Fellow Rwandans, 

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Muraho neza. Good evening to you all.

It gives me great pleasure to be with you here in Newcastle, to meet members of our Rwandan community, our friends, and partners who continue to stand with Rwanda. Your presence tonight reflects something powerful: our shared commitment to unity, progress, and the future of our nation.

Our theme today, “Heroism and Unity for Rwanda’s Development,” speaks directly to who we are as Rwandans.

When we speak of heroism, we are not only talking about those whose names appear in history books. We are speaking about ordinary citizens who chose courage over fear, service over self, and hope over despair. Rwanda’s journey over the past three decades is one of remarkable resilience. From the darkest chapter of our history, our people rose together, rebuilt trust, restored dignity, and laid foundations for lasting peace and development. That is heroic.

Unity has been the engine of this transformation. We chose to be one people, Abanyarwanda, refusing to be divided by the past. Through unity, we rebuilt institutions, strengthened governance, empowered women and youth, invested in health and education, and embraced innovation. Today Rwanda stands as a country driven by ambition, discipline, and collective responsibility.

But development is not only measured by infrastructure or economic growth. It is measured by the strength of our values, integrity, hard work, accountability, and solidarity. These values must live wherever Rwandans are, including here in the United Kingdom.

I commend the Rwandan community in Newcastle and across the UK for being ambassadors of our country. You carry Rwanda’s image in your workplaces, universities, businesses, churches, and neighbourhoods. Your professionalism, unity, and positive contribution strengthen Rwanda’s reputation globally. That is also heroism, quiet, consistent, and impactful.

Unity in the diaspora is especially important. When we support one another, mentor our youth, preserve our culture, and stay connected to home, we multiply our collective strength. Your skills, networks, investments, and ideas are valuable assets for Rwanda’s continued development. You are bridges between nations, cultures, and opportunities.

To our friends and guests who joined us tonight, thank you for walking this journey with us. Rwanda’s progress has been supported by meaningful partnerships built on mutual respect, shared values, and a belief in Africa’s potential. Your friendship matters deeply.

As we look ahead, let us remember that heroism today means choosing responsibility, innovation, and service. Unity today means dialogue, inclusion, and shared purpose. Development today means sustainability, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation.

The Heroes Day is a moment to make a reflection on our own heroes. When we reflect on the heroes in the different categories – Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi, we find that these were ordinary people like all of you, but who did extraordinary things. 

Each one of us has a role to play as leaders, whether in entrepreneurship, education, diplomacy, community service, or any other profession we serve in. Let us continue to work together to build a Rwanda that remains peaceful, prosperous, and globally respected.

I leave you with a simple message: When Rwandans stand united, nothing is beyond our reach. When we act with courage and integrity, our future remains bright. That is heroism.

Thank you for your dedication to our country and for keeping the spirit of Rwanda alive wherever you are.

Murakoze cyane. Thank you very much.