Across the City of Kigali on Saturday, July 4, residents celebrated Liberation Day, by inaugurating various infrastructure projects. In separate events, residents also reflected on the courage of Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA Inkotanyi), the long journey home for refugees, and the country's reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Kagame marks 32 years of Liberation, says Rwanda’s struggle must continue to evolve Across the districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge, Liberation Day was celebrated with discussions about Rwanda's history and citizens' well-being, recognition of outstanding residents and local leaders, and the inauguration of infrastructure projects completed through residents' own efforts and partnerships with the City of Kigali. Infrastructure included roads, schools, cell offices and water facilities completed through community initiatives or joint efforts between residents and the City of Kigali. Most of the roads serve residential neighbourhoods where mobility has previously been difficult, improving connectivity for families and businesses alike. ALSO READ: 'The youth must jealously protect the gains of liberation' – Col (Rtd) Jill Rutaremara In Nyarugenge District, the main celebration was held in Mumena cell, Nyamirambo Sector, where two roads serving Rembo and Mukanyirazaninka villages were inaugurated. The construction cost Rwf267 million. One road was built entirely by residents, while the second was constructed through a cost-sharing arrangement with the City of Kigali. Martine Urujeni, the city's Vice Mayor in charge of Socioeconomic Affairs, said the projects demonstrate what the country has achieved over the years and the role citizens continue to play in developing their communities. Urujeni said Liberation Day should be a time to celebrate and reflect on the country's journey. “Today is not merely for celebration and dancing; it is a time for reflection to look back at where our country has come from and the sacrifices made to reach our current standing,” she said. “This reflection should inspire us to adopt strategies for continued development, building on the extensive work already accomplished by our country's leadership.” Urujeni encouraged residents to value the country's achievements and take responsibility for their own well-being. “What is the point of the government ensuring your security, fighting poverty and malnutrition, and building infrastructure, if you the citizen neglect your own well-being and instead succumb to alcohol and drug abuse?” Esperance Akingeneye, a resident of Nyamirambo, said the new roads are among the changes she associates with liberation. “Although I was not very old before the Genocide, I can compare what I witnessed then with what I see today,” she said. “Now, everyone lives freely; a person can openly raise a concern or even lodge a complaint against a leader, saying for instance that a specific service was not provided. This shows that citizens are aware of the services designed for them and are at the forefront of the activities that benefit them.” She said liberation is reflected in the country's development as well as the way citizens contribute to it. “The country belongs to us all. It is our responsibility to mentor those who will come after us, showing them what has been achieved so that they can safeguard and sustain it,” Akingeneye noted. She said the 32nd anniversary of Liberation is an opportunity to honour the young men and women who fought to liberate Rwanda and the lessons their sacrifice offers future generations. In Gasabo District, the celebrations were held across different sectors. In Bumbogo Sector, residents and local leaders gathered in Kinyaga cell to inaugurate two paved roads in Rubungo Village. Construction is also underway for the third road, while a modern Kinyaga Cell office is being built through a partnership between residents and local authorities. Marie Rose Nirera, the Executive Secretary of Bumbogo Sector, said it was encouraging to see residents joining hands with local leaders to build infrastructure that directly benefits their communities. “Citizens are working with their leaders; there are many roads including others currently being planned, as well as bridges and many other projects. We commend the citizens for realizing that they are the driving force behind the country's and the leadership's progress.” She said Liberation Day is also an opportunity to reflect on how far the country has come in restoring national unity. “These are the things we are celebrating today. In the past, it was difficult for a citizen to sit down with a neighbor and jointly build a road,” Nirera said. Senator Frank Habineza joined residents of Bumbogo for celebrations. He said the projects show that citizens increasingly understand that development is a shared responsibility. “They have realized that they should not simply wait for handouts but must play an active role in building their country. While the government has a role to play, the citizens do too, including in sustaining what has been achieved,” Habineza said. Habineza said the RPA Inkotanyi played their role by liberating the country from divisionism, ethnic discrimination and regionalism, allowing Rwandans to live together in unity. He encouraged citizens to maintain the same spirit in protecting and improving the infrastructure around them. “We should maintain this spirit of cooperation and work together. No one should stand and watch if the road is damaged. Citizens shouldn't just wait for the government. If water infrastructure fails, they should take the initiative to repair it, and the government will then step in to provide further support,” the senator said. Chantal Umutesi, a resident of Rubungo in Ndera Sector, she liberation means a lot to her. “Through our combined efforts and participation in Umuganda, we have reached a gratifying stage; the results are visible and are adding value to our area,” Umutesi said. Liberation Day activities were also held across different sectors in Kicukiro District. In Nyarugunga Sector, residents inaugurated a new road in Mukoni Village as part of the celebrations. Olive Ingabire, the Executive Secretary of Nyarugunga Sector, said the new road reflects what communities can achieve when residents work together. “Together, nothing is beyond our reach,” she said. Ingabire noted that July 4 should remind citizens that liberation is also about working to improve their lives and protect what has already been achieved. “It should remind every Rwandan of the true meaning of liberation, understanding that it entails striving for development, safeguarding achievements, working hard to lift oneself out of poverty, and continuing to drive development initiatives,” Ingabire said.
