A Ugandan legislator yesterday called on Rwandans studying in Uganda to uphold the culture of the monthly community work, Umuganda, even when away from home, saying it was a powerful tool for unity.

John Simbwa, the MP for Makindye East in Kampala, made the remarks during Umuganda conducted by Rwandan students in Kampala International University (KIU) and neighboring universities.

The students interacted with the residents and local leaders as they helped clean up drainage pipes and roads in Kansanga, a Kampala suburb in Simbwa’s constituency.

"It would have been our duty, as leaders, to clean this place but it is a very kind gesture from you that you took it up,” Simbwa said.

 "This is a good initiative that we are going to start supporting every month”.

The students were also joined in the activity by John Ngarambe, the First Secretary at the Rwanda High Commission in Kampala and Caleb Kutamba, the KIU Deputy Dean of Students.

Simbwa cautioned the students against being lured into Kampala’s entertainment life, but concentrate on achieving academic excellence.

The legislator also informed the students of benefits that accrue from regional integration, and called on them to support efforts aimed at enhancing trade and free movement of people.

Ngarambe also commended the students for showcasing the Rwandan tradition and being true ambassadors of their country.

"We pledge to continue this activity every month. We shall also mobilise our colleagues from other countries to take part,” said Jean Paul Shyirambere, the chairperson of the KIU Rwandan Students Association.