The President made the call on 16th October 2021 addressing members of Unity Club Intwararumuri the 25th Anniversary Celebration since the club was established.

As he delivered remarks, Kagame reminisced on priorities Rwandans should put forward including unity, security and development that should be pursued together for common interests.

The President said that many people misunderstand the concept of humility thinking it underestimates them yet it induces dignity.

“Being humble doesn’t deprive you of anything but gives you more strength. Humility brings strength, it does not underestimate you. However, its deficiency means that the one without these values is egocentric. He/she never considers others’ interests,” he said.

The President emphasized that gains acquired from egocentrism are not durable because they incur lots of anomalies.

“If people in your surroundings are hungry but realize that you are happy and wasting [food], they judge you. Their judgment is not read to hold you accountable immediately but it finally affects you. I think, leaders should always be mindful of that lesson,” he noted.

Kagame said that Rwanda was renowned for two facets including a negative image (the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) but highlighted that the country has left the dark past behind where it is has earned credibility for achieved remarkable progress.

The President however stressed the need to keep up the momentum to achieve more and urged Rwandans to be characterized by patriotism, and prevent small anomalies that might hold back attained progress.

Unity Club (Intwararumuri or Torch Bearers) was founded in 1996 by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, as a way to bring together members of cabinet and their spouses to promote cohesion among themselves and work together to enhance unity and peace while contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Former cabinet members and their spouses are also members of the club.

During the ceremony, seven protectors of friendship pact (Abarinzi b’Igihango) were recognized for bravery that characterized them during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

President Paul Kagame addressing members of Unity Club Intwararumuri during the celebration of 25th anniversary.

Members of Unity Club Intwararumuri during the celebration of 25th anniversary.