Meet the President: Kagame calls for unity across generations to build Rwanda

President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandans of all generations to work together to build the country, calling on young people to embrace discipline, continuous learning and responsible behaviour as they pursue their ambitions.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, October 21, during the Youth Meet the President event at BK Arena in Kigali, which brought together more than 10,000 young people from across Rwanda, representing different backgrounds and sectors of society.

“Whether we are those who have refused to leave youth behind, those who have been refused by youth, or those who are genuinely young, we are all one,” Kagame said, emphasising that national development requires collective responsibility.

The President encouraged young people to use their time productively, acquire knowledge and develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.

Recalling his childhood in exile, Kagame said he used to listen to an educational programme called ‘Wari Uziko’ on Radio Rwanda while attending primary school. The knowledge he gained continued to benefit him years later, he told the gathering.

He urged the youth to maintain good behaviour consistently and invest in personal development throughout their lives.

“Whatever your circumstances, do not waste time. Learn, work and seek knowledge,” he said.

The gathering also focused on concerns about substance abuse, with government officials warning that illicit alcohol and drugs threaten young people’s health, ambitions and contribution to national development.

Youth and Arts Minister Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima said the meeting came amid ongoing discussions among public institutions about tackling drug abuse, substandard alcoholic beverages and excessive alcohol consumption.

He warned that substance abuse had contributed to deaths, vision impairment and rising cases of violence.

“It would be a lie to say that we can fulfil our responsibilities while drinking alcohol as though we need it to accomplish them, or using drugs as though they were acceptable,” Utumatwishima said.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana urged young people to translate their dreams into achievable goals and practical plans, warning that drug abuse can derail their ambitions.

He explained that aspirations alone are insufficient without clear objectives and consistent action.

Meanwhile, ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire encouraged young people to use technology and social media constructively, rather than allowing online comparisons to undermine their confidence.

She also urged them to continuously develop digital skills to benefit from emerging employment opportunities, noting that keeping up with technological advances requires ongoing learning.

The Meet the President initiative provides a platform for direct engagement between Kagame and different groups of Rwandans.

Previous editions have brought together young people to discuss national development, civic responsibility and opportunities for the next generation.

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