Rwanda is in the middle of an exercise to develop a new Ubudehe social stratification (categories) scheme. Unlike the previous arrangement that many were critical of, the new Ubudehe version will not be used as a guiding tool to decide who gets a university scholarship for medical assistance from government, but the scheme will remain central to government planning and interventions, especially with regard to social protection and other vital socioeconomic interventions.

The exercise is currently in the final stage of collecting and keying data from households so they can be assigned relevant categories, with the entire process expected to complete next month. The plan is for the scheme to come into force in February next year.

To help prevent issues that dogged the previous programme there is need for active and honest participation in the ongoing exercise. And, if you were unable to provide the necessary data during the first round of collecting information, it is not yet too late. There is still an opportunity to do so; just approach your local leaders.

This will go a long way in helping the country better plan for the future.