The Rwandan Community living in Kenya has been urged to uphold Rwandan values of unity, hard work and endurance, all of which Umuganura embodies.

This was said on September 23 by High Commissioner of Rwanda in Kenya, Martin Ngoga, while addressing more than 500 Rwandans who had attended the celebration of the cultural event known as ‘Umuganura’.

Umuganura, also known as National Harvest Day, is annual Rwandan cultural ceremony that provides an opportunity to collectively celebrate achievements registered in the last one year and to set goals for the next year.

In his address, Ngoga reminded the fundamental Rwandan values that Umuganura embodies, and called on the Rwandan Community in Kenya to mirror such.

“Umuganura is a testament of how united the ancient Rwanda was. Much as people would come together to celebrate the fruits of their hard work, they would also share with those who did not have a good harvest that year. This value is still crucial and relevant in our world today,” said Ambassador Ngoga, adding that “Unity is the foundation on which Rwanda stands.”

Ngoga also encouraged Rwandans in Nairobi to continue playing their role in Rwanda’s development by supporting different government initiatives in place.

He said: “I thank you for how you stood with our brothers and sisters back home who were affected by floods and landslides in May this year, and how you always support government development initiatives,” “We, Rwandans, are the greatest treasure that our country has. We should always be mindful of that.”

The Umuganura celebration in Kenya also featured a discussion on the origin and significance of Umuganura in ancient Rwanda, and its relevance in the contemporary Rwanda. Traditional stories commonly known as ‘imigani’ were also shared during the event.