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It was started by by volunteers who felt the passion and need to help vulnerable youths especially young underprivileged school going children.
Over the years, TIP evolved, and today, SOLIDACT stands as a legally registered nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting vulnerable children in Rwanda.

The Organization is led by a Council with Rosette Murigande as the Chairperson, Pascaline Umutesi, as the Deputy, a team of advisors, the secretary and treasurer.
Through a comprehensive approach that addresses education, health, and community support, SOLIDACT is making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.

From Vision to Reality

The SOLIDACT Foundation’s story began with a simple, yet profound goal: to support vulnerable children, particularly in their education and development.

SOLIDACT is making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.

What started as the Tubakunde Initiative Program under EPCA quickly gained momentum as the founders recognized the immense need for structured support for children facing various socio-economic challenges.

“In 2022, we started small, sponsoring just a few students,” recalls Jean Gakwaya, the Executive Secretary of SOLIDACT. “Our efforts have since expanded, and are now supporting eight students across different regions. This growth was driven by our unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.”

Jean Gakwaya, the Executive Secretary of SOLIDACT, makes his remarks during the launch of the foundation.

As TIP’s impact grew, so did the vision of its founders. In 2024, the initiative was formalized through the establishment of SOLIDACT Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a clear mission: to provide holistic support for vulnerable children and youth, fostering their welfare, education, and socio-economic development.

The foundation’s vision is ambitious yet attainable—to create a world where every child and youth from vulnerable families is empowered to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

Impact on the Ground: Education, Health, and Community Support

SOLIDACT’S commitment to making a difference is evident in the scope and depth of its work. In the academic year 2024-2025, the foundation plans to extend its support to 59 more vulnerable children from Kagarama and Bumbogo Sectors in Gasabo district, bringing the total number of supported children close to 150.

In the academic year 2024-2025, the foundation plans to extend its support to 59 more vulnerable children from Kagarama and Bumbogo Sectors in Gasabo district.

These children receive more than just basic educational materials; they are provided with the tools they need to thrive.

“Education is the cornerstone of our support, but we know that it’s not enough on its own,” Gakwaya explains. “That’s why we also focus on health and community support, ensuring that these children and their families have the resources they need to build better futures.”

In 2024, SOLIDACT intends to distribute essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, uniforms, and shoes the children they support, ensuring they had everything necessary to start the school year prepared.

Additionally, the foundation paid for community health insurance for the children and their families. This support not only alleviates the financial burden on these families but also ensures that the children can focus on their education without worrying about healthcare costs.

The impact extends beyond education and health. In August 2023, the foundation demonstrated its commitment to community support by providing aid to 164 families
affected by devastating floods in Nyundo Sector.

The assistance included the distribution of food, kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, and shoes. Additionally, in partnership with Umurenge SACCO-Nyundo, they provided collateral for small business owners affected by the floods, helping them rebuild their lives and businesses.

“We believe that supporting a child also means supporting their family and community,” says Gakwaya. “When a family is strong, the child is more likely to succeed.”

Building for the Future: The Recreation Center of Excellence

As SOLIDACT continues to grow, it is also looking towards the future with ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact. One of the cornerstone projects on the horizon is the creation of a Recreation Center of Excellence in Nyundo Sector, in Rubavu district.

This center will serve as a hub for holistic development, offering a wide range of activities and services designed to support the physical, mental, and cultural growth of the children under their care.

“The Recreation Center will be more than just a place for academic support,” Gakwaya explains. “It will be a comprehensive environment where children can thrive, both physically and mentally.”

The center will feature state-of-the-art multi-sport facilities, including a basketball court and a multi-purpose field for football and volleyball. These facilities will not only promote physical fitness but also encourage teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking.

In addition to sports, the center will offer a variety of cultural and creative activities, such as traditional Rwandan dance and music workshops, art and craft classes, and storytelling sessions that celebrate Rwanda’s rich history and heritage.

“Our goal is to create a space where children can explore their talents, connect with their culture, and develop the skills they need to succeed in the future,” says Gakwaya.

Monique Nyiransengiyumva, the Executive Secretary of Nyundo Sector says that these initiatives by SOLIDAID provided youths with the tools to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

'These developments provide adequate facilities and space for children to focus on their development utilizing all opportunities to get a bright future,' she said.

Monique Nyiransengiyumva, the Executive Secretary of Nyundo Sector, makes her remarks during the launch of the foundation.

