Isdore Rubayiza, a 53-year-old father of eight, woke up on July 1 to a telephone call from the Sector Social Affairs office. “You are permitted to collect one of the houses built in Kinihira village; it is one of sixteen newly constructed homes for families in need,” Rubayiza recalled the voice saying. July 3 marked his first night in his new home in Nyagatare District. ALSO READ: RDF outreach powers homes, delivers clean water, healthcare to thousands It was an emotionally charged morning in Rubayiza's village of Kinihira, Barija Cell, Nyagatare Sector, where the handover ceremony of the homes was attended by senior military and civilian officials. These included Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)Reserve Force Commander Maj Gen Alex Kagame, Eastern Province Governor Prudence Rubingisa, Nyagatare District Mayor Stephen Gasana, and a visiting Burundian military delegation led by Col Viateur Niyongabo. The Rwanda National Police was represented by Assistant Commissioner Kanyamihigo. The houses were built on state land, where they have previously constructed homes for vulnerable residents. The beneficiaries expressed that their new homes have brought tremendous relief and will significantly improve their welbeing. “I used to struggle with rent while trying to feed my children, said Rubayiza. Now I can use the money previously spent on rent for savings and purchasing school supplies for my children. We will maintain these homes and have pledged to live in peace and unity with the host community.” ALSO READ: PHOTOS: EAC armed forces offer free healthcare services in Nyanza Maga Bazubagira, another resident, said she had never owned a home before. “I used to live in borrowed accommodation. This new house is the foundation of my family's future,” she said, expressing gratitude to the RDF, who built the houses as part of the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025, which was concluded on Thursday, ahead of Liberation Day on Friday. Eastern Province Governor Prudence Rubingisa praised the RDF for not only providing security but also for extending the role of military service to socioeconomic transformation. “Because of such efforts that transform people's livelihoods, Rwanda's life expectancy has risen from 46 to over 70 years, he said. He urged the residents of the new home to prevent teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and crime. Support each other, build kitchen gardens, and help fight poverty,” Rubingisa told them. RDF's Maj Gen Kagame reminded attendees, “These activities align with our duties as RDF and Rwanda National Police, which is to improve the welfare and living conditions of the population, something we have been doing for years. This year, we have joined hands with EAC forces from Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in the fifth East African Community Armed Forces Civil Military Cooperation Week Activities, offering medical services, community engagement activities, and infrastructure development across the country.” ALSO READ: Security organs’ citizen outreach targets infrastructure, education, healthcare He emphasised that security is not merely the absence of conflict. Security is when citizens sleep peacefully, have food, and live in dignity, Kagame reminded the residents to care for the homes they had received. The provincial governor assured the residents that after a given period, they will receive full ownership of the new homes. When the time comes, you will obtain property deeds for the homes,” Rubingisa said. He added that a small market will also be established to spur economic activity, and trees will be planted to enhance the environment.
