Village Urugwiro, 30 December 2010
On Thursday at Urugwiro village, President Paul Kagame and Mrs Jeannette Kagame, hosted close 800 guests to an end of Year reception. Among the guests were leading Rwandan state officials, government Ministers, heads of diplomatic corps, army officials, members of the civil society as well as representatives of the Rwandan Diaspora.
Several guests at the reception had an opportunity to express their views on how the year had unfolded. The Mayor of Rubavu thanked President Kagame for his leadership and vision that had restored the dignity of the Rwandan people and the country. Donatilla Kaninba, a representative of people with disabilities spoke of progress Rwanda had made in entrenching the rights of people with disabilities, thanked the President for his leadership and applauded Rwandans for re-electing President Kagame to lead for another seven year term, adding that it is through guidance that the people of Rwanda are where they are today.
Speaking to his guests, President Kagame said that looking back at the year 2010, a lot was done and overall positive developments surpassed the challenges the country encountered along the way, noting that the year which ends tomorrow will remain a year of milestones for all Rwandans.
Adding that the progress seen in the last 12 months came out of the will and determination of the Rwandan people, with both the leaders and the population dedicating efforts towards establishing a strong political base and good policies that form the basis of nation building.
President Kagame thanked all Rwandans including religious leaders and members of the Rwandan Diaspora for their continued work in promoting the positive agendas of the government and supporting development efforts. He particularly thanked friends of Rwanda, development partners, international organizations as well as individuals that have maintained a productive working relationship with Rwanda, adding that 2011 should be a year to strengthen the friendship.