Rwanda’s national lottery, Inzozi Lotto, on Tuesday awarded 49-year-old Theoneste Nsabimana, who won last week’s jackpot worth Rwf1 million at the ongoing lottery.

Inzozi Lotto was launched a week ago by Carousel Ltd in partnership with the Ministry of Sports with a goal to contribute to the uplifting of professional sport in the country.

Nsabimana, a resident of Nyamabuye Sector in Muhanga District, becomes the first jackpot winner, a prize he grabbed after trying three times from which he invested only Rwf1,500.

 "I learned about lotto through the media when it was launched and I started to play. Normally, I like to try chances and that’s how the lottery came about,” he said. "I never knew I would win this much because I have never seen anyone winning a prize from this lottery. I just tried my chances and I encourage fellow people to join the lottery as much as they can, not just to win cash prizes but to also contribute to the development of our sport.”

Thierry Nshuti, the Deputy Manager of Carousel hands over a cheque to the winner Theoneste Nsabimana on December 21. Craish Bahizi

Nsabimana, a construction professional, received his cash prize by the time Rwandans are gearing for Christmas and New Year fetes but he said it will, most importantly, help him realign his family’s economic development.

"I have a family; I have children who go to school and, with this money, it’s a relief to be able to pay school fees when they begin the second term. Then I can use another amount in development activities for my family,” he said.  

Nsabimana is among over 50 persons who have so far managed to win at least a prize from Inzozi Lotto out of over 30 000 who tried their chances in the lottery over the past week.

Thierry Nshuti, the Deputy Manager of Carousel, said that people are winning prizes through the lottery as he opens doors for more people to join the lottery not only to win cash prizes but also as a way to join the drive to support national sports development.

Thierry Nshuti, the Deputy Manager of Carousel speaks to journalists .Craish Bahizi

"Nsabimana is an example for us to show people that winning cash at the lottery is real. People are playing but a few have managed to complete all the lottery steps. We wish to encourage more people to join the lottery because the more they play the more they contribute to the development of our sport sector,” said Nshuti.

At least 47 per cent of the amount people use in the lottery is used in awarding winners while 20 per cent is given to the Ministry of Sports to contribute to different sports initiatives.

People, aged 18 or above, still stand a chance to win more jackpots among other prizes lined up by the lottery.

To Play with Inzozi Lotto, visit their agents on the streets or go to their website (inzozilotto.rw) or even use your mobile phone and dial *240# and follow the prompts.