The milestone event brought together local leaders, long-standing clients, and community members, alongside the bank's leadership and board. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to BPR's founding values.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, served as the guest of honor, accompanied by Kayonza District Mayor, John Bosco Nyemanzi, and Nkamba Sector Executive, Emmanuel Bisangwa.
Senior management and board members of BPR Bank were also in attendance.
As part of the celebration, BPR Bank Rwanda PLC donated 20 sewing machines to the Ruramira Tailors' Cooperative and pledged 3,000 roofing sheets to the Kayonza District administration to support vulnerable families in need of shelter.
The bank also refurbished the building where it first opened its doors five decades ago. This building was transformed into a modern hub for the Ruramira Tailors' Cooperative, supporting entrepreneurship and local skills development.
Ludoviko Nsengiyumva, 79, the first person to open a BPR Bank account, shared his inspiring story. He recalled how he lost his savings in a house fire while living in a traditional grass-thatched homeâ€"a painful experience that prompted him to entrust his money to the newly established bank.
He praised BPR's contribution to community development, highlighting how it instilled a culture of saving and financial security. 'Thanks to BPR Bank Rwanda PLC, many of us have been able to grow and achieve economic stability,' he said.
Speaking on behalf of more than 80 tailors, Aulerie Kantarama expressed heartfelt gratitude for the bank's donation.
'We will use these tools to improve our lives and contribute to the development of our district and the country,' she said. 'Young mothers facing hardship will now have a place to learn and grow. In the past, we lacked a permanent workspace, but today, we finally have a stable home where our business can thrive.'
In her remarks, BPR Bank Managing Director Patience Mutesi reflected on the bank's origin and impact: 'This place holds not only our origin but our enduring promise to the people of Rwanda. Fifty years ago, BPR began with a simple but powerful mission â€" to bring banking closer to the people and to empower communities. Today, we honor that legacy not just in words, but by transforming this former branch into a space where women in Nkamba can gather, tailor, train, and grow together.'
This transformation is repurposed into a safe and practical space for women to carry out tailoring activities, peer-to-peer learning, and build self-reliance. The initiative is a tangible example of the bank's tagline: 'For People, For Better.'
George Rubagumya, Chairman of the BPR Board of Directors, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to continue walking with customers along the development journey.
'This is more than a celebration. It's a reaffirmation of our promise. The trust we've built over five decades is what carries us forward. What we launch here today is not only a tribute to our past, but a statement about our future â€" empowering communities, one step at a time,' he noted.
Pascal Nyiringango, Board Director representing local shareholders, reaffirmed the Board's support toward inclusive growth initiatives, while also outlining plans for continued investment in communities that shaped the institution's growth.
Governor Rubingisa also hailed the bank's legacy of empowering citizens. 'What we witness today is more than a commemoration â€" it is a powerful reminder that when institutions stay rooted in community, they grow with the people. BPR Bank's legacy in Nkamba is proof that sustainable progress begins at the grassroots, and I commend this initiative that empowers our citizens, especially women, with dignity and opportunity,' he noted.
Looking to the future, the bank announced a pledge to donate roofing sheets to Kayonza District in support of a planned construction project in 2026, reinforcing BPR's long-term commitment to impactful partnerships.
This celebration is part of a series of events commemorating 50 years of BPR Bank's transformation journey, rooted in values of closer, connected, and courageous.
IGIHE
