As the 18th National Dialogue Council, commonly known as Umushyikirano, begins, people from various sectors share what they want to be addressed. Scheduled for February 27 and 28 at the Kigali Convention Center, Umushyikirano had not gathered since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to The New Times, Dr Charles Mudenge, a healthcare practitioner specialising in mental health, pointed out that he wants Umushyikirano to improve infrastructure for more mental health services to be delivered, and increase the workforce with skills in mental health-related problems.

ALSO READ: Cabinet set dates for Umushyikirano

"Create mental health awareness for the population and also help fight the stigma associated,” he added.

In the health sector, the issue of working hours has been raised as in other sectors, hours reduced from nine to eight, per day, to improve workplace productivity and family well-being.

Another concern raised was by medical students who request a revision of the government policy that requires all medical graduates from the University of Rwanda (UR) to serve in government hospitals for two to seven years, depending on their status, among other issues.

ALSO READ: Highlights of 2019 Umushyikirano

Mariam Nyagahima, a rural farmer in Kiramuruzi, Gatsibo District, said during the gathering, they request relevant institutions to look at how they can help farmers secure irrigation machines to irrigate during dry seasons to avoid famine. They also want to have the issue of shortage of water in the area addressed.

In the agriculture sector, there was an issue of lack of market for some farmers and unstable prices that needed to be addressed, among others.

Felicien Habimana, a taxi-moto rider, said he is happy that Umushyikirano has returned as some of their issues were addressed.

However, Habimana pointed out that the price of insurance is still a burden to them and also requested the government to fix the disorder in the use of smart metres.

Vestine Izabayo, a mother-of-four, said that the food price on the market is very high, and as a widow, it is hard for her to cater for her family with the little money she earns, and requests for regulation of food prices on the market.

Provided by the constitution, Umushyikirano is an annual home-grown initiative that provides a platform for national leaders as well as ordinary citizens to discuss issues affecting the nation, including governance and national unity.

Umushyikirano last occurred in December 2019 and among some of its highlights, people with disabilities were prioritised, as also the use of Kinyarwanda, Made in Rwanda, and religion, and the youth.