The Government of Rwanda has eased nightlife restrictions in response to overwhelming public demand and the looming global spotlight of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, set for September 19–28.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), working with other government institutions, announced that during the championship period all businesses, from shopping centers and restaurants to bars and nightclubs, will be permitted to close at 4:00 a.m.
The measure aims to welcome thousands of athletes, fans, and visitors, support the hospitality sector, and manage the irregular traffic flow expected throughout the 10-day event.
While hours are extended, existing rules remain in force. Businesses must keep noise below 55 decibels at night, avoid serving alcohol to anyone under 18, and refuse service to visibly intoxicated patrons.
RDB also reminded consumers to drink responsibly and not to drive under the influence. Enforcement will be carried out with the support of relevant authorities, with offenders facing fines or temporary closure.
The shift marks a turning point after two years of turmoil triggered by curfews imposed in September 2023, when Cabinet capped nightlife at 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. What began as an attempt to control noise pollution spiraled into a social and economic crisis.
Taarifa investigations show that enforcement often fell to authorities who carried out raids, unplugged sound systems, and imposed arbitrary fines ranging from Rwf300,000 to Rwf3,000,000. Bribes became rampant, and some customers fled venues without paying, leaving owners in debt. Businesses that once flourished saw revenues collapse.
The ripple effects devastated the value chain. Farmers dumped unsold vegetables, transporters lost clients, DJs and musicians abandoned their craft, and waitresses and bartenders were laid off en masse.
Students dropped out of school, families fell into debt, and some displaced workers turned to risky survival options.
Citizens say the curfews suffocated livelihoods. “Sometimes I had to call my father in the village to send me beans and potatoes just to survive,” said Jean Claude, a Kigali taxi driver who once thrived on night shifts. A young waitress in Nyamirambo added: “I lost my job while pregnant. Stress took everything from me, even my child. For us, this policy was not just about business, it was about life.”
Meanwhile, while many appreciate this temporary relaxation, others question why government only loosens rules for international visitors.
“If we only open business for major tourist events, what’s the benefit for ordinary Rwandans?” asked one Kigali resident. Another club-goer echoed the frustration: “This is a good start, but if opening until 4:00 a.m. makes sense for UCI, why doesn’t it make sense for the rest of the year?”
Not everyone is convinced the new guidelines go far enough. “Tourists will enjoy themselves, but we need a permanent solution,” said Emile, a veteran event organizer who has since closed his business. “Who wants to organize a show that ends at midnight? I lost 15 years of work in two years of curfew.”
“If the government is really listening, then this should not stop after UCI,” says Jean Claude Manirakiza, a moto taxi driver.
Meanwhile. RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika told Taarifa earlier today after the announcement that “the balance is not so straightforward.” He however confessed that government appreciates feedback. “… we truly appreciate receiving unhindered views…”
Policy experts are also chipping in.
They urge caution in attributing closures solely to restricted hours. “Analysis has to be comprehensive, and the economy is a must,” one analyst observed. “Businesses can and will close even if there is a 24-hour policy.”
”Some closures might have hours as a factor, but not as the root cause. In fact, some businesses in the same sector are thriving, adaptability is the rule of the game. The conversation needs to be broader than just opening hours.”
For now, the extended operating hours during the UCI World Championships are viewed as both a practical adjustment and a political statement: Rwanda is listening. As one businessman put it, “One thing about Rwanda is that it listens and understands the plight of the people.”
