Citizens to hold Rwandan Gov't officials accountable

This annual event, now in its 18th edition, will give Rwandans from all walks of life the opportunity to pose questions directly to their leaders.

Umushyikarano is chaired by President Paul Kagame and attended by members of the Cabinet and Parliament, ambassadors, and Rwandese in the diaspora, among others.

Panel discussions will also take place over the 2-days where key issues affecting ordinary citizens will be discussed.

Resolutions made at the council could become law if past precedence is anything to go by. 

Since 2003, Umushyikirano has birthed nation-building initiatives such as Abunzi which are mediation committees that handle disputes before they get to court.

Girin-ka also known as the one cow per family program with the main purpose being to reduce child malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable citizens, and Umwalimu SACCO, a savings and credit cooperative for teachers.

The format of the 18th edition is a hybrid one where the public can participate from the conference hall, and other satellite locations, telephone calls, SMS, emails and social media.

It will also be broadcast live on radio and TV.

Citizens can participate from remote sites across the country.

Some of the topical discussions will include the state of the economy, lessons from the 5th population and housing census and the status of unity and reconciliation.

On the final day, an Imihigo signing and awarding ceremony will take place where leaders will sign performance contracts signalling their commitment as to how they intend to serve the people moving forward.