Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, has said that the erosion of the country’s traditional values has contributed to today’s social challenges, including drug abuse and the consumption of unsafe alcoholic beverages that have claimed lives.
He made the remarks on Friday, August 7, during the 2026 National Harvest Day (Umuganura) celebrations held in Rwimbogo Sector, Rusizi District.
Addressing residents, Dr. Bizimana said that, historically, Umuganura was more than a harvest festival—it served as a symbol of national unity and reinforced the shared values that brought all Rwandans together as one people.
“Umuganura strengthened the unity of Rwandans and made everyone feel that they belonged to one nation. Over time, we lost many of those values, and that is one of the reasons we now face problems such as drug abuse and the consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages that kill people. These challenges arise when we no longer see ourselves as one people working together,” he said.
The minister emphasized that preserving Rwanda’s cultural values is essential to addressing social problems and building stronger, more responsible communities.
As part of the celebrations, eight vulnerable families in Rusizi District received cows under a community empowerment initiative rooted in Rwanda’s culture of mutual support and self-reliance. The livestock are intended to help beneficiaries improve their livelihoods and eventually pass on calves to other families, extending the benefits to the wider community.
The event was attended by Dr. Bizimana alongside other government officials. In addition to the cows, vulnerable residents also received crop seeds to support agricultural production and food security.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Dr. Bizimana urged them to take good care of the animals by ensuring they are properly fed and receive veterinary care.
“Take good care of these cows. As you can see, they are all in good health. Provide them with enough pasture, make sure they receive veterinary services when needed, and when they reproduce, pass on calves to other families so that more people can benefit,” he said.
The annual Umuganura celebrations promote Rwanda’s cultural heritage while encouraging unity, self-reliance, and community solidarity through initiatives that improve the welfare of citizens.
Photos by RBA
