In preparation for Rwanda’s exhibition at the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa, Kigali City on Friday launched the first ever Kigali City festival at Nyamirambo Regional stadium.

Local Government Minister, James Musoni who presided over the launch, observed that Rwanda’s success is not only seen by Rwandans but by the outside world.

He singled out Itorero cultural troupe for having made a name in the outside world and called on all those who will represent Rwanda in South Africa to promote Rwanda’s culture.

"Culture should take the forefront as you show Rwanda’s talents to the outside world,” Musoni said.

Rwanda’s cultural dances, handcrafts, manufactured products, coffee and tourism are among the things that will be exhibited in South Africa.

The country’s achievements over the years will also be showcased in various world cup host cities in South Africa.

City Mayor, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, said that hygiene and sanitation, encouraging citizens be job creators than job seekers, and a City Master Plan that cost about Rwf 7bn, are some of the achievements the city has registered.

Kirabo said that Cooperative Societies have increased from 27 to 47 while 38,000 people have joined the basket weaving programme, Agaseke.

"Rwandans even before had the potential to excel in development, but they were barred from doing what was best for them,” Musoni said. "The past political regime could not allow the population do what benefited them but created divisionism.”

Musoni also warned politicians who want to bring back the past that they have no place in today’s Rwanda.

Over 850 trees were planted on the opening day with about 30,000 trees slated to be planted in several parts of the city for a period of one year.

The tree-planting event is a project by a poverty eradication organization, COP-Rwanda and is sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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