Rwamagana District officials say that the socio-economic transformation evident across the district is a result of the enabling environment the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) led government created through progressive policies to foster equitable development.
They attribute the district’s success in positioning itself as a commercial centre with trade and tourism as key pillars of her economy to the government’s unswerving commitment to transform the well-being of all Rwandan reflected in its pursuit of a people-centred leadership and good governance.
“Today, we celebrate success stories of socio-economic transformation across all sectors of the economy achieved through robust investment in infrastructural development,” Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, the Mayor of Rwamagana revealed during a one-on-one with Rwanda Dispatch recently.
“The rise in the living standards of the residents of Rwamagana is a testimony to this transformation where a bigger proportion of the population enjoys easy and reliable access to basic social services like water, health, education along a significant reduction in malnutrition, poverty and illiteracy,” he added.
Rwamagana is located 50Kms from Kigali City along the highway connecting Rwanda to Uganda and Tanzania, giving district leverage on regional trade, and proximity to neighbouring countries attracts investment.
The district in Rwanda’s Eastern Province has successfully evolved from a historical trade hub to a thriving center of modern growth and community-driven progress. Over the past 30 years, a focus on strategic governance, sustainable development, and active citizen involvement has reshaped Rwamagana, making it a model for regional development and competition locally.
Covering 682 square kilometres and home to nearly 485,000 people, the district has become a beacon of economic opportunities and cultural heritage in Eastern Rwanda. Its main city also doubles as the administrative hub for the Eastern Province.
The present-day Rwamagana came into existence after the merging of the former communes of Bicumbi, Muhazi, Rutonde and parts of Gikoro. The communes were remote, with barely any development to talk of and poverty poverty-ravaged residents with high illiteracy levels.
Infrastructure development was nonexistent, the district didn’t have even a single meter of a tarmac road, and the only road that residents would see was the highway that passed through their area.
Today, the city of Rwamagana has a 12-kilometre long tarmac, two more are planned, there is a 14Km to Kavumu Flower Park and 4Km from Byimana to the Police training school in Gishari and a network of feeder roads stretching hundreds of kilometres across the district.
The district has upgraded infrastructure across all sectors. For example, the Education sector has registered a rise in the number of public Secondary schools to about 70 Secondary schools up from a mere one public Secondary school in former Rutonde and one Teacher Training College in former Bicumbi.
The health sector equally climbed the ladder in all areas, today every sector of the district has at least one health centre and some have two. Residents can easily access medical treatment following massive efforts aimed at bringing healthcare services nearer to communities and upgrading medical equipment because every health centre is fully equipped and there are ambulances within a reasonable distance, at least every two sectors have a standby ambulance.
The Mayor observes that infrastructure development has been going hand in hand with the development of the community because, after the liberation, the government prioritized citizens, with the slogan of ‘Umuturage Kwisonga.’
He emphasizes that people have been empowered and continue to develop their families. Today, thousands in Rwamagana have graduated from poverty and are prospering.
Agriculture as the backbone of the district’s economy has received significant investments. Construction of valley dams and improvement of irrigation have ensured that farmers increase productivity and earn from exports.
Apart from the traditional crops, the district produces excess cash crops like flowers, rice, maize and bananas.
The district’s economy is bolstered by a rapidly expanding industrial park, expected to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and draw in both local and foreign investments.
Home to key institutions like the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Gishari, Gishari Health Center, Rwamagana Leaders’ School and the Rwanda National Police Training School, Rwamagana offers robust educational and professional opportunities.
Meanwhile, flanked by the scenic Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera are dotted with beach facilities, and attractions and there are more than ten hotels in the district, which positions it as an emerging tourist destination with unique recreational experiences.
These are complemented by Rwamagana’s vibrant cycling culture, earning it the title “Cycling Capital of Rwanda” as it nurtures talents who go on to compete in renowned races such as the Tour du Rwanda.
Under the leadership of Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi, inclusive governance was prioritized and community participation in development initiatives not only created a sense of ownership among residents but also led to tangible benefits.
With its blend of rich history, natural beauty, and forward-looking governance, Rwamagana embodies Rwanda’s vision of sustainable development and equitable prosperity.
