Rwandans have for decades embraced their culture and heritage, which are integral to their identity, values, and beliefs. Earlier in August, Rwandans celebrated Umuganura before it was extended to the diaspora communities across the globe. The Rwandan diaspora in Belgium, specifically in the northern region of Zeebrugge in the City of Brugge, was not left behind as they celebrated Umuganura over the weekend. Organized by Rwanda’s Embassy in Belgium, the event coincided with celebration of 10 years of community service (Umuganda). ALSO READ: Google, Rwanda launch platform to promote culture, art The events were attended by officials from Rwanda’s Embassy, including Chargé d’Affaires André Bucyana, and various Brugge authorities from social affairs, education, and tourism. Friends of Rwanda in Belgium as well as invited Rwandans from France and Germany, also participated in the events, which included an exhibition of various Made in Rwanda products. The celebration was shaped by 10-year anniversary of Umuganda which first conducted in Belgium in 2014. Participants later gathered for an evening of Umuganura celebration which featured traditional Rwandan customs. The feast included serving milk with traditionally-made materials such as the traditional container (Inkongoro), milk churning gourd (Igisabo), clay pots, and baskets, while children, dressed in traditional attire (Umushanana), performed Gakondo dances known as ‘Gushananika’. They also enjoyed Rwanda's staple foods, including pumpkins, beans, maize, sorghum bread locally known as ‘Rukacarara’, mixed bananas, and more, connecting nostalgia with modernity. ALSO READ: A closer look at Rwandan heritage that needs to be repatriated What it means According to Yvette Umutangana, the President of Rwanda’s diaspora in Flandre Occidentale-Belgium, Rwandan culture has been understood and truly inspiring, particularly to non-Rwandans, including indigenous Belgians in Brugge and beyond. “It has increased Rwanda’s visibility and affirmed our dignity as Rwandans. I wouldn't say we were unknown, but Umuganda boosted our public presence, motivating us to work harder, make Rwanda known, and ultimately secure support from local authorities. Over time, we were joined by various officials in our activities,” she said. Umutangana explained that this initiative has inspired people in the diaspora to adopt similar practices, forming small groups to engage in cleanups in their respective neighborhoods. During the event, she mobilized everyone to join the movement and elaborated on its significance—not only for Rwandans but also for visitors who regularly come to the country for leisure and business. Recent data revealed that Kigali has emerged as Africa’s top smart city among the 30 cities assessed in the 2023 African Smart City Index. Additionally, in July, the Rwandan capital coty was ranked third on the list of travelers’ favorite African cities for 2024. The ranking was based on the World’s Best Awards survey conducted by the travel publication Travel Leisure, which gathered input from over 186,000 readers. Kigali also ranked third in Africa, following Marrakech in Morocco and Cape Town in South Africa. Umuganura is Rwanda’s version of thanksgiving, celebrated every first Friday of August since 2011 after being halted by colonialists in 1925. Researchers say the event dates back in the 11th century during Gihanga Ngomijana’s reign.
