Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has commended religious organizations for their contribution to Rwanda’s development over the past 32 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped, while calling for greater cooperation, particularly in efforts to combat alcohol abuse among young people.
He made the remarks on August 16, 2026, at Amahoro Stadium in Remera, where the annual Rwanda Shima Imana gathering was held.
The event brings together Rwandans from across the country, including members of different religious denominations and churches, to pray for the country and thank God for protecting Rwanda and its people.
The 14th edition of the gathering was held 32 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped in 1994, and also provided an opportunity to celebrate the progress Rwanda has made since then.
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Religious Organizations Urged to Support National Development
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva said Rwanda Shima Imana provides an important opportunity to recognize the value, achievements and cooperation between the Government and religious organizations in building the country.
He said that without strong cooperation from religious organizations, Rwanda would not have achieved many of the gains it has made over the past 32 years.
“What we are thanking God for today would not have been possible if the Government had worked alone.”
He noted that religious organizations have contributed to Rwanda’s progress by promoting good values among Rwandans, building strong and safe families, fostering love, unity, peace and forgiveness, promoting transparency, and encouraging patriotism.
Although significant progress has been made, with religious organizations contributing to economic development, healing Rwandans and helping the country recover from its wounds, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva urged religious leaders and organizations to remain committed to the efforts they have already begun and in which they have played a major role.
“We ask you to continue educating Rwandans about issues that promote their development and help them overcome poverty, while protecting them from those who mislead them and take them in the wrong direction.”
Religious Leaders Asked to Fight Alcohol Abuse
Dr. Nsengiyumva reminded participants at the Rwanda Shima Imana gathering that alcohol abuse and drug use remain challenges in Rwanda, particularly among young people and the wider population. He urged religious leaders to step up efforts to combat these practices, saying they are inconsistent with Rwandan values as well as Christian values in general.
He said the fight is necessary because, besides damaging young people’s health, alcohol and drug abuse can destroy families and contribute to conflicts within households.
“As we gather here to thank God, we ask you to continue using your voices to teach the values that should define us as Rwandans and to fight the harmful culture of alcohol abuse that is increasingly affecting our youth.”
He noted that religious organizations reach large numbers of people and should therefore play a significant role in transforming people’s lives, as they have done over the past 32 years.
He said the Government of Rwanda launched initiatives to curb alcohol abuse and drug use among Rwandans in order to protect the gift of life that God has given them.
“We want all Rwandans to continue protecting the gift of life that God has given us, so that we can also use the strength God has given us to care for our families.”
Leaders Thank God for Rwanda’s Progress
Jimmy Muyango, head of Peace Plan Rwanda, which organizes Rwanda Shima Imana, and Pastor of Potter’s Hand Ministries, thanked God for giving Rwandans good leadership that has guided the country along the path of unity and protected it from division.
“It is not something ordinary that God has given us good leadership that loves its people and has transformed the history of this country, leading Rwandans on the path of unity and reconciliation under the leadership of our respected President of the Republic.”
Pastor Ndayizeye Isaïe, chairman of the committee organizing the Rwanda Shima Imana gathering, said Rwandans should thank God because the country has emerged from the darkness that once characterized its history.
“We should thank God that we have emerged from a dark period marked by a history of division, poverty, conflict, bad leadership, killings and other evils.”
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