A Call to Action: Join the Journey

As SolidAct looks to the future, it is true that the foundation’s success will depend on the support and involvement of the community. Gakwaya emphasizes that there are many ways to contribute to the foundation’s mission, whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply sharing ideas.

“We invite anyone who is passionate about making a difference to join us,” he says. “Together, we can build a brighter future for these children and their families.”
For those interested in supporting, SOLIDACT can be reached at +250788303395.

A Legacy of Hope and Empowerment

The SOLIDACT Foundation is more than just an organization; it is a lifeline for vulnerable children in Rwanda. Through its comprehensive approach to education, health, and community support, opportunities for children to thrive and build better futures are created.

Attendees cut cake to celebrate the launch of the Solidarity in Action (SOLIDACT) Foundation on August 15, 2024.

As the foundation continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of empowerment and hope, ensuring that every child has the chance to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

With ambitious plans for the future, including the creation of the Recreation Center of Excellence, SOLIDACT is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. The foundation’s work is a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that, together, a world where every child has the opportunity to succeed can be created today.

The Solidarity in Action (SOLIDACT) Foundation was launched on August 15, 2024.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The team, comprising experts in various fields, is expected to work hand in hand with other government officials in their ministries to develop and implement policies, manage budgets, handle crises, advise the president and the prime minister, and communicate with the public, among other responsibilities.

In addition to the Cabinet, the Head of State is expected to appoint heads of parastatal institutions from time to time, who also play a key role in the management of various government bodies.

For all these leaders to be resourceful and successful civil servants, several key principles and practices are essential to ensuring strong performance, effective leadership, and job security.

1. Integrity and Ethical Conduct

Integrity and ethical conduct remain at the core of public service, and any leader entrusted with a position in government must adhere to the highest standards, avoiding corruption, nepotism, and other unethical behaviours.

In recent years, several leaders have been forced out of office due to lack of integrity, highlighting the growing intolerance for unethical behaviour in Rwanda’s public service.

On July 25, 2024, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya was dismissed from her position as Minister of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) amid a probe into her conduct.

According to Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Mujawamariya is being investigated for accountability issues related to her tenure as Minister of Environment between November 2019 and June 2024.

RIB is also investigating Environment Permanent Secretary Patrick Karere and other individuals in the ministry accused of mismanagement of forestry and environmental projects.

President Kagame’s zero tolerance for graft led to the sentencing of former Minister of Youth and Culture, Edouard Bamporiki, to four years in prison in 2022 after he was found guilty of corruption and misusing his office to solicit a bribe.

Additionally, former Eastern Province Governor and Inspector-General of Police, CG (Rtd) Emmanuel Gasana, is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for abuse of office.

2. Accountability

As explained above and in the highlighted cases, the government of Rwanda has zero tolerance for corruption and other fraudulent activities. To remain compliant, a state officer must be prepared to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring transparency and honesty in all dealings.

3. Professionalism

Professionalism in civil service is fundamental for effective governance, public trust, and the successful implementation of government policies and programs.

The virtue entails upholding a high level of ethics and integrity, demonstrating a high level of competence and expertise, possessing strong communication skills, managing time effectively, and promoting teamwork and collaboration.

4. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

To be resourceful and successful in their roles, civil servants must consistently strive to ensure that their actions and decisions are compliant with the laws and regulations of the country.

Compliance with laws and regulations is crucial for maintaining the integrity, effectiveness, and trustworthiness of public service, ensuring that a civil servant fulfils their roles in a lawful, fair, and responsible manner.

5. Continuous Learning and Improvement

State officers, such as Cabinet ministers, occupy pivotal roles that shape a nation’s trajectory. To effectively navigate the complexities of governance, continuous learning is indispensable.

In a rapidly changing world, it is essential for key officials to develop a deep understanding of emerging trends, technologies, and global dynamics to formulate effective policies. This can only be achieved through continuous learning and self-improvement.

Additionally, continuous learning enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for managing crises.

6. Effective Communication

Any civil servant seeking to be successful in their role must develop strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate their ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

This includes communicating the success of one’s initiatives to the public and taking responsibility for any failures.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

To excel in governance, a good leader must work well within teams, respect other officials’ contributions and encourage a collaborative work environment.

By fostering a cooperative environment, government agencies can enhance their ability to address complex challenges, improve service delivery, and achieve shared objectives.

8. Innovative Thinking

Any leader seeking to succeed in their undertakings must be open to new ideas and approaches, actively seeking innovative solutions to challenges and continuously improving processes within their department.

