covers 365 hectares.
The zone, where 416 farmers grow fruits and vegetables, had previously faced water shortages that affected crop production during dry periods.
Through SAIP II, farmers received more than Rwf800 million to purchase irrigation equipment, including 540 solar-powered systems and water pumping machines to supply water across the farming area.
The investment has significantly increased productivity. Farmers now harvest more than four tonnes of chilli peppers per hectare, compared with less than 500 kilograms previously. Tomato production has also increased to about five tonnes per hectare, up from less than 400 kilograms.
Kayonza District Acting Vice Mayor Jules Higiro said the project has expanded irrigated farmland in the district, adding more than 170 hectares to the area under irrigation, with further expansion ongoing.
The initiative has increased the number of agricultural zones equipped with irrigation systems in Kayonza to 11, with local authorities urging farmers to maintain the infrastructure so they can continue benefiting after donor-supported projects come to an end.
Farmers in Kayonza use irrigation equipment provided through SAIP II to grow crops during the dry season and increase productivity.Onions are now being grown during the dry season in Kayonza.A farmer in Eastern Rwanda irrigates crops using equipment supported by the SAIP II project to overcome dry-season farming challenges.These water-pumping motors were provided through the SAIP II project to farmers cultivating plots of up to five hectares.Kayonza District Acting Vice Mayor Jules Higiro said SAIP II had expanded irrigated farmland and improved farmers' ability to produce throughout the year.Faustin Ugirumurera, head of Ubuzima Bwiza Kayonza water users' association, explained how SAIP II improved irrigation systems in the Kayonza Kane agricultural zone.
Ruhamya graduated alongside fellow Ugandan cadet Bakira Ruyondo, joining a group of officers who completed the academy's rigorous military training programme on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
The training equips cadets with skills in military leadership, command, and operational planning as they prepare for roles as officers in their respective armed forces.
Gen Muhoozi recently shared images of his son during his time at Sandhurst, including a comparison between Ruhamya's training experience and his own time at the academy 27 years ago.
The UPDF chief, who is President Yoweri Museveni's son, also graduated from Sandhurst in 2000 after joining Uganda's military in 1999. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following his training.
Ruhamya joins a growing number of UPDF officers trained at Sandhurst, one of the world's leading military academies, which has produced officers for the British Army and armed forces of several countries, including Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Botswana, and Nigeria.
The academy is also known for training members of royal families and future military leaders from across the world.
Ruhamya (second from left) joins a growing number of UPDF officers trained at Sandhurst,The training equips cadets with skills in military leadership, command, and operational planning as they prepare for roles as officers in their respective armed forces.
The designation followed the recommendation of the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture.
Established jointly by UNESCO and UIA, the World Capital of Architecture program highlights the transformative role of architecture, urban planning, culture and heritage in advancing sustainable urban development. Every three years, UNESCO designates the host city of the UIA World Congress as the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture.
According to UNESCO, Beijing was selected for its 'exceptional ability to bring together one of the world's richest architectural heritages with a forward-looking vision of sustainable urban development.'
'Its historic urban fabric, successful regeneration projects and vibrant architectural culture demonstrate how heritage, innovation and community life can reinforce one another in shaping resilient and livable cities,' UNESCO said in a press release.
Looking ahead to Beijing 2029, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany expressed confidence in the press release that the city's extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation and forward-looking vision would inspire new international dialogue on the power of architecture.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, became the first city to be designated the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture in 2020, followed by Copenhagen and Barcelona.
A rainbow appears in the sky after rain in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)
Commenting on the results, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said: 'The first half of 2026 was marked by a dynamic operating environment with pressure on inflation and a cautious policy approach by the regional Central Banks. Our focused execution of the UBUNTU strategy has ensured that we delivered a resilient total income growth of 15.1 per cent reflecting healthy business volumes, improved margins and continued customer activity.'
