Rwanda’s State Minister for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, has called for greater action to ensure people living with disabilities are fully included in society, saying recognition of their rights should go beyond words and be reflected in everyday life.
Umutoni made the remarks on Saturday during the launch of Muraho! Nitwa Kagarara (Hello! My Name is Kagarara), a book written by Uwizeye Enock, popularly known on social media as Kagarara, or Ashton Small.
The book explores the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Rwanda, drawing largely from the author’s own personal journey and the challenges he has encountered while navigating society.
Speaking to participants at the launch, Umutoni said inclusion begins with changing attitudes towards children and adults with disabilities and creating opportunities for them to participate fully in community life.
“A child with a disability should not be hidden at home because of fear of what people will say. They should go to school, play with others, develop their talents, have dreams, and know that they also have a place in our society,” she said.
Her message placed the focus not only on the challenges faced by people with disabilities but also on the responsibility of families, communities and institutions to remove barriers that prevent them from reaching their potential.
For many children with disabilities, social stigma can become an obstacle long before they encounter physical or institutional barriers.
Being kept away from school, social activities or public spaces can limit access to education, friendships, skills development and opportunities to pursue their ambitions.
Through his book, Kagarara uses his own experience to bring these realities closer to the public, turning a personal story into a broader conversation about disability, dignity and inclusion.
The launch therefore served as more than a literary event. It offered a platform for reflection on how society perceives disability and the importance of giving people living with disabilities space to tell their own stories.
Umutoni’s remarks also underscored the need for inclusion to be measured through practical opportunities rather than declarations of support.
The minister argued that valuing people with disabilities should be visible in how children are treated at home and school, how talents are supported and how people with disabilities are enabled to participate in social and economic life.
Kagarara’s story adds a personal dimension to that conversation, showing how lived experiences can challenge stereotypes and encourage society to look beyond disability to the talents, ambitions and aspirations of individuals.
The book’s launch comes as discussions around inclusion continue to place greater emphasis on ensuring that people with disabilities are not merely recipients of support, but active participants in society with the same right to education, creativity, social interaction and the pursuit of their dreams.
