President Paul Kagame honored a promise made during the general elections by gifting cows to local artists in Karumuna, a village in Kanzenze, Ntarama, Bugesera district, Eastern Province.

The cows were delivered to their farms on Wednesday, August 7, an act the artists hailed as "a lifetime honor for the creative industry."

This pledge was made when Kagame hosted artists who supported him during the RPF rallies at his Kibugabuga home, offering each one a prized Inyambo cow. Among the recipients were Tom Close, Platini P, Nel Ngabo, video director Meddy Saleh, Knowless, her husband and Kina Music CEO Clement Ishimwe, and guitarist Jules Hirwa.

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Speaking to The New Times, Clement Ishimwe expressed deep gratitude, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity reflecting President Kagame&039;s high value on the arts in Rwanda. "We are forever grateful," Ishimwe remarked, urging young talents to recognize the significance of the arts in the country.

He also noted that the timing of the gift was especially meaningful, coinciding with the celebration of his wedding anniversary with singer Butera Knowless, with whom he shares two children and eight years of marriage.

For Tom Close, another artist based in Karumuna, being recognized by President Kagame is a milestone that reflects the progress of Rwanda's creative industry.

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"We are eternally grateful to you, Your Excellency," Knowles Butera added, expressing deep appreciation for the President&039;s gesture.

Cows hold a special place in Rwandan culture, often symbolizing wealth and honor. President Kagame is known for gifting cows to various dignitaries during their visits to Rwanda. In 2021, he presented Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi with long-horned Rwandan cattle, locally known as Inyambo, from his farm in Eastern Province.

Similarly, in 2011, he gifted 10 cows to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a visit to Kagame’s ranch in Rwamagana District.

The tradition of gifting cows extends beyond diplomacy. In 2006, the Rwandan government launched the Girinka program, aimed at combating child malnutrition by providing cows to impoverished families. By 2020, an estimated 400,000 cows had been distributed across the country through this initiative.