On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Intare Conference Arena in Kigali, the Unity Club Intwararumuri convened its 18th Annual Forum under the theme: “Ndi Umunyarwanda — Our Unbreakable Bond.” The gathering brought together senior and emerging leaders including government ministers, district officials, private‑sector executives, civil‑society actors and youth representatives.
The Unity Club was founded in 1996 and is chaired by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, with a mission to build national unity, reconciliation and citizen‑led development.
During his remarks, President Paul Kagame challenged attendees not simply to talk about unity, but to anchor it in measurable, accountable action. Among his pointed questions:
The Founder and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, in her address, reminded participants of the significance of the concept “Ubunyarwanda” (Rwandanness) as the foundation of national identity and peace. She said, “The progress we have achieved should not make us forget the conflicts that surrounded our region… we must continue to promote and strengthen this unshakable principle of Rwandanness.”
First Lady Jeannette Kagame address: “We do not ask permission to exist, and to live well. Ndi Umunyarwanda is our pact, and it is the legacy we will leave to the younger generation.”
H.E President Paul Kagame’s Address & Questions for Action
President Paul Kagame challenged attendees with concrete questions designed to move unity from rhetoric to measurable outcomes:
– “Where in your district are you ensuring every woman is included and valued in public life?”
– “What concrete action are you committing to today to reduce division and promote unity in your sector?”
– “How are you mobilising local resources so that dependency on external funding is reduced by 2030?”
– “How do our behaviors, words and leadership reflect the principle of ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ in practice?”
– “If there is something within us that allows us to face the challenges of our country—what is it?”
These questions reinforced the notion that unity must be embedded in policy, leadership and local action, not just expressed in words.
Key Discussions & Announcements
The 18th Annual Forum of Unity Club Intwararumuri was more than a meeting, it served as a platform for accountability, vision and leadership rooted in Rwanda’s identity. With the President’s pointed questions setting the tone for action, the path is clear: embed the philosophy of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” into governance, social life and development. Now the challenge is to translate pledges into positive change so that unity becomes lived experience rather than aspiration.
Panel sessions throughout the day covered education, youth empowerment, economic inclusion and climate resilience. One notable outcome: announcements of new partnerships, including a mentorship programmed for young women and a housing project targeting vulnerable families.
Participants from across the spectrum, government, private sector, faith‑based groups and youth, reaffirmed that unity is central to the national development agenda. According to organisers, the forum also featured the presentation of the National Unity Barometer 2025, showing significant progress in reconciliation.
