{"id":119194,"date":"2026-02-05T17:25:50","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/day-1-umushyikirano-2026-in-pictures"},"modified":"2026-02-05T17:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:42:14","slug":"day-1-umushyikirano-2026-in-pictures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/day-1-umushyikirano-2026-in-pictures","title":{"rendered":"Day 1: Umushyikirano 2026 in pictures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Thousands of delegates have gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre, which is hosting the 20th edition of the National Umushyikirano Council. The two-day event, running from Thursday, February 5 to 6, is chaired by President Paul Kagame.<\/p>\n

The gathering drew Rwandans from across the country and the diaspora to discuss key issues aimed at advancing national development.<\/p>\n

The dialogue is also attended by Rwandans nationwide through various online platforms, including social media, television and radio.<\/p>\n

The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) is filled as citizens, leaders, and members of the Rwandan diaspora attend the 20th edition of Umushyikirano, the National Dialogue Council. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza<\/p>\n

Tito Rutaremara and Minister of Labour and Public Service Christine Nkurikiyinka, arrive at the venue.<\/p>\n

Members of Parliament, Lower Chamber arrive at KCC.<\/p>\n

Delegates arrive at KCC for Umushyikirano 2026.<\/p>\n

Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye (L) is among religious leaders who are attending Umushyikirano.<\/p>\n

The two-day event, running from Thursday, February 5 to 6, will be chaired by President Paul Kagame.<\/p>\n

The gathering brought together Rwandans from across the country and the diaspora to discuss key issues aimed at advancing national development.<\/p>\n

Former Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and Ines Mpambara, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister share a light moment at the opening of Umushyikirano 2026, at KCC on Thursday, February 5. All photos by Olivier Mugwiza<\/p>\n

Minister Youth and Arts Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, interact with Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire at the event.<\/p>\n

Alain Numa, the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at MTN Rwanda<\/p>\n

Usta Kaitesi , State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation interacts with Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health.<\/p>\n

Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja during an interaction at the event.<\/p>\n

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damasce\u0300ne Bizimana (L) chats with a delegate at the meeting.<\/p>\n

State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe (R) chats with State Minister for Health Yvan Butera<\/p>\n

RPF Inkotanyi Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo interacts with Cardinal Antoine Kambanda.<\/p>\n

Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda greets other delegates including Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Mussa Fasil Harerimana.<\/p>\n

RDB CEO Jean Guy Afrika (c) speaks to Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi and other delegate.<\/p>\n

Retired General James Kabarebe interacts with University of Kigali Chairman Prof Manasseh Nshuti.<\/p>\n

(L-R) Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye, the leader of ADEPR, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, the Mufti of Rwanda and head of the Rwanda Muslim Community<\/p>\n

Bank of Kigali CEO Diane Karusisi interacts with Minister of Labour and Public Service Christine Nkurikiyinka at the event.<\/p>\n

Kabarebe interacts with senior Police officers at the event.<\/p>\n

Thousands of delegates have gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre, which is hosting the 20th edition of the National Umushyikirano Council.<\/p>\n

Businessman Sadate Munyakazi at Umushyikirano 2026.<\/p>\n

The National Dialogue Council is running from February 5 to 6<\/p>\n

President Paul Kagame arrives at KCC<\/p>\n

President Paul Kagame arrives at Kigali Convention Centre, for the opening of the 20th edition of the National Umushyikirano Council on Thursday, February 5. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza<\/p>\n

President Paul Kagame addresses delegates during the the opening of the 20th edition of the National Dialogue Council on Thursday, February 5.<\/p>\n

Delegates follow President Kagame’s speech at the opening of the 2026 Umushyikirano on Thursday, February 5.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva presents progress on NST2 during the opening of the 20th National Umushyikirano Council on Thursday, February 5. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza<\/p>\n\r\n