The City of Kigali was a beehive of activity on Christmas eve as shoppers put in a last minute effort to stock up for the festive season ahead of Christmas to be celebrated this Sunday.

In downtown, shoppers dashed to shop items for the festive season, from clothes to foodstuffs and decorations. Traffic jams, people squeezing through spaces in malls and parking lots teeming with cars characterised Christmas eve while in Nyabugogo bus terminal many traveled to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones upcountry.

Excitement filled the air as many sought to make the most of the first Christmas without any restrictions over the past two years. In Quartier Matheus and around City Plaza, hundreds of people rubbed and bumped into each other as they scrambled for discounted goods as sellers made a quick kill.

From household utensils to clothes, carpets, shoes and electronics, everything went as hawkers and shop owners alike competed for customers with hope of cashing in on the festive season.

"We have received a lot of customers over the past two days, which means that the majority of the people got paid and engaged in last minute shopping," said Damien Shirimpumpu, a businessman based in downtown Kigali.

The most on-demand goods were Christmas merchandise including Christmas trees and decorations, while foodstuffs in Nyarugenge market and in Nyabugogo market, commonly known as kwa Mutangana, sold out as quickly as they came in.

Asina Mukarubuga, 42, a trader in irish potatoes, said that the demand increased tremendously this week as many people bought enough food to push them through the festive season.

"Business has been good over the past two weeks, considering that the past two christmases were a bit restricted. We are excited to see people coming to buy," Mukarubuga said.

Other common food items on demand include bananas, maize flour, rice, sugar and vegetables while shop owners were cashing in on sugar, soft and alcoholic drinks as many stocked their fridges and stores with festive drinks.

At Nyabugogo abattoir, over 200 cows were slaughtered on Christmas eve as one of the workers told The New Times, while more were expected to be slaughtered in the evening and on Christmas morning. Meat buyers, particularly butchery owners streamed in and out as they bought enough meat for Christmas festivities.

"On average we are seeing people buy between 3 to 5 kilograms instead of the the usual 1 kilogram, which means that people are looking to celebrate with meat," said Dieudonne Munyabugingo, a meat trader in Kimironko market, who buys his stock from Nyabugogo abattoir.

Travel upcountry

In Nyabugogo bus terminal, people could be seen boarding last minute buses heading upcountry to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones as travel agencies quickly sold out tickets for those looking to travel.

People traveling to destinations such as Huye, Rubavu, Musanze and Nyagatare, had to wait a little longer as buses quickly filled up.

"I have been waiting for two hours now, but I have just got a ticket ," Alex Mwenewabo, who was traveling to Huye, to celebrate the festive days with his parents, told The New Times.

Augustin Muhizi, a travel agent working with a local transport company, said majority of those traveling were young people, who wish to celebrate Christmas upcountry with their families -something they were not able to do over the past two christmases.

"I think with the Covid-19 pandemic, many people realised that life can indeed be complicated and now they cannot take for granted an opportunity to to be together as family," Muhizi said, explaining the upsurge in travel on Christmas eve.

Christmas away from home

Jerome Abazu, a national of Cameroon, currently living in Kigali, said that he was looking forward to celebrating his Christmas away from home, in Rwanda.

"I am excited. Personally I think I have enjoyed the preparations, the decorations, the excitement in the air and of course the peace and quiet. I am pumped up to be honest," said Abazu, who was found doing some last minute shopping in downtown.

In his Christmas message, the Mayor City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa, called on city dwellers to celebrate but responsibly, for the festive season to be enjoyable and safe for all. Among other things, Rwandans were called on to avoid drinking and driving and at the same time be vigilant for their own security and that of their households.

Rubingisa called on families to ensure that children are safe and protected as they tend to become victims of lengthy and irresponsible celebrations. Security organs have promised a safe and secure festive season as Rwandans look to celebrate Christmas and usher in the new year in style.