As a Rwandan-Canadian first-time voter in Rwanda, I was overwhelmed with joy and pride during the 2024 Rwandan elections. Having previously participated in Canadian elections, even working as an employee for Elections Canada, I found the experience in Rwanda to be uniquely exhilarating. In Canada, the election process is typically more subdued. Voter turnout, especially among youth, tends to be lower, reflecting a more conservative approach to political engagement. While the Canadian system is efficient and well-organized, it lacks the vibrant energy I witnessed in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Kagame's landslide win confirmed as NEC publishes final results The 2024 Rwandan election period was a stark contrast – the entire country seemed to transform into a joyous celebration. Music filled the streets, people embraced one another, and communities came together to welcome their Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) candidate for Kwiyamamaza (campaigning). It was a time of reconnection and unity that went far beyond mere political exercise. The RPF, led by President Paul Kagame, holds a special place in Rwanda's history. Their role in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has made them a symbol of national unity and reconciliation. Kagame has come to represent the hopes and aspirations of many Rwandans for continued unity and prosperity. For many Rwandans, the liberation of our country by the RPF-Inkotanyi marked a profound turning point – finally providing a place we could truly call home after years of oppression and conflict. The transformation of Rwanda under the leadership of the RPF and President Kagame has been remarkable to witness. During my recent Rwanda Liberation Corridor educational trip, I gained profound insights into the strategies and sacrifices that led to our country's remarkable transformation. What is the Rwanda Liberation educational trip? You may ask! It’s an educational journey guided by an expert who leads visitors through key locations of the Inkotanyi's liberation campaign. The tour starts at Kagitumba, where the Inkotanyi first crossed into Rwanda from Uganda. Here, the guide explains the initial entry and the directives given by the late Fred Rwigema for advancing through the country. From Kagitumba, visitors are taken to significant battle sites, tracing the RPF-Inkotanyi's progress towards their main goal of capturing Kigali. This journey provides insights into the challenges faced during the liberation struggle, as well as the courage and sacrifices made by the young RPF-Inkotanyi fighters. The tour route begins at the Kagitumba border and continues through Rukomo, Gatuna and Rubaya to mention a few. It includes a visit to the National Liberation Museum in Gicumbi before concluding in Kigali at the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. Of particular note during this educational journey, it was learning about the ingenious battle approach employed in Gikoba, Kabuga hill or “ku Agasentimetero”. The tactic, devised by then-military leader Kagame, allowed the numerically inferior RPF forces to defeat the much larger government army through superior strategy and determination. It exemplified the kind of innovative thinking that has come to characterize Rwanda's development approach. Kagame's leadership, both during the liberation struggle and in the years since, has earned him profound respect not only in Rwanda, but abroad as well. His vision for transforming Rwanda into a middle-income country in the near-term, and eventually a developed nation, has provided an inspiring roadmap for progress. ALSO READ: A show of solidarity: Why many Rwandans living in diaspora travelled back home to vote The 2024 election reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to democratic processes and popular support for the current trajectory under RPF leadership. Despite ongoing challenges, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future. As Rwanda continues to evolve and develop, many citizens express gratitude for the peace, stability and economic growth of recent decades – a marked contrast to the oppression of the past. The RPF-Inkotanyi and Kagame are seen, by us the supporters, as instrumental to these positive changes. Participating in the Rwanda electoral processes for the first time in Rwanda allowed me to engage with my roots in a deeply meaningful way. It was a powerful reminder of how far Rwanda has come and the bright future many envision for the nation. As I cast my vote, I experienced a strong sense of connectedness with my Rwandan roots once more. The trust we, Rwandans, place in the RPF and Kagame to lead the country forward was palpable. The faith in leadership, combined with the festive atmosphere, made voting in Rwanda both a great pleasure and a source of immense pride for me. Allow me to wrap up with some of my favourite songs during the electoral campaigns:
