President Kagame Joins Kigali Residents for Monthly Car-Free Day Exercise

The event, held Feb. 22, saw several major roads across the capital closed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., allowing residents to walk, jog, cycle and play outdoor sports without vehicle traffic. Participants also engaged in street tennis and three-on-three basketball.

Among officials in attendance were Minister of State for Sports Rwego Ngarambe, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva.

Launched in May 2016, Car-Free Day was designed to encourage Kigali residents to adopt regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, the initiative has expanded beyond the capital, with other provinces organizing similar events.

Health officials say the program also serves as a platform to raise awareness about disease prevention. During designated periods of the event, residents receive free medical consultations and screenings for various conditions, particularly non-communicable diseases.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes that regular exercise plays a key role in preventing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

Research by Rwandan scholar Theobard Habineza of Carnegie Mellon University found that air pollution levels in Kigali drop by 17% on Car-Free Day, highlighting the environmental benefits of temporarily limiting vehicle traffic in the city.