President Paul Kagame on Feb. 5, 2026, urged accountability and self‑reliance at the 20th National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali, as thousands of citizens, leaders and partners gathered to assess Rwanda’s progress and set priorities. The forum was held at the Kigali Convention Centre and focused on development, governance and community engagement. President Kagame opened the two‑day dialogue by calling for faster development and stronger responsibility among government officials, saying, “ For a country like ours, considering both the challenges we face and the opportunities available to

President Paul Kagame on Feb. 5, 2026, urged accountability and self‑reliance at the 20th National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali, as thousands of citizens, leaders and partners gathered to assess Rwanda’s progress and set priorities.

The forum was held at the Kigali Convention Centre and focused on development, governance and community engagement.

President Kagame opened the two‑day dialogue by calling for faster development and stronger responsibility among government officials, saying, “

For a country like ours, considering both the challenges we face and the opportunities available to us, that progress is not sufficient.

”

He stressed that leaders must consistently deliver results and strengthen accountability across institutions.

Highlighting self‑reliance, the President urged citizens to take collective responsibility for national goals, noting that Rwanda’s future “

must maintain consistency

” in effort and commitment.

He emphasized that development cannot be sustained without individual initiative and national unity.

President Kagame also addressed regional and security concerns, rejecting dependency on external powers and asserting Rwanda’s autonomy, saying, “

Accepting that you exist on the mercy of others is a mistake, it is something we should treat as unacceptable

.”

He used the platform to underscore that Rwanda should determine its own destiny while contributing to regional stability.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, presents progress on NST2 during National Umushyikirano Council

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva presented data showing continued economic growth in 2025, but also highlighted productivity gaps in sectors such as agriculture and industry.

He said strengthening collaboration with the private sector was key to narrowing those gaps.

Delegates attend Rwanda's National Umushyikirano Council 20 in Kigali

At the event, citizens raised questions about service delivery and leadership performance, prompting direct instructions from Kagame for improved follow‑up and solutions.

He stressed that Umushyikirano must translate dialogue into action and tangible outcomes.

A little more informed. A little more connected.