Gabiro, 26 February 2018
President Kagame today opened the 15th National Leadership Retreat, known as Umwiherero.
Taking place at the Rwanda Defence Force Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Umwiherero 2018 runs from 26 February to 1 March 2018, is attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and brings together about 300 senior leaders from Central and Local Government, parastatals and the private sector.
In his opening remarks, President Kagame pointed out that the National Leadership Retreat promotes a culture of self-assessment to ensure that the government programmes in place help deliver Rwanda’s vision.
“This time of reflection and discussion helps us change what needs to be changed. We are always looking for strategies to improve the way we work, and build on what we have achieved thus far,” President Kagame said.
The President noted that the retreat should be an opportunity for leaders to ask themselves why the same issues keep coming up even when they have been discussed several times before.
“Rwanda’s ranking in different indices shows work is being done. But we can do even better if we coordinate and use our resources efficiently. Let us do our best where it is possible within our means,” President Kagame said.
At this year’s retreat, the main themes include: urbanisation and competitiveness, improved quality of education and health services, the fight against corruption and foreign policy.
Umwiherero is an annual gathering where Rwandan leaders reflect on the country’s progress and strategise on accelerating delivery of national priorities.