The government of Rwanda recently implemented some changes to the former Ministry of Youth and Culture. It became the Ministry of Youth. Due to the restructuring, the cultural aspects of the former ministry were relocated to the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE). This move was, as noted, aimed at improving the management of these important areas of national interest. In an interview with The New Times, Jean Damascene Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, stated that the purpose of the relocation of the cultural aspects to his ministry is to place culture in its rightful place alongside other related activities. ALSO READ: Kagame appoints new youth minister, reshuffles diplomats “Normally, the responsibilities of Minubumwe are in three parts; which are preserving historical memory, reinforcing national unity, and promoting citizenship education. Those three pillars are built on the Rwandan culture’s values, and prohibitions,” he explained. He noted that based on the ministry's duties, culture integrates seamlessly. Some related activities were already in that ministry, he said, pointing to the case of the national civic education training programme commonly known as ‘Itorero’. ALSO READ: Who is Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima, the new Minister of Youth? When addressing the gap that existed before the cultural aspects were transferred, Bizimana acknowledged that there was a conflict of responsibilities. With the new arrangement, he believes that the management of cultural activities will be more effective and efficient. “Since there were two Ministries involved in cultural activities, it used to become challenging to distinguish and complement their respective responsibilities, as well as to collaborate effectively with partners,” he explained. Regarding the consolidation of cultural activities under MINUBUMWE, Bizimana highlighted that people can expect a smoother process as the entire cultural sector will be addressed in one ministry. “Having one institution deal with culture fully will make it easier to coordinate and manage cultural activities, with everyone operating at the same level,” he noted. Bizimana revealed that the two ministries will continue to collaborate on activities related to youth, and it will be easier to do so.