'Our balance sheet momentum remained strong, anchored on disciplined growth in quality lending demonstrated by well-managed non-performing loans of 10.5 per cent compared to the market`s 15.3 per cent (Kenya) and stable funding provided by customer deposit growth. We have increased provisions to KES 5.2 billion reflecting the realities of the current operating environment which positions us well to absorb potential risks.'
'We are also encouraged by the strength of our return on average equity at 19.0 per cent while maintaining a strong capital adequacy position of 21.7 per cent providing a solid foundation to support future growth and strategic investment opportunities.'
Subsidiary performance
The Kenya Bank subsidiary continued to be the Group's key profit driver powered by disciplined cost of funds management and grew profitability by 24.3 per cent year-on-year to reach KES 13.7 billion. The regional subsidiaries (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda) delivered a combined KES 1.6 billion in profitability on the back of strong lending growth + 25 per cent year-on-year, income momentum +11 per cent and recovery opportunities.
The Non-banking subsidiaries (NCBA Investment Bank, Leasing, Bancassurance and NCBA Insurance) continued their strong performance momentum delivering profitability of KES 1.1 billion collectively, a growth of 40 per cent year- on- year reinforcing the value of NCBA's diversified business model.
Strategic Priorities Highlights
The Group invested KES 2.4 billion in technology infrastructure to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen cyber resilience and fortify its core operations. This resulted in strengthened service resilience, delivering 99.68 per cent system uptime and higher customer advocacy with Digital Net Promoter Score rising to 69 per cent. NCBA ConnectPlus, the recently launched best in class business banking platform was scaled across the region to create a seamless and standardized offering.
The Group scaled high-growth segments by expanding its wealth Assets Under Management to KES 101 billion and surpassing 60,000 active wealth clients. Simplified automated customer journeys accelerated digital adoption with mobile banking accounting for 94 per cent of transaction volumes.
Embedding insurance in every relationship contributed to the growth of NCBA Insurance and Bancassurance Gross Written Premiums to KES 2.1 billion and KES 2.3 billion respectively. The priority on deepening focus in supporting small scale businesses contributed to a 12 per cent year-on-year growth in the Group`s SME loan book to KES 44.7 billion up from KES 39.9 billion.
NCBA unlocked new growth through strategic partnerships in Asset Finance to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and solar leasing uptake resulting to 30 per cent Asset Finance market leadership in Kenya. The digital marketplace CarDuka sold vehicles worth KES 1.94 billion while the KOMIUT digital transport platform processed over KES 117 million in collections.
In Retail Banking, the 123 branches across the region, digital onboarding and campaigns including BOOSTA for SMEs, EasyBuild for property finance, diaspora banking and segmented engagements helped acquire +10,000 new core bank customers per month and expand the retail loan book by 54 per cent.
The proposed Nedbank transaction is progressing as planned with the tender offer successfully closing on 10 July 2026, attracting strong shareholder support of a 121 per cent oversubscription. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the fulfilment of remaining conditions and regulatory approvals.
On building a Future-Ready organization, NCBA improved its operating efficiency reflected in a 130-bps cost-to-income ratio growth year-on-year. The Group scaled its Change The Story sustainability agenda through green financing including the oversubscribed KES 3 billion KMRC bond and regional electric vehicle financing.
Over 340,000 trees were nurtured and planted and more than 400,000 livelihoods impacted through community engagements including sports activations in golf and cycling. The momentum to build an iconic regional brand resulted to brand health growing to 7.1 per cent demand power and 49 per cent consideration in Kenya. As a certified Top Employer of the Year, NCBA invested +100,000 learning hours for its +4,000 employees and achieved a 91 per cent retention rate.
Looking forward
Looking ahead, Mr. Gachora said: 'While the global macroeconomic environment signals uncertainty leading to a softer growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2026, the investor landscape remains vibrant with major regional expansion transaction deals expected to close in the second half of the year.'
'We remain confident in the strength of our UBUNTU strategy enabled by a projected optimistic business outlook (Kenya private sector credit growth at 9.3 per cent) and our ability to unlock new growth opportunities which will generate enduring value for customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.'
