As Rwanda marked Umuganura, the national harvest day, on August 1, Rwandan communities abroad joined the celebrations in solidarity, honouring the country’s cultural heritage and values of unity and self-reliance. Celebrated on the first Friday of August since its reinstatement in 2011, Umuganura remains the only traditional event officially recognised on the national calendar, reflecting its deep cultural and historical roots. ALSO READ: The history of Umuganura: Rwanda’s festival of unity and gratitude This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Isoko y’ubumwe n’ishingiro ryo kwigira” (A source of unity and foundation for self-reliance). In Morocco In Morocco's capital city Rabat, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Kazimbaya Umutoni, hosted Rwandans, mostly students, for a special Umuganura gathering at the official residence. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Minister Habimana reaffirms relevance of Umuganura at national celebration Addressing the community, Umutoni underscored the importance of Umuganura in preserving Rwandan values such as patriotism, dignity, hard work, and unity. She thanked the Government of National Unity, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, for restoring Umuganura and enabling Rwandans abroad to celebrate the occasion. She urged the diaspora to hold fast to their cultural identity and remain grounded in Rwandan values, despite living in different cultural environments. ALSO READ: Rwandans in Zambia, India celebrate Umuganura The event featured traditional meals, the symbolic sharing of milk with children, cultural performances, and riddles that helped young attendees reconnect with their roots. In the USA In the US, the celebration took place on Saturday, August 2, in Syracuse, New York, bringing together members of the Rwandan diaspora from Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and nearby cities. Rev. Emmanuel Ganza, who represented the Rwandan communities, highlighted Umuganura as a moment to reflect, unite, and honour Rwanda’s cultural heritage. He praised the community for preserving national values abroad, encouraged active engagement in Rwanda’s development. In Canada The Rwandan community in Canada celebrated with dance, traditional foods, and a spirit of gratitude. Participants described the day as a celebration of togetherness and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that define Rwandan identity and resilience. In Senegal In Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, the Rwandan community gathered at the Embassy on August 2 to join a virtual Umuganura discussion hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Rwanda Academy of Cultural Heritage. The conversation focused on Umuganura as a celebration of unity, gratitude for past achievements, and a renewal of national commitment to productivity and self-reliance. In China In Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, over 300 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda came together on August 2 for a celebration that coincided with “Meet Rwanda in China,” a flagship event promoting investment opportunities, Made in Rwanda products, tourism, and cultural exchange. Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, highlighted that Umuganura is not only about celebrating accomplishments but also about setting shared goals for the future. In Zambia In Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, around 400 people participated in a celebration hosted by Rwanda’s High Commission to Zambia. Ambassador Emmanuel Bugingo encouraged the community to embrace the values of Umuganura through unity, cooperation, and hard work, reinforcing the spirit of national progress. In India In India, the Rwandan community in New Delhi and surrounding areas gathered for a celebration that attracted around 100 participants. Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, described Umuganura as a vital occasion for reaffirming national identity, unity, and economic resilience. She encouraged young people in particular to take pride in Rwandan cultural values and traditions. In Congo-Brazzaville On Saturday, August 2, Rwandans living in Congo Brazzaville celebrated Umuganura Day. Ambassador Parfait Busabizwa reminded them that the day serves as an opportunity to reflect on achievements and to strengthen unity and cultural values. The festivities concluded with children receiving milk, sharing traditional meals, and cultural performances. All attendees received gifts made up of agricultural produce donated by Rwandans living in Congo, as a sign of solidarity and gratitude for the fruits of their harvest.
