The Unity Club has selected President Paul Kagame as the first recipient of its inaugural "Unity Award" in recognition of his role in promoting unity among Rwandans.
The inaugural award was announced and given to the president Saturday evening during an occasion at Village Urugwiro, especially organised by the Club members to commemorate the recent presidential victory.
The award is to be given out annually to recognize efforts of persons who have excelled and support efforts to promote unity among Rwandans.
Announcing the award, event’s MC Ritah Zirimwabagabo, described Kagame as "well deserving."
Reading out the citation, Madam Jolly Mazimpaka said President Kagame has "made a mark on the history of Rwanda."
"You set goals for Rwandans. [You are an] icon of unity, of peace and social cohesion.
Your commitment to excellence has demonstrated that the country can only be prouder," Mrs Mazimhaka said, as Kagame received the award from three of the Club Members.
In his acceptance speech, Kagame thanked Unity Club for living up to its original goal of fostering unity. "We have reason to celebrate
"It [Unity Club] helped us to have good understanding and values," Kagame said.
Commenting on the award, Kagame said that it symbolizes the long journey taken.
"I got lucky on many occasions where problems provided solutions. I was lucky to have parents who took care of me. My dad passed away when I was about 15 years old, but both my mother and father enforced discipline."
He mentioned an incident during his refugee life when his father taught him the value of justice.
"No one has the right to value us," he said while urging Rwandans to have self respect.
"You cannot get to that without justice and self value," he said. " This is a new Rwanda that values its traditions."
He urged eac leaders to identify individual and collective roles in protecting the value of Rwandans.
He also urged leaders to be focused and try to solve issues that relate to the common person.
"You have nothing if your well-fenced home is surrounded by neighbours who are poor."
"If your nation has no value, then you also have nothing. No one should tolerate being trodden upon," he told the gathering.
"Today some of us are ministers and presidents, but even without these positions, that will not stop us from protecting the value of Rwandans," he said.
Commenting on the third term, Kagame said his problem is not the third term, but what one would seek it for. "That kind of debate has no value. To me what other people take to be the justification for the third term is what should be the reason for not having a third term."
He challenged leaders to focus on how best to continue the positive trend. "We must keep developing," he said.
"Who ever takes over the presidency after me must be ready to reinforce the current progress, and work for Rwandans."
Kagame took a swipe at foreign skeptics and journalists who continue to question whether he has intentions of running again for the presidency.
He blamed that belief on poor conduct of African leaders who have lost self-respect.
"I don’t need another term," he concluded his speech, and urged Rwandans to seek for continuity. "It would be the worst kind of blunder."
"I’m ready to go back and fight if someone wants to take us back," he said.
Referring to western skeptics, Kagame said they have no moral authority to judge the way Rwanda is governed. "Some of these have even failed to set up governments."
"Stand up to some of these things," he urged Rwandans while concluding the speech.
The President and the First Lady had arrived at around 8:46 in the evening to the applause of the guests that included high ranking government officials, their spouses, guests from partner agencies and members of the diplomatic core, among others.
One of the MCs of the function, Vincent Karega, described the function as a celebration of the victory Rwandans continue to enjoy since the nation’s liberation in 1994.
Regina Iyamuremye, the Executive Secretary of Unity Club, said the club was started by women leaders in order to participate fully in activities that unit Rwandans.
Turning guns on skeptics, Madam Iyamuremye said, "I protest openly against those people who want to destroy our nation."
According to note from the First Lady, Unity Club offers a "platform for leaders to guide the general public towards rebuilding a new Rwanda. She called on Club members to work together towards the common goal of uniting Rwandans.
The Club had a humble beginning in 1996 as a forum for women leaders who identified a need to contribute to unity and reconciliation. The Club has since evolved to include former and current leaders and their spouses, to further strengthen this noble cause of promoting national unity.
Club members also gave testimonies, including former presidential candidate Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, who congratulated Kagame upon the recent victory. "I thank you Mr President for appointing me a minister," and said that the president trains cabinet members not to engage in non issues.
He also said that the president likes his ministers and guides them. "He is my model," said Damascene, who is also the President of Lower Chamber of deputies.
Another member of Unity Club, Kayitesi, thanked the president for empowering women and involving them in leadership positions.
Senator Joseph Karemera also gave a moving testimony that related to their earlier schooling days. "He was very sociable and hygienic. But most of all, he hated injustice."
"As a young officer, he hated corruption and related vices," Karemera said.
Karemera also cited the influence Kagame had in transforming RANU to Rwandese Patriotic Front in order to be broad enough.
He recalled a time when Kagame used to advise and guide the RPA rebels when he was studying in the US. "we nominated him to be the RPF chairman and he refuse, and preferred to have Kanyarengwe to head the front.
"He devised a strategy that never failed at all," he said of Kagame whom he praised for guiding the liberation war by giving morale to fighters. Kagame also advised the fighters not to mistreat the civilian as the liberation struggle gained ground.
Karemera recited a time when Kagame helped the RPF top leadership avoid being ambushed by calling off and postponing a trip to Kigali.
Concluding his speech, Senator Karemera said that Kagame loves his nation, children, and hates to be downtrodden.
Odetta Nyiramirimo, a senator who was in Rwanda before 1994 and hails from the Liberal party, briefed the guests on the tremendous progress the nation has witnessed.
Former Minister Pio Mugabo’s testimony excited guests when he said that its the first lady that makes President Kagame strong. "He loves his family and children," he said.
Sam Nkusi, who was once a minister, said that he has known the president for the last 40 years.
Guests were entertained to a dinner, live band and a documentary film showcasing Rwanda’s achievements.
View pictorial :
Unity-Club members having a good time
Club members pose for a group photo with the First Family
