Members of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga (RCKV) joined local residents to plant 2,000 trees such as avocado, mango, orange, and ornamental trees on Saturday in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District. The activity, held on January 31 during the monthly Umuganda community work, marked a milestone in the club’s “road to 25” celebrations. The initiative targeted 400 households across Rusenyi, Binunga, and Taba villages in Murama Cell by providing a mix of fruit-bearing and trees for beautification. The project aims to tackle two issues: environmental degradation and household malnutrition. With each seedling valued at Rwf 2,500, the total investment for the day’s activity amounted to Rwf 5 million, according to the club's leadership. ALSO READ: PM Nsengiyumva joins Gahini residents in Umuganda Established in 1999 and officially chartered in 2000, the RCKV was Rwanda’s first English-speaking Rotary club. ALSO READ: Senate backs plan to broaden monthly Umuganda scope Speaking at the event, the former Assistant District Governor at the club (now a member), Paul Masterjerb Birungi, said that rotarians are a community of people driven by compassion and the desire to serve. Our mission is to identify those in need and provide meaningful support, he noted. Peter Malinga, the club's president explained that the choice of Umuganda was intentional. “As we mark 25 years of service through the RCKV25 series, we wanted to do something that leaves a lasting footprint,” Malinga said, “Planting trees during Umuganda is a powerful way to work with communities while contributing to environmental sustainability and future generations.” Malinga noted that while the club is celebrating its silver jubilee, the focus remains on community transformation. He highlighted that over the years, the club has invested in Rwanda, including a contribution to the Kigali Public Library and Rwf 70 million for the renovation of the Bethania Nursing Home-for vulnerable people suffering from cancer. The project was supported by the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) and Prime Insurance. Mike Byusa, the Chief Commercial Officer of Prime Insurance, emphasized that planting trees within residential compounds ensures that families take personal ownership of the plants. “These are not just shade trees; they are fruit trees, which serve two goals: protecting the environment and promoting food security and nutrition,” he said. The Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) commended the partnership, noting that community-led actions are critical to Rwanda’s forestry and climate objectives. “We commend the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga and its partners for translating commitment into action, especially through Umuganda,” he said.
