Rwandans living across Queensland gathered in Brisbane to celebrate Umuganura , Rwanda’s traditional harvest festival, in an event aimed at preserving Rwandan culture, strengthening community bonds and promoting solidarity among Rwandans living in Australia. The celebration brought together Rwandans from different parts of Queensland, with activities including traditional dancing, poetry performances, cultural presentations and communal sharing. The event also provided a special platform for children to participate in cultural activities and strengthen their connection to Rwanda. Children co

Rwandans living across Queensland gathered in Brisbane to celebrate

Umuganura

, Rwanda’s traditional harvest festival, in an event aimed at preserving Rwandan culture, strengthening community bonds and promoting solidarity among Rwandans living in Australia. The celebration brought together Rwandans from different parts of Queensland, with activities including traditional dancing, poetry performances, cultural presentations and communal sharing. The event also provided a special platform for children to participate in cultural activities and strengthen their connection to Rwanda. Children competed in

reading and speaking Kinyarwanda

, with those who performed best receiving

prizes

in recognition of their efforts. Organisers said the initiative was intended to encourage young Rwandans growing up in Australia to continue learning and using their native language while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural heritage. The celebration also featured the traditional

Umuganura sharing ceremony

, including an activity known as

“Kuganuza Abanyarwanda,”

where participants shared food with children. In another special activity,

children were given milk

, reinforcing the message of care, sharing and community support. The activities built on a commitment previously made by Rwandans in Queensland to continue supporting one another and people in need in Rwanda.

Nestor Ndizeye Highlights the Meaning of Umuganura

The guest of honour,

Nestor Ndizeye

, addressed participants and reflected on the history and importance of Umuganura in Rwandan culture. Ndizeye explained that Umuganura is traditionally associated with

Gihanga Ngomijana

, and was built around giving thanks for the harvest, sharing the fruits of the year's work and strengthening unity within the community. He recalled that in traditional Rwanda, people brought their harvest together in communal gatherings, where it was shared among the population. Umuganura was therefore not simply a celebration of agricultural production, but also an important tradition of

sharing, solidarity and supporting those facing hardship

. Ndizeye further emphasised the potential role of Umuganura in strengthening reconciliation and unity among Rwandans following the Genocide against the Tutsi, describing the values of sharing and mutual support as important elements in building stronger communities. In his message, Ndizeye encouraged Rwandans living in Queensland to remain united, strengthen cooperation and use the resources available within the community to support people facing difficulties. He also called for continued efforts to mobilise resources to support vulnerable people, particularly children and families in need in Rwanda. Following the Umuganura celebrations, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the

“Dusangire Lunch”

initiative, a community programme focused on sharing with and supporting children in Rwanda. Around

150 participants

committed to contributing to the initiative, with a target of reaching approximately

500 children

in Rwanda through assistance and communal support. The commitment demonstrated how Umuganura is being used not only as an opportunity to celebrate and preserve Rwandan culture in the diaspora, but also as a platform for putting its core values of

sharing, compassion, solidarity and unity

into practice. The celebrations concluded with traditional dances and cultural performances by the

Queensland Rwandan Traditional Dance Group

, which entertained participants while reinforcing the call to preserve and promote Rwandan culture among communities living abroad.

Members of the Queensland Rwandan community join traditional cultural activities during the celebration.

Children receive milk during the Umuganura celebration, highlighting the spirit of sharing and care.

Young participants receive prizes for outstanding performances in Kinyarwanda competitions.

A little more informed. A little more connected.