Every year on May 1, the world celebrates the International Labour Day. The day is meant to recognise workers’ economic and social contributions. In Rwanda, the celebrations were marked at the Amahoro national stadium in Remera. 

Eric Hakizimana, a special hire driver stationed at the Union Trade Centre, said that he recognises the day. He however said that financial constraints could not let him celebrate as he had to work though it was a public holiday.

A call he received from a client at 8a.m that day did not help matters.

"I wouldn’t decline my client’s request. He would get me wrong and would affect our business relationship.”

He explained that it could not only cost him the business relationship, but the day’s income too.

Apparently, when he dropped his client at the stadium, he picked up others and continued work until the end of the day.

A manager of "Chez Venant” bar and restaurant in town said that he perceived the day like any other. He however added that the bar opened in the afternoon.

Others like Ben Byamugisha, a motor-cycle taxi operator, used the day to earn an extra buck. When his boss gave him a day off to celebrate with the rest of the nation, he instead carried on with business. 

"The motor-cycle I ride is not mine; my boss knew it was a public holiday so he told me to rest,” he said.
"I worked hard the whole day instead.”

Other people who refused to identify themselves said that they had to work because they are not monthly earners.

Although some admitted that resting for a day would not cause much loss, they argued that the they could only eat if they worked.

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