President Paul Kagame and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva follow a panel discussion at the 20th edition of Umushyikirano at Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, February 6.
The 20th edition of the National Umushyikiran Council continued on Friday, with thousands of delegates gathered at Kigali Convention Centre.
The two-day national dialogue chaired by President Paul Kagame brought together Rwandans from across the country and the diaspora, providing a platform to discuss key issues aimed at strengthening the national development agenda.
The dialogue is attended by leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society and religious institutions.
The agenda of the second day included a presentation on Rwanda&039;s position in the world by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, a panel discussion on the link between education, work and civic engagement, interactions from the audience and closing remarks by the President.
The New Times photographer Olivier Mugwiza covered the event and capturing key highlights from the gathering.
RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga and Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda and University of Rwanda's Françoise Kayitare Tengera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance arrive at KCC for Umushyikirano Day 2 session
Businessman Sina Gerard (L) was among delegates who attended the 2026 edition of the National Dialogue Council
RSSB chief executive, Regis Rugemanshuro (L) arrives at KCC.
Former Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana greets delegates at the event
The University of Rwanda's Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance, Françoise Kayitare Tengera, and Cardinal Antoine Kambanda
MTN Rwanda CEO Monzer Ali (L), speaks with a delegate at Umushyikirano
Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe and Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, chat with a delegate.
National Electoral Commission chairperson, Oda Gasinzigwa (R) talks with a delegate.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala talks with Cardinal Kambanda.
Pudence Rubingisa, the Governor of Eastern Province talks to a delegate at the event.
Academicians (University of Rwanda's officials) at Umushyikirano
Rtd Gen James Kabarebe interacts with Prof Nshuti Manasseh.
Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa interacts with Brig Gen François-Régis Gatarayiha (R).
RSSB CEO Regis Rugemanshuro, Minister of Youth and Arts Abdallah Utumatwishima and Usta Kaitesi during an interaction.
Maj Gen John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga (Left) and Wellars Gasamagera, the former RPF Inkotanyi Secretary General interact with other delegates at Umushyikirano
The University of Kigali's Chairman, Prof Nshuti Manasseh meets with veteran journalist Albert Rudatsimburwa at Umushyikirano.
Senator Frank Habineza greets a delegate.
Maj Gen Ephraim Rurangwa and Brigadier General Prof John Nkurikiye.
Deputy Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) , DCGP Rose Muhisoni chats with a delegate.
Rwandan economist Donald Kaberuka interacts with Ines Mpambara, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister at Umushyikirano.
CG Evariste Murenzi, Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service chats with RDF's Gen. Jean-Jacques Mupenzi during the National Dialogue Council.
State Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Usta Kaitesi, Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja and Minister of Youth and Arts Abdallah Utumatwishima during an interaction at the closing of the 2026 Umushyikirano at KCC, on Friday, February 6.
RPF Inkotanyi Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo interacts with Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure as Minister Bizimana looks on.
Deputy Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) , DCGP Rose Muhisoni chats with a delegate.
Former Rwanda Governance Board CEO, Usta Kaitesi, the current State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, interacts with religious leaders (from Left), Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye, the leader of ADEPR, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, the Mufti of Rwanda and Cardinal Antoine Kambanda of the Catholic Church. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda speaks to researcher and historian Tom Ndahiro
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda speaks to researcher and historian Tom Ndahiro
Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda chats with a delegates
Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and Solange Uwituze , the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) during an interaction.
Journalist Albert Rudatsimburwa interacts with Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana
Minister of Youth and Arts, Abdallah Utumatwishima speaks to Bank of Kigali CEO Diane Karusisi.
President Kagame arrives at Kigali Convention Centre for Day-2 session
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, addresses delegates at Umushyikirano on Friday, February 6. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
Artiste Bruce Melodie speaks during a panel discussion
President Paul Kagame and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva follow a panel discussion at the 20th edition of Umushyikirano at Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, February 6.
Teddy Mugabo, Rwanda Green Fund CEO
President Kagame interacts with panelists at the dialogue
A citizen asks a question during Umushyikirano
President Kagame addresses delegates during the closing ceremony of the National Dialogue Council Umushyikirano, on Friday, February 6. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Maj Gen Ephraim Rurangwa and Brigadier General Prof John Nkurikiye.
Professor Charity Manyeruke, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Rwanda who is also the Dean of diplomatic corps in Rwanda, speaks at Umushyikirano.
RDF female senior officers at the event.
Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda follows President Kagame's remarks at the National Dialogue Council.
Rwanda Defence Force officers during Umushyikirano.
Delegates follow President Kagame's closing remarks at the National Dialogue Council on Friday, February 6.