9. Customer-Oriented Service

A civil servant’s primary role is to serve the public. To succeed in this, one must be responsive to the needs of citizens, delivering services efficiently and courteously.

This includes actively listening to feedback, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism. Building trust through transparency and integrity is also essential for fostering positive relationships with the community and ensuring effective public service.

10. Strong Work Ethic

Successful civil servants often show dedication through their work through diligence, discipline, and the consistent delivery of quality results.

Commitment to one’s work can inspire junior officers to strive for greater achievements and, in the long run, improve the overall performance of a ministry or department.

11. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of public service. It underpins the trust between the government and its citizens.

Civil servants are required to protect sensitive information and uphold confidentiality, especially when handling government data or citizen information.

12. Adaptability and Flexibility

The public sector is dynamic, and a good leader must be able to adapt to change as needed. Additionally, flexibility in handling unexpected situations is crucial for navigating the complexities of public administration effectively.

13. Leadership and Initiative

As a leader, you are required to exhibit exceptional leadership by proactively taking initiative, steering others with vision and purpose, and making well-informed decisions that advance the interests of government and serve the public effectively.

14. Time Management

To enhance productivity, as a leader, you need to manage your time well by prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. It’s important to note that proper time management not only supports strategic planning but also promotes work-life balance.

15. Respect for Hierarchy and Protocol

Respecting hierarchy and protocols ensures smooth and respectful interactions between colleagues and superiors.

16. Focus on Results and Outcomes

Focusing on results and outcomes is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. As a leader, your primary objective should be to achieve tangible results that advance the goals of your department or ministry.

This means setting clear, measurable targets and directing your efforts toward achieving these specific outcomes. By concentrating on concrete achievements, you ensure that your initiatives and strategies are not only well-planned but also yield meaningful impacts.

17. Resource Management

Effective resource management is fundamental to successful leadership. As a leader, you are entrusted with various resources—financial, human, and material—that are critical to the operation and success of your department or ministry. Wise management of these resources involves ensuring that they are used efficiently and responsibly.

18. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is an essential skill for effective leadership, particularly in managing disagreements and issues that arise in the workplace. As a leader, developing strong conflict-resolution skills enables you to address and resolve disputes calmly and effectively, ensuring that the workplace remains productive and harmonious.

19. Commitment to National Vision

To be an effective leader, it is essential to align your work with Rwanda’s national vision and strategic goals. This means understanding and integrating the country’s long-term development objectives into your daily responsibilities and decisions. By doing so, you contribute to the broader mission of advancing national prosperity and achieving sustainable development.

20. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

To excel as a leader, you must be culturally aware and promote inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background. This will promote a progressive society where every individual feels appreciated.

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente was reappointed by President Kagame on Tuesday, August 3, 2024, after serving seven years in the position.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

A unanimous decision was taken by regional leaders who attended that there was need to continue fostering political and economic stability to accelerate regional integration and industrialization.

The one-day summit drew participants from all 16 member states including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DR Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rwanda is not a member of SADC.

During the event, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, took over the SADC chairmanship from his Angolan counterpart, Joao Lourenco. He called on the region to unite and collaborate to advance the development agenda for the benefit of SADC citizens.

The SADC region, Mnangangwa explained, must deploy innovative strategies across all sectors of the economy to spur regional value chains, particularly focusing on value addition and beneficiation of the abundant mineral and natural resources in the region.

He stressed the need for the SADC region to fiercely protect its sovereignty and economic independence. He assured that, during his tenure, the SADC would actively pursue and implement projects and programs aimed at advancing regional development.

At the same time, the new SADC chair expressed gratitude to the regional bloc for its support during the two decades of Western sanctions against Zimbabwe, noting that many countries in the region resisted pressure from Western nations to abandon the southern African country.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to personally thank you all for the many years of your unwavering solidarity, support, and unbreakable fraternal relations with the Republic and people of Zimbabwe. This has been against the continued heinous sanctions imposed on our country, Zimbabwe, by some Western countries,” Mnangagwa said.

“We are aware that various forms of undue pressure may have been exerted on you over the years to abandon us, yet you have remained resolute in the true spirit of our liberation wartime mantra that an injury to one is an injury to all,” the president emphasized.

Several countries and organizations have imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe over the years, mainly due to alleged human rights violations, political instability, and governance issues. Most of the countries and bodies have imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean officials and government entities in the country. The sanctions include travel bans and freezing of personal assets.

