Senior government officials, including Minister of Youth and Arts Development Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa, and Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, attended a significant gathering aimed at strengthening ties between Rwanda’s Muslim community and President Paul Kagame.

The event brought together leaders and citizens in a spirit of unity, dialogue, and shared national vision. It highlighted Rwanda’s continued commitment to inclusivity, social cohesion, and collaborative development across all communities.

One of the notable speakers, Zulfat Mukarubega, founder of the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB), shared an inspiring account of her entrepreneurial journey. She revealed that the institution began with just five students and has since grown to educate over 12,000 graduates.

Mukarubega emphasized the challenges she faced in the early stages, noting that while many people supported her idea, some doubted its feasibility simply because she was a woman. Despite these barriers, she persevered and built one of the country’s recognized higher learning institutions.

She expressed deep appreciation to President Kagame for championing gender equality and empowering women across various sectors. Mukarubega credited his leadership for creating an environment where women are trusted with responsibility and actively contribute to national development, including playing a role in the country’s liberation journey.

Expectations from the Meeting

The gathering is expected to reinforce mutual understanding and strengthen collaboration between the Muslim community and the government. Key expectations include fostering dialogue on social development, enhancing youth engagement, and promoting unity across religious and cultural lines.

Additionally, the meeting may serve as a platform to address community-specific concerns, encourage inclusive policymaking, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for all Rwandans. Ultimately, it underscores a shared goal of building a cohesive and progressive nation.