Teddy KABERUKA: “Umuganura reminds us that our strength lies in unity, gratitude, and shared prosperity”
Every first Friday of August, Rwanda celebrates Umuganura, its national harvest festival. Far more than a tradition, it is a way to honor agriculture, celebrate farmers, and show how the country combines cultural heritage with modern progress. Umuganura symbolizes unity, resilience, and national pride while inspiring new pathways for sustainable development across the African continent. By Teddy Kaberuka*
Under the golden sun of August 1st, Rwanda comes alive to the beat of drums, the swirl of colorful imishanana, and the joyful laughter of communities. Umuganura, the national harvest festival, has roots in ancient royal ceremonies: the king presided over the first harvest, offering prayers of thanksgiving to God for the fertility of the land, while farmers presented their finest crops—bananas, sorghum, beans, and sweet potatoes—as a communal offering. After the monarchy was abolished, the festival nearly disappeared before being revived in 2008 as part of post-genocide cultural reconstruction
Today, Umuganura stands alongside other local initiatives such as Umuganda, Ubudehe, and Gacaca, blending tradition with modern challenges while providing a local solution to contemporary societal needs
“Umuganura does not just celebrate the harvest; it celebrates the strength of our community and the future we build together”
Umuganura 2025, under the theme “Umuganura, the source of unity and the foundation for self-reliance,” transforms the traditional first-harvest festival into a modern celebration of national achievements. The event highlights successes in agriculture, culture, education, and economic growth, emphasizing collective effort and self-sufficiency
The festival provides a vital platform for farmers, especially those organized in cooperatives and associations. It encourages the exchange of knowledge, visibility for local initiatives, and access to markets, helping farmers increase yields and incomes, improve living conditions, and strengthen food security and rural development
“The prosperity we harvest together reflects our unity and gratitude”
While agriculture remains at the heart of Umuganura, the festival has grown into a vibrant platform celebrating Rwanda’s achievements beyond the fields. Visitors discover the craftsmanship of local artisans, from beautifully woven agaseke baskets to intricately designed jewelry and expressive paintings telling stories of the land and its people. Young entrepreneurs present innovative technological solutions, ranging from mobile applications to agricultural technologies designed to enhance productivity and sustainability
Umuganura also fosters intergenerational dialogue. Cultural debates bring together elders and youth to discuss preserving cherished traditions while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. This exchange enriches the festival experience and creates a shared vision for Rwanda’s future, honoring the past while innovating boldly
The festival also celebrates joy and sharing: in villages, towns, and Rwandan embassies abroad, communities dance to the rhythms of Intore and Umushayayo, share communal feasts with plantains, cassava leaves, cereals, and grilled meats, and showcase agricultural innovations from terraced farming techniques to new crop varieties, demonstrating the country’s progress in food security
“Through Umuganura, we learn that our cultural heritage and innovations can move forward hand in hand”
The Rwandan diaspora, from Beijing to Boston, keeps the tradition alive. Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, hosting the event in the Netherlands in 2023, reminded attendees: “Wherever we are, Umuganura connects us to our roots. It teaches our children that Rwandan culture knows no borders”
As the drums fade and the final dances end, Umuganura leaves a lasting legacy: it reaffirms that Rwanda’s strength lies in unity, gratitude, and the collective determination to move forward together
“Umuganura is a reminder that prosperity, sharing, and innovation are inseparable from our national identity”
Umuganura is an initiative from which Africa could draw inspiration, as it demonstrates how to honor farmers and local traditions while fostering innovation, food security, social cohesion, and community resilience. It shows that combining cultural heritage with sustainable development can effectively address contemporary challenges faced by many African countries.
*Teddy Kaberuka is an economist in Rwanda