The countries and bodies that have imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe include the United States of America, the European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

In 2019, SADC declared October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day, during which member countries engage in various activities to demonstrate solidarity with Zimbabwe and advocate for the unconditional removal of sanctions.

The 44th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government was held on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a stirring and impassioned speech while addressing the newly sworn in parliament on August 14, 2024, Kagame castigated efforts in place to confront a conflict that has cast long shadows over the region for decades.

With reason and conviction, The Head of State dismantled the falsehoods and that have long painted Rwanda as the villain in this tragic saga, asserting with unwavering clarity that the DRC’s problems must not, and cannot be blamed on Rwanda.

'Let me speak plainly about these issues of regional insecurity, the war that has gripped the eastern part of DRC, the simmering tensions that have pitted neighbors against each other, these are not new problems,' Kagame said.

'I addressed them the other day at the inauguration, and I address them again now: the true root of these conflicts lies not in Rwanda, but in the mire of interests and hypocrisies that refuse to confront the real causes,' he asserted.

Kagame peeled back the layers of distortion that have clouded the truth for so long describing a narrative that has been twisted and turned to serve the interests of a few, while the many suffer.
'It is a story that was told not to illuminate the truth, but to obscure it by shifting the blame away from those who must be held accountable,' he observed.

The president questioned those that allege Rwanda’s exploitation of the DRC’s resources through the supposed support of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels.
'They say the FDLR returned to Rwanda only to be sent back to the DRC, to exploit their riches. But I ask, what riches? What resources are they speaking of, when the people they claim to defend live in conditions worse than my own citizens?' he wondered

He acknowledged that many of these fighters came back to Rwanda and everyone knows who they are and also addressed the concerning misrepresentation of the refugee situation in the region.
'You acknowledge that there are people who need to be resettled, yet you refuse to engage with the very refugees who are at the heart of the insecurity in this region and then you turn around and blame Rwanda? This is not just wrong, it is unacceptable!' Kagame said.

'It is clear that they have no real interest in resolving this conflict. They do not seek peace, but rather, they seek to maintain the chaos from which they benefit,'

Reflecting on a discussions held with some delegates at his inauguration, Kagame questioned why Rwanda is continually asked to clean up the mess that others have created.
But let me remind you, Rwanda’s liberation and progress was not handed to us as a gift. We fought for it, we bled for it, and we earned it,' he said

He emphasized that security is a matter of survival for Rwanda and good neighborliness cannot come at the country’s expense, or anyone else’s. He said that the problems in the DRC is not Rwanda’s to solve, and this constant narrative should not be used as a scapegoat.

'We will continue to protect our people, our interests, without fear, and without hesitation,' he stressed

Sam K Nkurunziza

In a notice to the public, the authority stated that White Vinegar and HLAAL White Vinegar, produced by Tamu Tamu Heat Spices LTD and Cheetah Group LTD, are no longer allowed to be produced, distributed, or sold on the Rwandan market.

The directive follows inspections that established the two companies were illegally operating as food processing facilities and did not comply with safety requirements set by the Rwanda FDA.

'Rwanda FDA orders immediate closure of both facilities and a complete halt to the production, sale, distribution and use of their food products, including but not limited to Discovery White Vinegar and HLAAL White Vinegar, produced by Tamu Tamu Heat Spices LTD and Cheetah Group LTD, respectively,' reads a statement issued by FDA on August 17, 2024.

'For the sake of protecting public health, the general public is informed that the two products indicated above (all lots) are not allowed to be produced, distributed, and sold on the Rwandan market.'

The two banned vinegar brands.

The Rwanda FDA has urged consumers who have purchased the products to immediately stop using them and dispose of them properly.

Additionally, the public has been cautioned against consuming other products produced by the affected companies.

'The general public is also informed that all other food products processed by the aforementioned facilities are likewise prohibited from entering the Rwandan market,' the authority said.

Rwanda FDA was established in February 2018 to safeguard public health by regulating human and veterinary medicines, vaccines and other biological products, processed foods, poisons, medicated cosmetics, medical devices, household chemical substances, tobacco, and tobacco products.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The UAE’s efforts in Sudan range from humanitarian relief to medical support and reconstruction.

IGIHE

The Africa Soft Power Summit was recently hosted in Kigali by a panel that included some of Africa’s most enterprising minds in the business of sports.

The panel moderated by Michelle Moore, MA BA, featured Nkechi Obi, CEO of Sport Nigeria LTD/GTE, Natasha Camy, Co-owner of the Cape Town Tigers (BAL contenders), Founder & CEO of Referee Ready Academy, Kyle John Schofield Director, QA Venue Solutions (BK Arena) and Michael Finley Head of Basketball Business Development at NBA Africa.

