Belgium: Rwandans celebrate Umuganura Festival in Bruges (PHOTOS) #rwanda #RwOT

In her opening remarks, Yvette Umutangana, the event's main organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the celebration and those who showed up early to participate in Umuganda.

'When we engage in Umuganda, some people may wonder why we do it,' she said. 'But this is an act that reflects who we are, our core values, and our origins. It's a way to promote our culture and our country, and to show that Rwanda is among the cleanest nations in Africa.'

Umutangana noted that this year's Umuganura was particularly unique, taking place amid tense diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, which have led to a pause in official cooperation.

'Despite these challenges, we are here as Rwandans to uphold unity and continue being good ambassadors of our country, both here in Belgium and beyond,' she said.

She encouraged the Rwandan community to strive for progress and not just come together for the sake of celebration or to enjoy familiar food and traditional dress.

'Let's aim to gather again next year, but this time to celebrate tangible achievements,' she urged.

Ernest Gakuba, president of DRB-Rugari-Belgique, emphasized the importance of this year's theme: 'Umuganura: A Source of Unity and Foundation for Self-Reliance.' He reminded attendees that unity is the foundation of national strength.

'It's also a day to thank Rwanda's God for the harvest, to reflect on areas where we've fallen short, and to correct them. It's a time to appreciate every Rwandan who has contributed to their own development and the growth of our nation as a whole,' Gakuba said.

He added that Rwandans in the diaspora, particularly in Belgium, must come together in these challenging diplomatic times and combine their efforts without reservation.

Gakuba warned that if Rwandans abroad fail to work in unity, they risk losing their collective value and progress. He urged the community to focus on self-empowerment and resilience, calling on all Rwandans to embrace the traditional belief that 'work is the foundation of life.'

'Umuganura should push us to ask ourselves: 'What am I doing for my country?' This day should not only be about celebrating achievements, but also about safeguarding them, reinforcing our unity, and always remembering our homeland in everything we do,' he added.

The celebration also featured cultural games and storytelling for children in both French and Kinyarwanda, aiming to foster love for both languages in a way that respects Rwandan heritage.

Oscar Gahutu delivered a special presentation on the historical significance of Umuganura in pre-colonial Rwanda, highlighting how the tradition was disrupted by colonial powers but later restored by Rwanda's current leadership.

'The road ahead is still long, but what we've achieved is worth preserving,' he said. 'We must teach and pass it on to our youth.'

The day also included practical activities for children, such as sweeping and cleaning, to introduce them to traditional household roles and responsibilities.

As the event continued, children were served milk, attendees enjoyed traditional Rwandan dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with traditional songs, dances, and shared joy â€" all in true Rwandan spirit.

Gakuba warned that if Rwandans abroad fail to work in unity, they risk losing their shared values and progress.

Yvette Umutangana, the event's main organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the celebration and those who showed up early to participate in Umuganda.

Children were addressed in both French and Kinyarwanda, and were told short stories rooted in Rwandan culture.

Children were served milk

As part of the Umuganura Day celebrations, children were given a central role to help instill in them a deep understanding of Rwandan cultural values from an early age.

The day also included practical activities for children, such as sweeping and cleaning, to introduce them to traditional household roles and responsibilities.

Attendees enjoyed traditional Rwandan dishes

Oscar Gahutu delivered a special presentation on the historical significance of Umuganura in pre-colonial Rwanda.

The Umuganura celebration held in Bruges was led in both Kinyarwanda and French.

The atmosphere was filled with traditional songs, dances, and shared joy, all in true Rwandan spirit.

Ernest Gakuba, President of DRB-Rugari Belgium, and Yvette Umutangana, the coordinator of the Umuganura event in Bruges, were among the participants in the Umuganura Day celebration.