The assistive devices were provided on the funding of different charities including Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian, International Charity Organization and Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Organization.

The handover of these wheelchairs took place on Thursday 13th October 2022 at Rilima Specialized Orthopedic Hospital managed by the Catholic Church.

UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, Hazza AlQahtani said that the donation aligns with his country’s initiatives to develop partnerships aimed at improving humans’ wellbeing.

He revealed that his country has changed the name of people with disabilities to ‘people with determination’ because they recognize their role in the development of the country.

Amb. AlQahtani explained that the donation is not driven by political or religious interests among others, but rather seeks to improve people’s lives irrespective of their background.

“The program was initiated by late President of UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who emphasized that supporting other countries is among key foundations for UAE foreign policy,” he said.

Amb. AlQahtani thanked the ministry of Health for conducting advocacy and expressed optimism that the assistive devices will be helpful to ‘people with determination’.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije said that Rwanda prioritizes strengthening early detection, intervention and rehabilitation of People with Disabilities and ensures availability and affordability of assistive devices to ensure that specialized medical services are available countrywide.

He commended UAE Embassy in Rwanda noting that it is an addition to other projects being discussed with the country to promote healthcare.

Minister Ngamije also expressed optimism that the discussions will yield good results.

Dr. Albert Nzayisenga, the Director General of Rilima Specialized Orthopedic Hospital which received 25 wheelchairs revealed that the assistive devices will pave the way for improved services.

Direct beneficiaries expressed delight for the donation noting that the wheelchairs will facilitate them to move easily.

Bugesera District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Yvette Imanishimwe said that the donated 49 wheelchairs will contribute to their performance contracts.

“We have received 49 out of 150 wheelchairs we want to donate to differently abled people. We will mobilize resources to continue improving the wellbeing of this segment of the population,” she revealed.

In 2019, UAE also donated 72 wheelchairs in Kigali City.

UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, AlQahtani reiterated commitment to partner with countries including Rwanda to change the lives of differently abled people.

Minister Ngamije chatting with Amb. Hazza AlQahtani at the handover of wheelchairs in Bugesera District.

a total of 49 bicycles were immediately given to beneficiaries in Bugesera District.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije commended UAE for the donation of wheelchairs.

Differently abled persons commended the donations.

Differently abled persons commended the donations.

A total of 200 differently abled people received wheelchairs donated by UAE.

Amb. AlQahtani and Minister Ngamije interacting with beneficiaries in Rilima.