The First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, yesterday called on members of Unity Club to continue preserving the dignity of Rwandans as a measure to sustain unity and reconciliation.

The First Lady made the remarks while opening the fourth congress of the Unity Club, which focused on ensuring dignity for the Rwandan people.

Under the Chairmanship of the First Lady of Rwanda, Unity Club, which comprises current and former senior government officials and their spouses, provides its members an invaluable opportunity to promote social cohesion and work together towards sustainable development.

"There is nothing that can be equated to an individual’s dignity. This is manifested in the love and respect a person is accorded,” Mrs. Kagame said.

The First Lady gave a lecture on preserving dignity, saying it is vital to all Rwandans.

"Dignity goes hand in hand with development and it is vital so that people live together in harmony and be proud of their nation,” she noted.

"All Rwandans in and outside the country have equal rights to their nation; this is evident through equal rights to education, employment, health, among other benefits.”

Mrs Kagame told the participants that leaders who love their country preach patriotism.

"We have the moral obligation to build our nation so that our people are proud to be Rwandan and live in harmony,” she said.

The president of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) Bishop (rtd), John Rucyahana, gave a lecture on leadership and dignity.

"Unity Club has made a statement; they have a cause with a focus on creating unity and peace among Rwandans,” he said;

Rucyahana pointed out that Rwanda’s history is a lesson for nationals to draw ways of social recovery.

The new Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, hailed the Club saying that the First Lady’s initiative should consider focusing on youth empowerment, through education.

During the congress, several members of the Diaspora highlighted the situation of Rwandans abroad.

The worst situation was cited in Zambia where some members of the Diaspora receive death threats.

Specioza Uwiherekeze, who represented the Zambian Diaspora, said that the last time she visited Rwanda; she received death threats if she returned to the Southern African country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo promised that her office would look into the issue since Rwanda and Zambia enjoy good relations.

Ends