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.
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'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.
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
Pudence Rubingisa, the Governor of Eastern Province talks to a delegate at the event.
Academicians (University of Rwanda's officials) at Umushyikirano
Rwanda Defence Force Spokesperson, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga chats with Brig Gen François-Régis Gatarayiha, Head of the Defence Intelligence Department at RDF Headquarters
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.
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.
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 The 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 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
Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda follows President Kagame's remarks at the National Dialogue Council.
Delegates follow President Kagame's closing remarks at the National Dialogue Council on Friday, February 6.