The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), in collaboration with Rwanda Cultural and Heritage Academy (RCHA), has honoured the top five districts from the 12th edition of Urugerero and recognized individuals who have excelled in promoting Rwandan culture. The awards were presented during the celebration of World Poetry at Intare Cultural Centre, in Nyanza District.

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Urugerero: A tradition of service and unity

Urugerero is a national service programme rooted in Rwanda’s pre-colonial traditions, designed to foster national unity, patriotism, and civic engagement among young people through volunteerism and community service.

Historically, Urugerero was a military formation that defended the kingdom. Today, it serves as a platform for equipping Rwandan youth with civic education and a culture of volunteerism, empowering them to address societal challenges and contribute to national development.

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The 12th edition, held from January 13 to February 28, engaged 48,302 high school graduates from the 2023/2024 academic year (Inkomezabigwi) in various community service activities across the country.

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Top-performing districts recognized

Districts across the country participated in the programme, with the top five performers awarded for their dedication and excellence: