More than 900 vulnerable families in Eastern Province are set to benefit from livestock donations under the 2026 Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme, an initiative by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP) aimed at improving livelihoods and supporting community development.

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On Monday, June 22, the RDF and RNP handed over 100 goats and two cows to vulnerable residents in Nasho Sector, Kirehe District. Another 100 goats and two cows are expected to be distributed in the sector in early July, bringing the total for Nasho to 200 goats and four cows.

The livestock distribution is part of a wider programme that will provide 910 goats and six cows to families in Kirehe and Kayonza districts, covering the sectors of Nasho, Ndego, Mwili, Kabarondo, and Rwinkwavu.

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For many beneficiaries, the animals represent more than just livestock.

For Jean Bosco Ndayisenga, who received a cow, the donation presents an opportunity to expand both livestock rearing and crop production.

"The cow will improve my livelihood and provide manure for my farming activities,” he said. "This is an opportunity that should not be wasted. I will keep it well and ensure others benefit when it reproduces.”

He noted that residents in the area had previously heard about outreach programmes conducted elsewhere in the country but had not experienced them directly.

"We were very happy when the programme finally reached our community,” he said.

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"I had never owned livestock before. This is my first animal,” said Euphrasie Mukandayisenga, a resident of Rubirizi Cell in Nasho Sector. "This goat will help me improve my family’s welfare, pay health insurance on time, and obtain manure for farming.

Another beneficiary, Sylvestre Micomyiza, said the goat would complement his farming activities in the irrigated marshlands where he grows maize and soybeans.

"The first benefit will be manure, but I also hope it will reproduce and help lift me out of poverty,” he said. "It will help me pay health insurance, support my children’s education, and improve my livelihood.”

Beyond the economic support, Micomyiza said the programme had strengthened ties between residents and security institutions.

"In the past, people feared soldiers, but today they work closely with citizens. We interact freely, and they encourage us. This has strengthened our trust in them,” he said.

Officials say livestock distribution was among the priorities identified through consultations with local communities.

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Modeste Nzirabatinya, Kirehe District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, said livestock can play a significant role in improving household incomes and agricultural productivity.

"Livestock reproduces, generates wealth, and provides manure for farming,” he said. "We hope the beneficiaries will take good care of the animals so that they can eventually be passed on to other families through a livestock-sharing scheme.”

Nzirabatinya said the initiative also demonstrates the evolving role of security institutions in supporting national development.

"In the past, people used to associate soldiers only with security operations. Today, they see them working alongside communities and contributing to their welfare,” he said.

The livestock donations are part of the broader Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme which will be concluded on July 3, on the eve of Liberation Day.

The three-month nationwide campaign includes the construction of classrooms, homes for vulnerable families, bridges, water infrastructure, early childhood development centres, medical outreach services, environmental protection activities, and other community development projects.

The programme is organised annually by the RDF and RNP in partnership with government institutions as part of activities marking Liberation Day celebrations, while reinforcing the link between security and socio-economic development.