About NCBA Group PLC
NCBA is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to Corporate, Institutional, SME and Consumer banking customers.
NCBA operates a network of more than 100 branches across five countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, NCBA is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.
NCBA Bank Kenya is among the leading banks by assets. The Group continues to play a key role in empowering Africa's economic ambitions. NCBA is a Market Leader in corporate banking, asset finance, and Digital Banking.
NCBA Group CEO John Gachora attributed the strong H1 2026 performance to the execution of the bank's UBUNTU strategy, which supported business growth, improved margins and customer activity.
In a performance update issued on August 5, BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said eKash has maintained an average transaction success rate of 98.6%, highlighting the growing use of interoperable digital payments across Rwanda's banking and mobile money ecosystem.
The central bank boss also revealed that the number of active users of interoperable digital payment services increased by 166% within weeks of the launch, rising from 740,787 users during the corresponding period in June to 1,971,522 by the end of July.
The central bank attributed the strong uptake to public confidence in the new payment system and thanked customers for their trust and constructive feedback, noting that user input has helped identify areas requiring further refinement.
While the majority of transactions have been completed successfully, NBR acknowledged that some customers experienced delays and failed transactions during the initial rollout.
The regulator said participating financial institutions and the system operator are working under its oversight to resolve the issues, with ongoing measures aimed at strengthening system performance and improving customer service.
'NBR acknowledges the positive response to eKash and thanks the public for their continued trust and constructive feedback, which has contributed to the ongoing improvement of the service,' the governor said in a statement.
She added that a nationwide public awareness campaign is underway to help the public better understand the interoperable instant payment system and the changes it introduces.
Customers who experience challenges while using eKash have been encouraged to first contact their bank or mobile money provider for assistance.
'If the issue is not resolved, they may submit a complaint to the National Bank of Rwanda through the Intumwa chatbot, available via SMS (6005), WhatsApp (+250791700721), and NBR website and official social media platforms,' the governor added.
Launched nationwide on July 14, the unified national digital payment system enables instant person-to-person transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets across licensed financial institutions, regardless of the service provider.
The interoperable platform allows customers to transfer money from a bank account to a mobile wallet, from a mobile wallet to a bank account, or between accounts and wallets held with different financial institutions without opening new accounts or downloading additional applications.
NBR has capped the maximum transfer amount at Rwf 10 million per transaction, while the highest fee that financial institutions can charge customers is Rwf 20 per transfer, although providers are free to charge less or waive the fee altogether.
The central bank expects eKash to strengthen Rwanda's payment ecosystem by making digital transactions faster, more accessible and affordable, while advancing financial inclusion across the country.
Governor Hakuziyaremye affirmed that the regulator will continue working with banks, electronic money issuers and other stakeholders to ensure eKash delivers a secure, reliable and seamless payment experience for all users.
In a performance update issued on August 5, BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said eKash has maintained an average transaction success rate of 98.6%, highlighting the growing use of interoperable digital payments across Rwanda's banking and mobile money ecosystem.
Trump's comments came one day after a CNN report on U.S. weapons shortages following intensive military campaign against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that 'large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the U.S. as needed. Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country's history.'
On Tuesday, CNN, citing two sources familiar with the latest inventory report, disclosed that the U.S. military has burned through nearly four-fifths of its THAAD missile inventory compared to pre-war numbers and roughly half of its Patriot interceptors since the start of the Iran war.
The inventory report also noted that the stockpile issue was raised again prior to Trump's decision last weekend to cancel new strikes on Iran, said CNN.
The U.S. Army has also used 'virtually all' of its highly accurate long-range, surface-to-air weapons during the conflict, the news report said.
According to a report by the Washington Post on Wednesday, Trump at the presidential retreat Camp David last week vented anger at U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that he thought the munitions issue 'had been fixed.'
Trump demanded answers from Hegseth on why he had apparently been misled on extreme munitions shortages that threaten to limit military options with Iran, the newspaper said.
'The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought,' Trump warned in his Thursday Truth Social post.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has 'massive' amounts of munitions, especially of certain types.
