{"id":106584,"date":"2025-08-02T16:07:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T16:07:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/minister-habimana-reaffirms-umuganuras-relevance"},"modified":"2025-08-02T16:37:26","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T16:37:26","slug":"minister-habimana-reaffirms-umuganuras-relevance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/minister-habimana-reaffirms-umuganuras-relevance","title":{"rendered":"Minister Habimana Reaffirms Umuganura’s Relevance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Dominique Habimana, Rwanda\u2019s newly appointed Minister of Local Government, has emphasized the continued relevance of Umuganura, the National Harvest Day, despite its complex historical background. He was addressing residents of Musanze District during the national celebrations held on Friday, August 1.<\/p>\n

Celebrated annually since its reinstatement in 2011, Umuganura carries the theme this year: “Isoko y\u2019ubumwe n\u2019ishingiro ryo kwigira”, which loosely translates to “A source of unity and foundation for self-reliance.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWe celebrate Umuganura today so that we may celebrate even more in the future,\u201d said Habimana. \u201cTo observe it is to reaffirm our shared roots and to acknowledge the key values our history has identified us with: patriotism, hard work, sacrifice, courage, unity, nobility, collaboration, and kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana during Umuganura Celebration in Musanze on Friday, August 1.<\/p>\n

Addressing questions about the ancient practice\u2019s relevance today, the minister explained that today\u2019s Umuganura celebrates more than just the agricultural harvest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe now honor harvests from all sectors; services, technology, education, tourism, arts, industry, and more,\u201d he said. \u201cWhile the focus in the past was solely on agriculture, the core values of Umuganura remain unchanged.\u201d<\/p>\n

Habimana also announced that the government is pursuing recognition of Umuganura as part of UNESCO\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, noting that it is the only traditional Rwandan holiday still celebrated nationally.<\/p>\n

Dominique Habimana, Minister of Local Government gives milk to children during Umuganura Celebration in Musanze on Friday, August 1.<\/p>\n

The colorful event in Musanze included the gifting of cows to five disadvantaged families through the Girinka programme. Various organizations and businesses, mostly in the agricultural sector, also showcased their products.<\/p>\n

Among them was Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), which exhibited innovative products such as green banana biscuits, egg powder, and sweet potato pasta. Joseph Diocles Mazimpaka, an instructor at the RP Musanze campus, highlighted Umuganura as an opportunity to demonstrate advances in agricultural technology.<\/p>\n

Dominique Habimana, Minister of Local Government addresses participants during Umuganura Celebration in Musanze on Friday, August 1. Craish BAHIZI<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is where we help farmers to understand better techniques for preserving their produce, encouraging greater engagement in agriculture,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

Also present was Donatha Mukandayisenga, president of the Abajyana n\u2019igihe farming cooperative. \u201cWe\u2019re here to showcase our achievements,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe grow fruits, vegetables, and maize, and also process maize into flour. Umuganura gives us a chance to connect with others, celebrate our progress, and exchange ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n