Govt eyes longer work periods, higher pay for VUP beneficiaries

The Ministry of Local Government has proposed major reforms to improve the impact of the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP), including extending the number of working days for beneficiaries and adjusting their wages to match current market conditions. VUP is Rwanda’s flagship social protection programme managed by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) under the Ministry of Local Government. The programme has four components; public works, cash transfers (direct support), financial services and social affairs and sensitisation. Godfrey Kayigana, Director General of Social Affairs and Community Development at the local government ministry, told The New Times that VUP participants currently work very few days to meaningfully impact their livelihoods. “On average, they work for around 70 days per year, which is roughly two and a half months,” he said. ALSO READ: MPs want hitches in country’s social protection programme addressed To address this, the government is considering introducing alternative activities—especially in agriculture and environmental protection—to provide more consistent employment opportunities. “There is potential in wetland preparation and reforestation, especially in high-risk mountainous areas where heavy rains often trigger disasters,” Kayigana said. “Engaging VUP beneficiaries in planting trees or constructing radical terraces not only strengthens the land but also creates longer-term jobs.” He added that the rising cost of living has reduced the purchasing power of beneficiaries, making it harder for them to meet basic needs. ALSO READ: Rwf47 billion loaned out through VUP social protection programme “When prices increase, everyone feels the pinch, but it hits the poor hardest. It doesn’t mean the programme has failed, but it does show us where adjustments are needed.” One of the key proposals is to extend the public works employment period from the current average of two to three months to at least six months annually. Currently, most work opportunities under VUP are limited to seasons with low agricultural activity. While these changes are still under review, Kayigana said the ministry is collaborating with the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and the Ministry of Finance to assess their feasibility. ALSO READ: Govt plans to lift 300,000 families out of poverty in two years VUP currently operates in more than 300 sectors across the country, but officials are exploring whether a more targeted approach—focusing on areas with the highest levels of vulnerability—would improve outcomes. Three-tier support approach VUP supports citizens through three main categories: Public works This group includes individuals who are physically able to work but face financial hardship. They are employed in public works and paid according to local wage benchmarks. The current average daily wage stands at Rwf 1,760. Unconditional cash transfers These are given to the most vulnerable people—those unable to work due to age, disability, or chronic illness. For example, a household of five currently receives Rwf 21,000 per month. Kayigana said this support is also under review to align with inflation and rising living costs. Financial support for income generation This category includes people eligible for small loans—typically around Rwf 200,000—to help them start income-generating activities. According to Kayigana, this group has shown strong potential in using the funds productively. “Some have used the loans to purchase bicycles and start small businesses,” he said. “They’ve demonstrated a stronger capacity for self-development compared to the other categories.”

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Govt eyes longer work periods, higher pay for VUP beneficiaries