Over 400 leaders from all arms of government, heads of parastatals, civil society and the business community, among others are meeting at the Rwanda Defence Force Combat Training Centre in Gabiro in Gatsibo District for an annual leadership retreat.

The retreat, which is held in the first quarter of every year, is commonly known as Umwiherero and it is being chaired by President Paul Kagame.

The gathering is an opportunity for all the leaders to reflect on the journey made by the country, the challenges encountered and the best way these can be addressed going forward.

This year's retreat, which started on Sunday, February 16, is mainly focusing on the 2050 development blue-print.

Below are images from the first two days of the four-day retreat.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeanette Kagame at the 17th National Leadership Retreat in Gabiro. 

Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, Director of Rwamagana Provincial Hospital, Dr. Gloria Mukeshimana, Cardiologist at King Faisal Hospital, Hon. Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, Minister of State MoH, Dr. Edgar Kalimba, CEO King Faisal Hospital, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, WHO Rwanda and Dr. Paul Basinga, Nigeria Country Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation participate in a panel discussion on filling the gaps in Rwanda’s healthcare system and paving a way to specialized care during the second day of the 17th National Leadership Retreat.

Dr. Paul Farmer, Chief Strategist and Co-founder of Partners in Health and Dr. Clet Niyikiza, CEO of L.E.A.F Pharmaceuticals participate in a conversation on the future of Rwanda’s healthcare with Noella Bigirimana of RBC during the 17th National Leadership Retreat. 

Some of the senior military and police officers at the 17th National Leadership Retreat in Gabiro. 

A cross-section of cabinet ministers and other officials at the 17th National Leadership Retreat. 

Members of private and public sector in Rwanda attend the 17th National Leadership Retreat.

Participants of the 17th National Leadership Retreat start the day with morning exercise.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeanette Kagame with participants during the second day of the 17th National Leadership Retreat in Gabiro

President Kagame who is chairing the 17th National Leadership Retreat. The retreat focuses on the different strategies necessary to achieve Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

Participants of the 17th National Leadership Retreat start the day with morning exercise