As Rwanda grapples with concerns over alcohol abuse, drug use and weakening family ties, leaders are turning to the country’s traditional harvest festival as a reminder of the values that have long shaped communities.
Celebrated annually, Umuganura brings people together to share harvests, appreciate achievements and strengthen social bonds. This year’s celebrations in Nyarugenge District placed renewed emphasis on unity, responsibility and the role of families in shaping society.
Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva used the occasion to highlight concerns affecting young people, including substance abuse, saying parents must play a bigger role in guiding their children.
He said some parents have become less involved in raising their children, leaving authorities to deal with problems that should be addressed at family level.
“In Kigali, there are parents we call after finding their child on the streets, and they tell us to take the child because they have failed to control them. That is not the Rwanda we want,” Dusengiyumva said.
Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said the lessons of Umuganura extend beyond the harvest, describing unity as the foundation of the tradition and of Rwanda’s recovery after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Unity is the foundation of everything we do. This country was destroyed because of a lack of unity and it has been rebuilt through unity. There can be no Umuganura without unity,” he said.
Nduhungirehe said the festival reflects values including hard work, patriotism, integrity and self-reliance, while providing communities an opportunity to celebrate progress and discuss areas needing improvement.
He also cautioned against misunderstanding the tradition of sharing local drinks during Umuganura celebrations, saying the practice represents friendship and togetherness rather than excessive consumption.
Historically, Umuganura was a major cultural gathering where communities celebrated agricultural production and shared their achievements. Leaders say preserving its values remains important as Rwanda navigates social changes brought by modern lifestyles.
