Youth, Women Lead Green Party Drive for a Cleaner Kigali

As air pollution continues to threaten public health in Kigali, youth and women within the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) are stepping forward to champion environmental protection and sustainable transport as part of a broader grassroots campaign.

During the DGPR Kigali City Congress held on December 20, newly elected youth and women leaders pledged to mobilize communities to reduce pollution, promote public transport, and adopt environmentally responsible practices starting at the household level.

Jacqueline Uwera, the party’s Commissioner for Environment, called on youth and women to become frontline advocates for cleaner cities, urging them to lead by example in reducing pollution linked to transport and waste.

“The transport sector contributes significantly to pollution. Choosing buses over private cars is a practical step citizens can take to protect the environment,” Uwera told party members, encouraging them to pass the message on to families and neighbors.

She also highlighted everyday environmental challenges facing communities, including poor waste management, tree cutting, and illegal dumping, stressing that awareness must be matched with action.

“Environmental protection starts at home, then extends to villages and cells. Youth and women must be the bridge between citizens and leaders by speaking up on issues affecting their communities,” she said.

DGPR Secretary General Jean Claude Ntezimana (MP) said empowering youth and women to champion environmental action aligns with the party’s broader vision for sustainable urban development.

“When communities, especially young people and women, take ownership of environmental protection, the impact goes beyond policy, it changes daily behavior,” Ntezimana said, noting that sustainable transport and responsible urban planning remain central to the party’s agenda.

Government data shows that air quality in Kigali and other urban areas has deteriorated to levels up to five times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, with vehicle emissions identified as one of the leading contributors. While national authorities have introduced stricter vehicle emissions testing and regulations, Green Party leaders say behavioral change at community level remains critical.

Newly elected youth leaders echoed the call, saying their focus will be on mobilizing young people through existing community platforms such as Umuganda and local meetings.

Able Comfort Nkurunziza, the Chairperson of Youth in DGPR Kigali City, said the party’s youth wing sees environmental protection as both a civic duty and a generational responsibility.

“This is an opportunity to engage young people in protecting the environment while addressing issues that directly affect us, including health risks linked to pollution,” Nkurunziza said.

Women leaders also emphasized their role in promoting sustainable practices at household and community levels.

Charlotte Umutesi, President of Women in DGPR in Kigali City, said women are uniquely positioned to influence daily choices that affect the environment.

“I will continue advising women to protect the environment by reducing plastic waste, avoiding activities that lead to deforestation, and embracing cleaner energy and transport options,” Umutesi said.

Beyond community mobilization, the party also stressed the importance of digital advocacy. Juliet Batsinda, responsible for green communication within DGPR, encouraged members to use social media responsibly to promote Rwanda’s green growth agenda.

“Our platforms should be used to educate, mobilize, and protect the country’s image by promoting positive environmental action,” she said.

The Kigali City Congress also marked the election of 99 leaders at the provincial level across Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge districts, contributing to ongoing grassroots leadership renewal that has already taken place in 29 districts nationwide.