The celebration was held on August 29, 2026, and was attended by Rwanda's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, who joined members of the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda.
Held in Oxford, the event provided an opportunity for Rwandans living in the UK to come together, preserve their cultural heritage and share Rwanda's values with friends and other members of the wider community.
Umuganura is traditionally known as a celebration of the harvest. Today, however, it carries a broader meaning, providing an opportunity to reflect on achievements, express gratitude and remind individuals of their role in the development of their families, communities and country.
For Rwandans living in the UK, the celebration also served as an opportunity to preserve Rwandan culture and its values while passing them on to younger generations.
High Commissioner Johnston Busingye stressed the importance of preserving Rwanda's values.
'Umuganura reminds us that wherever Rwandans live, our values of unity, gratitude, hard work and shared responsibility remain with us,' he said.
He added that as Rwandans celebrate their achievements, they should also reflect on the contribution each person can make to the wider community and Rwanda's development.
Young people were given particular attention during the celebration, with children and Rwandans who grew up in the UK given an opportunity to learn about the traditions, values and history passed down by their parents and elders.
Organisers said preserving Rwandan culture does not prevent Rwandans from integrating into the wider UK community. Instead, they said, it helps them maintain a connection with their roots and better understand their cultural identity.
Friends of Rwanda also attended the celebration, giving them an opportunity to learn more about Rwandan culture and its values while engaging with a community whose members come from diverse backgrounds but are connected by their life in the UK.
Participants learned more about Rwanda through its culture, values and the experiences of its people.
Community leaders thanked those who attended and encouraged Rwandans living in the UK to continue organising activities that bring people together and strengthen connections between generations.
The Umuganura celebration also highlighted the role of the Rwandan diaspora in strengthening ties between Rwanda and the United Kingdom.
Rwandans living in the UK continue to contribute to different sectors, including business, education, healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship and community development.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to look ahead, with participants emphasising the importance of continued cooperation, contribution and collective efforts for the benefit of future generations.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandans-in-uk-celebrate-umuganura/
