On January 13, 2026, in all sectors of Nyagatare District, as in the rest of the country, the National Civic Service (Urugerero) for Inkomezabigwi, Cohort 13, was officially launched. It was attended by youth who completed secondary school in the 2024–2025 academic year.
Mugwaneza Esther, one of the youth participating in the civic service, said that engaging in various activities during Urugerero demonstrates training in loving work and doing it well. She stated:
“Through this civic service, we learn many things, especially those that help us love our country and serve it. When we build kitchens, toilets, kitchen gardens, houses, and other facilities, it shows the bravery and values we learned from those who came before us.”
Her fellow participant, Moise, added:
“This civic service helps us a lot because when we assist vulnerable residents, it is like helping our own parents who no longer have the strength to do the work themselves. They appreciate the effort we contribute as youth who are responsible for building the nation.”
While officially launching the civic service, the Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of Social Affairs, Murekatete Juliet, said that activities to be carried out include establishing kitchen gardens, plastering houses, rehabilitating roads, constructing improved cookstoves, conducting hygiene awareness campaigns, visiting early childhood development centers, and supporting local administration in government programs, among others.
She said:
“We need the Inkomezabigwi Cohort 13 intore to take part in various activities, including working with local leaders in hygiene and sanitation campaigns, promoting community-based health insurance, enrolling citizens in the Ejo Heza program, and providing timely information, especially related to drug abuse.
In addition, these intore will support the government in registering youth who dropped out of school so that they can obtain certification through the RISE program.”
She concluded by urging the intore to continue promoting unity and upholding values before teaching them to others, saying:
“You must have stronger values than others. You cannot teach values if you do not practice them yourself. Preserving our unity is where we draw these values and the strength to serve our country.”
Speaking about the history of Itorero in Rwanda and its role in nation-building, Dr. Uzabakiriho Jean Paul said that it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to know this history, learn culture and good traditions, which help build the country with an understanding of where it comes from and where it is heading. He added that Itorero was a national training ground where Rwandans were taught discipline, values, and cultural taboos.
The representative of the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Gasana Pascal, said that during this civic service, the youth will receive training sessions organized under three thematic areas, preparing them to become responsible citizens who understand that they are the hands upon which the country relies.
He said:
“During this civic service, you will receive sessions focusing on Rwanda’s history and cultural values, the country’s vision and innovation, the Rwanda we aspire to, and the role of youth. These prepare you to become the kind of youth desired by good leaders of today and tomorrow. Remember that our unity is our strength. Therefore, you are called upon to use the knowledge and skills you gained from school to solve problems found in your communities, as stated in the theme: ‘Let us strengthen the culture of Intore while promoting unity and resilience.’”
At the district level in Nyagatare, the civic service was launched in Kiyombe Sector, Kabungo Cell.
