Rwandans living in Ghana and friends gathered in the Capital Accra this Saturday to celebrate the national Umuganura Day, a traditional day of thanksgiving which dates back to pre-colonial Rwandan society.
Banned by colonialists made insignificant under post-independence governments, Umuganura was restored to national prominence in 2011. It is today among the main national days celebrated with a public holiday observed on the first Friday of August annually.
Traditionally, Umuganura was the most significant celebration bringing together Rwandans in thanksgiving for their good harvest and health.
Presently, Umuganura is an opportunity for Rwandans living inside and abroad to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, reinforce its restored unity and take stock of the country’s progress as they commit to increased effort to further deliver on the country’s vision.
Speaking to participants at the event, the Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana, Theophile Rurangwa hinted that Umuganura is a reminder of the choices that Rwandans have made, most importantly the choice to stay together, united by their shared history and culture.
Recalling the disaster emergencies that hit the country earlier in May, Rurangwa appreciated the Rwandans in Ghana as well as those in the other countries overseen by the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana for their solidarity in contributing to recovery actions.
“Your continued participation in all national programs and contribution to various initiatives is a clear testimony that the values embedded in Umuganura are not said only in words but are in practice,” he said. Rwandan students studying in various universities in Ghana took the stage to perform a drama skit on the values of Umuganura in contemporary Rwanda while the community joined together in cultural dance and song.
Latest Stories
-
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
3 mins -
At least 56 people dead in Sudan’s North Darfur state, Doctors Without Borders says
48 mins -
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
1 hour -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
2 hours -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
3 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
3 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
3 hours -
DJ Azonto seeks $10m from Bawumia for unauthorised use of his song
3 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
4 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
5 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
5 hours -
US-funded Power Africa Program expands access to clean and affordable energy for Ghanaians
5 hours -
Asantehene’s daughter talks marriage, royal dynamics and cultural understanding
5 hours -
Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate
6 hours -
Government must invest in ECG to resolve revenue leakages – IES
6 hours