The fear of eviction haunted Ismael Karekezi for years. Three times, he was forced out of rented homes because he could no longer afford the rent. On July 3, the 46-year-old Rwinkwavu Sector resident unlocked the door to his own house for the first time.
The house is one of five two-in-one homes handed over to vulnerable families during the Kwibohora 32 celebrations under a community outreach programme jointly implemented by Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
Karekezi, a barber who lives with a disability, said owning a home has lifted a burden he never thought would end.
"I am very happy today. I thank the Rwanda National Police and the Rwanda Defence Force for thinking about me and my family. We struggled with the burden of paying rent. Because of my disability, the little income I earned was never enough to build a house. Now that I have a beautiful home, I promise His Excellency the President that I will work hard to improve my family's life and give my children a better future. Today, I am liberated," he said.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of Parliament Gertrude Kazarwa, Deputy Inspector General of Police DCG Chantal Ujeneza, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, Minister of State Solange Uwituze, RDF’s 5th Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa, district leaders and residents.
Speaking at the event, Kazarwa said the community outreach programme carried out over the past three months had impacted lives through health, housing and livelihood projects.
"Over the past three months, we have witnessed remarkable acts of compassion and dedication by the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police. A total of 28,582 residents received medical treatment. Classrooms and bridges were constructed, clean water was supplied to communities, two boats were donated, and livestock was distributed to improve livelihoods," she said.
She added that the community service activities were valued at more than Rwf12 million and created jobs for more than 1,500 residents.
Kazarwa urged residents to work with security organs and other institutions to safeguard the country's peace and development.
"It is our responsibility to preserve the gains we have made for the benefit of today's citizens and future generations," she said.
Beyond housing, the programme also distributed six cows to vulnerable households, provided 10 irrigation machines to farmers in Kirehe District and completed a water supply system in Nyamugari Sector, bringing clean water to residents in two cells.
"I am going to become a self-reliant citizen, who takes care of his family and will take care of my house for the betterment of my children,” said Karekezi.