07 November 2020

Referring to the theme: Imiyoborere Intwararumuri twahisemo, kugena no kwesa Imihigo, loosely translated as the Intwararumuri governance lines: setting and achieving goals and objectives, on 6th November 2020, the annual retreat of Unity Club Intwararumuri took place at the parliament – Kimihurura.

While opening the retreat officially, the chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri, her excellence Jeannette Kagame urged the members of Unity Club to not tolerate the toxic ideas that may destroy our Rwandanism.  

Her excellence Jeannette Kagame told the Unity Club members that they never have to allow any ideas intending to demolish what Rwandans have achieved so far, instead they have to put Rwandan identity first by performing their duties to the best of their abilities to reach sustainable development for all.

She said, “Among our duties as Intwararumuri, especially leaders, we have opted to prioritize Rwandan identity, Rwandans and Rwanda as the fundamental relationship. We chose to be Intwararumuri (light bearers) ―the light which protects us against the dark, because the latter is the worst ever.”

“We preferred to walk this tough journey together as one, and fortunately we have figured out that this togetherness is fruitful. Therefore, we shouldn’t accept the negative ideology which aims at destroying Rwandan identity and our achievements.” She added. 

The chairperson looked back on the Unity Club forum which took place on 31^st October 2020, whereby technology was finger-pointed at as a tool which is used by those who intend to distort the history with the main objective of destroying Rwandan unity, and requested the Unity Club members to not let them do so.

“As members of Unity Club, we have access to this technology and are using it. We know the truth and have seen the benefits of speaking it: living in harmony and cherishing the Rwandanness. It is important that we carry the light with us and throw it to these technology platforms so that their users get to know the truth,” she said.

Furthermore, First lady requested the members of Unity Club, who are mostly government members, to be accountable and to put the Rwandan first.

She underlined, “The member of Unity Club has to put the Rwandan first by performing their responsibilities well for this Rwandan, the family, and country in general, for not violating the right of anyone, otherwise; the Rwandan we are in charge of may feel unwelcome.” 

In his closing remarks, President of the senate, Dr Augustin Iyamuremye, also added his voice to the First Lady’s in regards to efforts needed to foster unity among Rwandans as the foundation of development. 

He requested the members of Unity Club to be the real light bearers, so they can lead well the people whom they are in charge of which will enable them to get to the vision that Rwanda pursues.

He revealed, “This retreat is a class to us― a good leader keeps learning, reminds themselves of what they have learned before: perfect work, being serious, time management, fighting against corruption, and so on.”

“The vision 2050 that Rwandans are taking, requires leaders who are alongside citizens in this new and wide journey that they have to undergo and follow so as not misfire the goals and objectives of their country. A leader is not the one who point-fingers at the way, but the one who is alongside people so that they don’t ever lose it.” He continued.

During this year annual retreat, Unity Club Intwararumuri welcomed 23 new members; including new government members and their spouses.