Rwanda- President Paul Kagame on Sunday, February 1, 2026, underscored the deep significance of Heroes’ Day while calling on Rwandans to strengthen families as a foundation for individual wellbeing and national progress.
The President made the remarks during the annual National Prayer Breakfast organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, held at the Kigali Convention Centre. He attended the gathering shortly after laying a wreath at the National Heroes Memorial, as part of Heroes’ Day commemorations.
President Kagame said Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder of Rwanda’s painful past, the challenges the country continues to face, and the shared responsibility required to overcome them. He explained that setting aside a national day to honor heroes reflects the extraordinary courage demanded by difficult moments in the nation’s history.
He noted that every nation encounters defining circumstances that shape its journey, stressing that Heroes’ Day invites Rwandans to reflect on what the country has endured, where it stands today, and what is required to ultimately prevail.
The President emphasized that heroism begins with individuals and warned that when individuals are weakened by personal or social challenges, their contribution to national progress is diminished. He highlighted the close link between individual wellbeing, family stability, and the strength of the nation, saying these pillars depend on one another.
“If individuals are not well, families cannot thrive, and when both individuals and families struggle, it becomes difficult for the nation to move forward,” he said, adding that national development cannot be separated from the health of households.
Speaking under the theme “Building a strong and secure family,” President Kagame also addressed the growing challenge of marital breakdowns. He expressed concern over how disagreements between spouses can escalate into separation, urging couples to exercise patience, mutual understanding, and open dialogue.
He questioned how conflicts between two people could reach a point where living together becomes impossible, noting that while disagreements in large groups may be expected, issues between spouses should be manageable through communication. He cautioned that walking away from problems does not resolve them and may lead individuals to encounter similar—or even worse—challenges elsewhere.
The President warned that widespread family breakdown has consequences beyond individual households, weakening society and the nation as a whole. He stressed that when many families face separation at the same time, the collective impact undermines national resilience, adding that such challenges can be addressed through shared values, faith, and commitment.
He called on religious leaders to ensure that the values they teach are applied in daily life, particularly in resolving family conflicts. He questioned the value of religious teachings if they fail to help people overcome anger, hostility, and wrongdoing within their own homes.
President Kagame urged Rwandans to view family stability as a shared responsibility and a cornerstone of national development, saying that adopting this mindset would ensure continued progress and give lasting meaning to the country’s hard-earned lessons from the past.
Rwanda’s national heroes are recognized under three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. The Imanzi category, the highest honor, includes the Unknown Soldier—representing all who died in battle—and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Front at the start of the liberation struggle in October 1990.
The Imena category honors figures such as King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, former Prime Minister Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the students of Nyange Secondary School for their exceptional service and sacrifice. The Ingenzi category currently has no officially designated heroes, though the National Heroes, Medals, and Decorations Office (CHENO) is reviewing more than 30 living individuals for possible recognition.
Religious leaders welcomed the President’s message. Pastor Ngendahayo Phocas of Christian Life Assembly said the address highlighted the direct link between strong families and a stable nation, noting that building individuals ultimately strengthens the country.
Judiciary statistics further underscore the issue, showing that 2,674 divorce cases were handled during the 2024/2025 judicial year, a slight decline from 2,833 cases the previous year—figures that, according to leaders at the prayer breakfast, reinforce the urgency of strengthening families as Rwanda honors its heroes and looks toward the future.
