In recent days, public discourse in Rwanda and the region has once again shown how leadership, when grounded in clarity and service, can guide sensitive conversations towards constructive outcomes.
From reflections on faith and freedom of worship, to regional security dynamics, and finally to practical service delivery for young citizens, one consistent thread stands out: leadership that prioritises substance over noise, and citizens over systems.
President Paul Kagame recently addressed a subject that often generates emotion rather than reflection: the role of churches and the commercialisation of faith.
Triggered by a question from renowned journalist Oswakim, the President’s response was neither dismissive nor confrontational.
Instead, it was characteristically measured, urging society to separate genuine spirituality from practices that exploit belief for material gain.
His point was simple yet profound: worship is not confined to physical structures. Prayer and connection with God can happen anywhere, including in the digital space. A perceived “crisis” over reduced congregations, therefore, should not overshadow the essence of faith itself.
Crucially, this message does not negate Rwanda’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship. On the contrary, it calls for accuracy in interpreting leadership intent.
Rwanda remains a country where faith is respected, but where the exploitation of citizens spiritually or economically cannot be ignored.
In invoking history, the President also reminded Africans of the colonial legacy in which religion was sometimes used less as a path to spiritual liberation and more as a tool of control.
This reflection was not an attack on faith, but a call for discernment. God remains good; human intermediaries must be held to account.
It is a message that resonates far beyond Rwanda’s borders. That same clarity can be observed in regional geopolitics.
The situation in and around Uvira, following its recent liberation, has been met with calls from the international community particularly the United States for restraint and repositioning by AFC/M23 forces.
The response, notably calm and conditional, suggests a willingness to prioritise peace over triumphalism. In a region where rhetoric often inflames rather than heals, the muted reaction from Bujumbura and Kinshasa is telling. excellence in action. By bringing together BRD, the Higher Education Council (HEC), NIDA, Airtel, and the University of Rwanda, long-standing Sometimes, restraint is the most responsible form of leadership.
Peace, after all, is not about who shouts loudest, but about who creates space for stability to take root. This preference for substance over spectacle mirrors Rwanda’s domestic governance philosophy, especially in service delivery.
A recent example is the BRD led initiative at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus, dubbed the Minuza Festival.
More than an event, it was a practical demonstration of service student challenges ranging from contract signing and programme changes to identification mismatches were addressed on the spot. Choosing a Friday, a day accessible to students, was intentional.
The result was efficiency with dignity. As a proud host, the University of Rwanda ensured the environment supported both service and engagement.
The initiative culminated in a concert featuring popular Rwandan artists such as Ruti Joel, Kevin Kade, and Rider Man, blending problem-solving with celebration.
It was governance with a human face. Perhaps, the most striking statement came from the CEO of BRD, who described students as the “real employers”.
Without serving them well, institutions risk losing their very reason for existence. This mindset reflects a deeper national ethos: institutions exist to serve citizens, not the other way around.
When service is effective, trust grows; when trust grows, nations progress. These three seemingly distinct narratives faith, foreign policy, and student services are in fact interconnected.
They illustrate a leadership culture that values discernment, responsibility, and service excellence. Whether navigating sensitive spiritual debates, complex regional dynamics, or everyday administrative challenges, Rwanda’s approach consistently emphasises real needs over performative responses.
This is the essence of the Golden Service Initiative (GSI): championing service that is ethical, citizen centred, and impactful.
Rwanda’s progress is not accidental. It is driven by leadership that understands that governance, at its core, is about satisfaction rooted in genuine public interest spiritually, academically, and geopolitically. As Rwanda continues this journey, there is ample reason for thoughtful applause.
Not because perfection has been achieved, but because direction is clear. In a world often distracted by noise, Rwanda’s focus on service, sovereignty, and sense remains a lesson worth sharing.