Some of the key take away points on how to power the sports economy through innovation and inclusion are some of the following:

Connectivity: The more people have access to devices, the more content they can consume. This is a game changer because better content means better proof of concept and model across the continent.

Data: There needs to be a significant data gap in the sports business. Investment is driven by data, meaning more data on the market will strengthen the value proposition for sports investments in Africa. We need to share more insights across different facets of the sports business to make the landscape more competitive and drive growth.

Taxes: Having a sports event to tour different cities is excellent business; however, taxes contribute almost 60% of the cost. Strategic partnerships across borders would make it more affordable for business and bring sports experiences closer to the fans across borders.

Value chain: A value chain across Africa is vital for the growth of sports businesses in Africa. Investment, capacity building, and manufacturing are the pillars on which this value chain will be built across the continent. Because of the value chain, BAL, for example, can offer the same quality experience in different cities on the continent.

Supporting startups: NBA has created demand on the continent! How can we open a portal for startups to provide homegrown solutions to problems around the BAL and other sports in Africa.

Capacity Building: Training, hands-on work opportunities and exposure are essential to having a local workforce and entrepreneurs to meet the demand for sports businesses to thrive.

Shifting the focus from athletes alone We focus on athletes without venues, facilities, capacity development, and infrastructure. Athletes require a value chain that can help them fully optimize their careers.

Community Impact: Sports should involve and support the communities. Programs that facilitate knowledge exchange, upskilling and access to income-generating opportunities in sports are the impact-driven approach sports businesses should consider.

The writer is the Marketing and Communications Director at Global Events Africa, a marketing and communications professional with several years of experience spanning various sectors.

Paul Atwine

Beyond the celebratory mood that characterized the event, the attendance of Heads of State and Governments from 24 African countries was the most noteworthy and outstanding observation. Although it is common for heads of state to attend presidential inauguration ceremonies, the high turnout of African heads of state is significant in the context of Rwanda’s diplomacy.

Traditionally, African countries have prioritized Western nations in their foreign relations for obvious reasons such as colonial legacies, economic assistance, and political influence.

Rwanda was no different. However, in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country, under the leadership of President Kagame, has pursued a different approach of South-to-South Cooperation in Africa. This approach places Rwanda’s relations with fellow African countries at the center of its international affairs.

Despite being a small, landlocked country, Rwanda has extended its political and military support to other African nations. Rwanda is now a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with its troops participating in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Bilaterally, Rwanda has also sent troops to Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique to stabilize the region affected by terrorism and insecurity.

Several African countries have been sending their delegates to Kigali to learn from Rwanda’s development in governance, ICT, healthcare, agriculture, anti-corruption efforts, and post-conflict reconstruction, to name but a few. Such efforts, coupled with President Kagame’s prominent stature on the continent, position Rwanda as a country capable of projecting its influence beyond its borders.

During his inauguration speech, President Kagame reminded his listeners that 'there is no longer room for the powerful to impose their vision about how others ought to live, or to create narratives that falsify the truth. This must always be resisted, even when under pressure.' This was Kagame’s call for self-reliance, a theme that Rwandans are familiar with.

Over the last thirty years, the Rwandan government has promoted the concept of Home Grown Solutions, encouraging Rwandans to be self-reliant and leaders to be accountable to the people. A close look at Rwanda-Africa relations suggests an attempt to promote the same values of self-reliance and accountability beyond Rwanda’s borders.

In the same speech, Kagame said, “We Africans are people who have consistently fought injustice. We don’t need any lessons about how best to do so. And we must all humbly acknowledge the necessity to adapt our political and governance systems to our specific conditions and the expectations of our citizens.”

President Kagame has been vocal and proactive in calling out African heads of state who wait on the West for solutions to their problems. His confidence in Africans’ ability to solve Africa’s problems stems from his own country’s experiences. Rwanda’s reconstruction and development have earned Kagame the legitimacy to speak to and on behalf of Africa about its potential.

Rwanda has not only managed to grow its image and influence in Africa; but also has embarked on an ambitious journey to use African multilateralism to create a more robust and integrated Africa. It is still too early to say whether Rwanda will be successful in its attempt, but it is evident that Rwanda strengthened its political ties with many African countries in the process, as observed at Kagame’s inauguration.

The writer is a Learning Coach at the African Leadership University with BA in International Studies from Yonsei University and MA in China Studies (Politics and International Relations) from Yenching Academy of Peking University.

