They made these remarks on March 25, 2026, during an event dubbed Meet The President, held at BK Arena in Kigali, which brought together the Head of State and members of the Muslim community from across the country.
Muslims highlighted that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the liberation struggle led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), they regained rights that had been stripped away during the regimes of former presidents Grégoire Kayibanda and Juvénal Habyarimana.
Among the key milestones they pointed to is the restoration of their freedom to publicly celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
Mufti of Rwanda praises Kagame for his inclusive leadership
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Musa, commended President Kagame for joining them at the event and for his role in restoring their freedoms.
“This continues to demonstrate that your words are matched by action,” he said.
He noted that Muslims in Rwanda had historically faced discrimination, exclusion, and even forced displacement into camps, but those challenges have since been addressed.
“You transformed that history for us, Your Excellency President of the Republic,” he added.
The Mufti also praised Kagame for his role in stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi, rebuilding national unity, and driving the country’s development.
“We thank you for the dignity you have given us. We are no longer labeled ‘Swahili’ but recognized as full Rwandans,” he said.
“We appreciate the freedom we now have to practice and spread Islam without restrictions.”
He further highlighted equal access to education for Muslim children and the restitution of properties that had been confiscated under previous governments.
Muslim testimonies of progress
Muslims working in various sectors shared testimonies illustrating how improved opportunities have enabled them to contribute to national development.
Entrepreneur Hadji Issa Hakizimana, founder of Issa Coffee in Nyamirambo, said he decided to invest in Rwanda in 2020 and continues to expand his business. He called on the youth to play a significant role in building the nation by promoting unity, avoiding divisions, and striving to contribute to the country’s development.
Meanwhile, Mukarubega Zulfat, founder of the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB), shared that she started with just five students, but the institution has now trained more than 12,000.
She noted that starting the university was not easy, as some discouraged her, saying such a project was meant for men.
“What kept me going was resilience. To fellow Muslim men and women here, do not give up,” she said.
The event underscored the Muslim community’s appreciation for the progress made in restoring their rights, promoting unity, and fostering development, while reaffirming their commitment to contributing to Rwanda’s continued growth.
