Jeannette Kagame Urges Rwandans to Uphold Unity and National Identity

03, Nov-2025 Mugisha John

First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who also serves as chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri, has urged Rwandans to remain steadfast in upholding the country’s core value of Ubunyarwanda the spirit of national identity and unity saying it is a source of resilience for the nation.

In a message shared on X ahead of the 18th annual Unity Club forum scheduled for Nov. 8, Mrs. Kagame reminded citizens that embracing Ubunyarwanda means carrying an enduring sense of strength and purpose in all aspects of life.

“In rebuilding Rwanda, the Ndi Umunyarwanda program became a balm for the wounds left by our tragic history,” she said. “It laid the foundation for a country free from division, built on Rwandan values and dignity. Whoever embraces Ubunyarwanda walks with resilience in all endeavors; we must continue to promote this principle, especially among the young generation.”

Unity Club Intwararumuri is composed of current and former government leaders and their spouses. It was founded by Mrs. Kagame on Feb. 28, 1996, to promote unity, peace, and sustainable development at a time when the country was recovering from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

At its founding, Rwanda faced deep social and structural challenges, including insecurity, poverty, orphanhood, and the need to restore dignity to genocide survivors. Unity Club played a vital role in addressing these issues through social support, reconciliation initiatives, and community rebuilding.

The organization focused on caring for orphans and encouraging families to adopt children left without guardians. Older orphans were provided housing and educational support. In 1995, Rwanda had 353 orphanages, but many children have since been integrated into families through these efforts.

Unity Club also established residential villages known as Impinganzima to provide decent housing and social care for elderly genocide widows. These villages—located in Rusizi, Huye, Nyanza, and Bugesera districts—aim to restore dignity and ensure access to healthcare, community interaction, and emotional healing.

Looking ahead, Unity Club plans to continue engaging members in dialogues that shape Rwanda’s future, fight genocide ideology, and support vulnerable groups, particularly youth and Impinganzima residents.

The 18th annual forum will convene Unity Club members and partners to reflect on the nation’s unity journey and renew their commitment to building a resilient, inclusive Rwanda.