More than 20 Heads of State attended President Kagame’s inauguration.

Claudine Ukubereyimfura is a Learning Coach at the African Leadership University with BA in International Studies from Yonsei University and MA in China Studies.

Claudine Ukubereyimfura

The concept of mandatory military training for Rwandan high school graduates gained attention during recent election campaigns, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) advocating for a year of military training after high school to instill values and foster national service.

PSD believes this initiative would enhance the youth’s understanding of their role in safeguarding the nation’s integrity.

During a press conference on Friday, August 16, 2024, the RDF leadership addressed ongoing reforms within the Reserve Force, including new pathways for youth entry into this unit. Brig Gen Rwivanga reiterated that Rwanda has not implemented a mandatory military training system.

He stated, “While some countries have compulsory military service, we offer the ‘Indangamirwa’ civic education program, which is not mandatory. Unlike other nations where military training is compulsory for all high school graduates, in Rwanda, participation is a choice.”

He also clarified that the option available in Rwanda allows individuals aged 18 and above to join the Reserve Force, which is distinct from the compulsory military training programs in other countries.

Responding to journalist’s inquiry to know whether the newly announced youth recruitment into the Reserve Force was related to the previously suggested idea of mandatory military service for high school graduates, Brig Gen Rwivanga confirmed that the two are unrelated, emphasizing that Rwanda does not have a mandatory military training programe.

Currently, the RDF has opened registration for Rwandan youth interested in joining the military service through the Reserve Force.

The Reserve Force is one of the four components of the RDF alongside the Army, the Air Force, and the Military Health Service, traditionally comprised of retired regular soldiers who continued to contribute to national security before full retirement.

The RDF has now introduced two additional pathways for entry into the Reserve Force: one for young people who meet specific criteria and another for individuals with specialized skills, regardless of age.

Recruited youth will serve in the Reserve Force, ready to be called upon for military duties as needed. The RDF has invited interested young people to register for entry into the Reserve Force, with selected candidates undergoing six months of training at Gabiro Combat Training Center.

Eligible candidates include those who have completed at least secondary education, with varying age limits depending on their educational level. Secondary school graduates must be not older than 25 years, IPRC graduates not older than 26 years, and bachelor’s degree holders aged 28 years and below.

The Spokesperson of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga.

IGIHE

Land is widely regarded as a valuable asset that never loses its worth, with many considering land ownership as the best way to secure wealth. Ordinarily, the government is the largest land owner the Catholic Church holds the second-largest amount of land in Rwanda.

Sources reveal that the Catholic Church first acquired land during the German colonial era, significantly expanding its holdings during the Belgian colonial period and beyond.

The land law established by Belgian colonizers in 1943 granted religious institutions, research organizations, and government entities the right to request unused land from colonial authorities, which was often provided at no cost.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Bishop Rukamba confirmed that the Catholic Church owns vast amounts of land, though he did not specify the exact amount.

However, he highlighted that a large portion of the land is used for the benefit of Rwandans.

“People say it, and it could be true because our land is not just for ourselves. For example, the government recently built schools; many of them were built on Church land. We use Church land to build schools, residences for priests, health facilities, and work with Christians or help them to exploit the land,' he said.

Data from the Ministry of Education shows that schools owned by the Catholic Church or those managed in partnership with the government total 142, accounting for 28.2% of owned schools.

Bishop Rukamba emphasized that in areas where the land is cultivated by a large number of citizens, reclaiming it could lead to significant problems for the government. Therefore, they decided to allow the citizens to continue using the land.

“There are many fields cultivated by citizens, and they give a small token in return. For example, in Save, a large number of people cultivate the land because it is one of the oldest parishes, with many people depending on that land. Removing them would cause significant issues for the government.”

Bishop Rukamba confirmed that although the land is cultivated by citizens, it remains registered under the Catholic Church.

IGIHE was unable to determine the exact amount of land owned by the Catholic Church in Rwanda, but within its nine dioceses and around 200 parishes, the Church holds substantial tracts of land used for infrastructure and other activities.

The fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census (RPHC5) in 2022 revealed that the Catholic Church has over 5 million followers, accounting for 40% of the Rwandan population, followed by ADEPR with 21%.

Earlier this week, Pope Francis appointed Father Jean Bosco Ntagungira to replace Bishop Rukamba as the new leader of the Butare Diocese, as the latter steps into retirement.

The first Catholic Church was established in Save in 1900.

IGIHE