Rwandan writer Judence Kayitesi is returning to Kigali with more than a book. Through “A Bridge Between Worlds,” she is opening a conversation about identity, history, belonging and the power of literature to connect people across borders. Kayitesi, who is based in Germany, will meet readers and members of Rwanda’s literary community on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Goethe-Institut Rwanda for an evening of readings and conversation. The event comes at a time when conversations around Rwanda’s history, identity and cultural heritage continue to shape the country’s social and intellectual lands

Rwandan writer Judence Kayitesi is returning to Kigali with more than a book. Through “A Bridge Between Worlds,” she is opening a conversation about identity, history, belonging and the power of literature to connect people across borders. Kayitesi, who is based in Germany, will meet readers and members of Rwanda’s literary community on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Goethe-Institut Rwanda for an evening of readings and conversation. The event comes at a time when conversations around Rwanda’s history, identity and cultural heritage continue to shape the country’s social and intellectual landscape. For Kayitesi, literature provides a space where those conversations can take place through personal stories, reflection and dialogue.

A writer between two worlds

The title “A Bridge Between Worlds” speaks to a central element of Kayitesi’s literary journey: navigating different places, experiences and perspectives while remaining connected to her Rwandan roots. Living in Germany has given the author an experience of life across cultures, while her Rwandan background continues to influence the subjects she explores through her writing. Her work touches on memory, identity, resilience, values and the challenge of rebuilding life after difficult chapters of history. Rather than treating literature simply as entertainment, Kayitesi uses storytelling to encourage readers to reflect on where they come from, what shapes them and how people can build connections despite differences in experience.

Bringing the conversation back home

The Kigali event will give Rwandan readers an opportunity to hear directly from the author about the ideas and experiences behind her work. Kayitesi will read selected passages from “A Bridge Between Worlds” before engaging participants in a discussion on storytelling, history, healing, unity and the role of literature in society. The event is also significant because it creates a direct link between a Rwandan author living abroad and the literary audience in her home country. For readers, it is an opportunity not only to discover a book but also to engage with the person and experiences behind it.

A new chapter in Kinyarwanda

One of the highlights of the event will be the introduction of Kayitesi’s forthcoming Kinyarwanda book, “Guharanira Ubumwe (Unity Quest).” The book is officially expected to be launched in September 2026, but copies will be available at the Kigali event ahead of the formal launch. The decision to write in Kinyarwanda adds another dimension to Kayitesi’s literary journey. It brings her ideas closer to readers in Rwanda while placing the country’s own language at the centre of her storytelling. For an author whose work crosses linguistic and geographical boundaries, writing in Kinyarwanda is also a way of strengthening the connection between her international experience and her Rwandan identity.

More than a book event

The Kigali gathering is expected to bring together readers, writers, students, researchers and other people interested in literature and storytelling. Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore Kayitesi’s other works written in English and German, interact with her directly and have copies of her books signed. At its heart, however, the event represents something bigger than a book presentation. It is a conversation about how stories travel, how identities evolve and how literature can create bridges between generations, cultures and experiences. As Judence Kayitesi brings “A Bridge Between Worlds” to Kigali, she is also bringing her own experience of living between different worlds back into conversation with the people and culture that shaped her. The event will take place at Goethe-Institut Rwanda on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Rwandan author Judence Kayitesi holds a copy of her book “A Bridge Between Worlds” ahead of her literary conversation in Kigali.

A little more informed. A little more connected.