kigali - 5 th Feb 2026 , President Paul Kagame has delivered a strong message on accountability, responsibility and national self reliance at the ongoing National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano 2026), warning that failure to deliver on assigned duties will carry consequences as Rwanda pushes forward with its development agenda. Speaking during the opening of the 20th National Umushyikirano Council at the Kigali Convention Centre, President Kagame stressed that accountability must go beyond explanations and include real consequences for failure to deliver results. “If the responsibilities as

kigali -

5th Feb 2026

, President Paul Kagame has delivered a strong message on accountability, responsibility and national self reliance at the ongoing National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano 2026), warning that failure to deliver on assigned duties will carry consequences as Rwanda pushes forward with its development agenda. Speaking during the opening of the 20th National Umushyikirano Council at the Kigali Convention Centre, President Kagame stressed that accountability must go beyond explanations and include real consequences for failure to deliver results. “If the responsibilities assigned to you are not carried out properly, you must be held accountable. And it’s not just about being questioned so you can respond as you wish, but you should also face consequences,” he said.

President Paul Kagame

The Head of State placed accountability and delivery at the centre of national leadership, warning public officials and institutions against mismanagement, delays and poor service delivery, particularly in government projects. The dialogue brings together citizens, leaders, private sector actors and the diaspora to review national progress and address challenges under Rwanda’s development strategy. He also emphasized that leadership must directly account for the use of public resources and ensure projects benefit citizens, especially workers and communities who depend on them. During the dialogue, President Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing philosophy of self-reliance, saying the country’s future depends on its ability to stand on its own efforts. “When we started this journey, we committed ourselves to be self-reliant, as individuals and as a country, so that our existence would not depend on luck, or on the goodwill of others who might choose to help us today and withdraw tomorrow, with harmful consequences, as you all know.” “Self-reliance, therefore, is our main priority, it is our objective, and it is a responsibility that belongs to all of us, one that everyone of us must embrace and work towards.” The President highlighted that Rwanda’s development progress must be driven by unity, responsibility and the national principle of Kwigira, building solutions from within  which he described as a shared duty for all Rwandans.

Umushyikirano 2026

As discussions continue, the President’s message signals a clear direction, Rwanda’s next phase of growth will be built on accountability, performance and collective responsibility.

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