Rwandans, Friends of Rwanda in UAE celebrate Umuganura

Dubai (02/09/2023)- Diplomats and friends of Rwanda joined the Rwandan community in the United Arab Emirates in the celebration of Umuganura, Rwanda’s cultural festival in which communities come together to share the harvest.

Attended by over 200 people on 02 September in Dubai, the event served as an occasion to reflect on the historical importance of Umuganura and its relevance in modern Rwanda.

“Umuganura is a very important day grounded in Rwanda’s history. It embodies values of love, unity, sharing, hard work and resilience. Elders as custodians of our culture must mirror these values and impart them to our youth. This day also reminds us of the need for collaborative work to increase productivity and accelerate Rwanda’s development,” said John Mirenge, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE.

These values shall reflect on individual and collective image that will in return promote the good image of Rwanda, the Ambassador observed, adding:

“Your responsibility to preserve the Rwandan culture is more appealing since living in a foreign country within this globalization era may expose you to some bad behaviors. Value your culture, select the best from what comes your way and ignore what distracts you.”

This year, Umuganura is celebrated under the theme “Umuganura, the foundation of unity and resilience.”

Reflecting on the power of resilience, the Ambassador said: “The celebration of Umuganura provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of solidarity and resilience in moments of adversity like the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent floods that affected some parts of our country. Rwandans, all over and specifically here in the UAE, should not be captive of these challenges. We must prevail, thanks to unity and hard work. No shortcut to success!”

Despite the headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related shocks, and other global challenges, Rwanda’s economy grew by 9.2% in the first quarter of 2023, following 8.2% growth in 2022.

To support the country's progress, the community was reminded that living in the UAE, a global business hub gives a collective homework to increase trade and investment flows between the countries.

The community and guests who attended the celebration of Umuganura in the UAE also got an opportunity to taste Rwanda’s traditional food and cultural dance.

History shows that Umuganura was celebrated in pre-colonial Rwanda as a means of strengthening the unity and solidarity of all Rwandans. The colonialists abolished it in 1925. It was reinstated by the Government of National Unity in 2011 based on the importance of culture in national unity and development.