Over the last two months, Butare was more of a ghost town, largely deserted and the night life dead and buried. Businesses especially hangout joints had folded.
With the New academic year and students returning, restaurants, bars, transporters, nightclubs and beggars alike are readying themselves to cash in.

"We are ready to receive them back from their holidays, it has been a miserable two months,” said Jean Pierre Semana, a second hand clothes dealer in Butare market.

‘Party animals’ will be lost for choice this year as different entertainment spots and service providers have made irresistible offers to students.

At Melotwist nightclub, students will be able to dance Rwf10000 for a whole year, at Matar supermarket’s Cheers coffee shop, students have been allowed a 15 percent discount on food stuffs and a new Olympic size swimming pool – a donation by President Paul Kagame to Groupe Scolaire offiecielle de Butare has been opened up to the public.

Less pocket friendly hangout joints like Ibis hotel will remain a no-go area for students because of the prohibitive prices for their services.

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