Umuganda

The strangest customs search I have ever been through was when I went by road from Uganda to Rwanda.

No search for cigarettes or alcohol but a very thorough search for plastic bags or plastic bottles. They are not permitted in the country as part of a programme aimed at keeping the country free of mess and litter

And it really works. But then they also have UMUGANDA.

In Rwanda, there is a mandatory community service day from 8:00am to 11:00am, on the last Saturday of each month called Umuganda meaning community service.  The day is called umunsi w’umuganda, meaning “contribution made by the community which is designed to be a day of contribution and building the country by citizens themselves. By law all able bodied persons above the age of 18 and below 65  are expected to participate in volunteer community work. The start of this practice goes back to colonial times and is still practiced today. 

Participation in Umuganda is usually supervised by a manager, or Umudugudu chairperson who oversees the effectiveness and efficiency ofcommunity participation.On this day, business activity halts, public transportation is limited, and people are seen everywhere working. People participate in cleaning streets, cutting grass and trimming bushes along roads, or repairing public facilities or building houses for vulnerable persons. People with particular skills offer their services for free on this day.  For example, doctors may offer free medical examination.

The benefits of Umuganda are not merely economic.  The day is intended to build community involvement and strengthen cohesion between persons of different background and levels.   One such a benefit is that people can access authorities to articulate their needs and voice opinions on various issues.

The labour cost from Umuganda contributes to national development programs.  By reaping the rewards of the volunteer labor and by having more capital to invest in the country, Umuganda has contributed to the growth and development of the Rwanda   .

Our Head Teacher at the Rukira school is planning to work with the Umugganda Local team to see if they can level the school site in preparation for putting in a good drainage system.