The president of Rwanda Writers Federation, Richard Hategekimana on November 1 launched a book titled "President Paul Kagame's Journey to Victory: The Legacy of Leadership,” that celebrates the president's remarkable visionary leadership, thinking big, resilience, and more.

The launch held at Intare Arena, the headquarters of the Rwanda Patriotic Front-Inkotanyi, brought together distinguished figures including members of Rwanda Writers Federation, government officials, veteran politicians, and representatives of nearly all universities across Rwanda.

ALSO READ: Kagame&039;s legacy and mindset change

The book, which chronicles President Kagame’s transformative leadership, highlights the principles and policies that have shaped modern Rwanda, emerging as a powerful case of resilience, unity, and progress.

Universities involved in supporting Rwanda’s literary efforts were also recognized at the event for their contributions to nurturing books written in Kinyarwanda to promote a strong reading culture and uphold Rwanda’s literature. Students and teachers also came eager to learn about Rwanda’s journey through one of its most iconic leaders.

In the book, Hategekimana presented a portrait of Kagame's visionary leadership and strategic thinking, weaving a compelling narrative around the journey of a leader who rebuilt a nation shattered by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He explores the side of Kagame’s approach, focusing on socio-economic development, technological advancements, and, above all, the emphasis on unity.

Through detailed analysis, the author taps into the challenges Kagame faced and the resilience with which he overcame them, providing insights into policies that have encouraged stability and growth in a post-conflict society.

"President Kagame endured many challenges while in exile, yet he showed integrity by leading others in intelligence work. He played a major role in the liberation struggle, and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in every aspect. Overall, his legacy is truly remarkable," he noted.

Briefing the media, Hategekimana noted that understanding Rwanda’s past and its people can best be achieved through stories and literature.

ALSO READ: A vision of hope: Celebrating President Kagame and Rwanda’s transformation

What sparked his idea?

"I went to the USA for my studies, and whenever Americans gave out gifts, they were always books," Hategekimana explained. "This inspired me to reflect on myself; who am I, really? What am I contributing to society?"

The idea also connects to his time at Rusumo High School in Kirehe District. When Kagame came to officially open the school, he recalled, several students shared concerns about the challenges of studying in difficult circumstances, especially due to school fees.

Soon after, things changed. Hategekimana was able to continue his studies, supported by district authorities. This experience inspired him to do something meaningful in the future.

He explained that Kagame’s leadership is a lesson in governance, which goes beyond Rwanda’s borders, offering valuable insights for future generations.

"By tackling complex issues, the book opens discussions on effective leadership, particularly in an African context, where leaders often contend with unique challenges and expectations," he noted.

Nelson Mbarushimana, the Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), praised the book, urging Rwandan schools to incorporate such works in their curriculum. He argued that studying Rwanda’s history and achievements through works by Rwandan authors could strengthen students’ connection to their heritage and encourage self-reliance in knowledge production.

He said, "Our future is built on the values we continuously learn from President Kagame. As parents and teachers, it is our collective responsibility to build on this foundation, guiding young ones to become a generation filled with patriotism and Rwandan values."

Through thorough research and insightful narratives, the book not only chronicles Kagame's achievements but also poses critical questions about the nature of leadership itself. What does it mean to lead with integrity? How can leaders inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity? These are the questions that this book seeks to address, making it a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and everyone interested in the dynamics of effective leadership.