Bugesera Development Partners Contribute Rwf6 Billion to District Budget Annually
Development partners operating in Bugesera District contribute more than Rwf6 billion annually to the district’s budget, supporting projects in water supply, education, agriculture, infrastructure and social welfare, officials have said.
The revelation was made on June 24 during the opening of the three-day Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) exhibition taking place at Bugesera Stadium from June 24 to 26.
The annual event brings together development partners, cooperatives, civil society organizations, financial institutions and private sector actors to showcase their achievements and engage directly with residents.
Speaking at the event, Angelique Umwali, the Vice Mayor of Bugesera District in charge of Economic Development, said the exhibition provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about projects being implemented across the district and how they contribute to improving livelihoods.
“This annual exhibition is very important because it allows development partners to showcase what they do in Bugesera. Their interventions in agriculture, livestock farming and other sectors contribute significantly to the district’s economic growth,” she said.
She added that the exhibition also helps residents discover products and services available within the district while creating business opportunities for exhibitors and local communities.
According to Umwali, JADF plays a major role in the district’s development through financial support provided by its partners.
“When you look at the district budget, at least Rwf6 billion from development partners is integrated into Bugesera District’s budget every year. This is a tangible contribution that supports the district’s development agenda,” she said.
She encouraged residents to visit the exhibition, learn about available services, and provide feedback to exhibitors to help improve service delivery.
The President of JADF-Bugesera, Emmanuel Murenzi, said the exhibition has become a longstanding annual platform aimed at strengthening citizens’ understanding of development initiatives in their communities.
“This programme helps residents understand the activities taking place in their district and sectors, while also encouraging them to play their part in sustaining these initiatives so that they lead to long-term development,” he said.
Murenzi noted that 71 exhibitors are participating in this year’s event and called on residents to visit the exhibition and support participating businesses and organizations.
“We currently have 71 exhibitors showcasing their work. We encourage people to come, learn and buy products because there are many quality goods and services on display,” he said.
He added that the exhibition has been organized for more than a decade and that this year reflects a significant increase in investments from development partners.
“Compared to previous years, partner investments have grown. This year, contributions reached nearly Rwf6.2 billion. These funds complement the district’s budget and directly improve people’s lives,” Murenzi explained.
He cited investments in clean water access, school construction and classroom expansion among the projects supported by JADF partners.
Among the exhibitors is Africa Development Promise, a non-governmental organization working to improve the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly women engaged in agriculture.
Its Country Manager, Eric Hagenimana, said the organization focuses on strengthening women farmers economically and socially through cooperative development, agricultural training and business support.
“Our mission is to empower women involved in agriculture so they can improve their livelihoods, support their families and contribute to the development of their communities,” he said.
The organization implements a four-part strategy that includes strengthening cooperative governance and business management, building farmers’ technical agricultural skills, providing farm inputs and infrastructure, and helping farmers establish local and regional business networks.
Hagenimana said Bugesera was selected as one of the organization’s priority areas because of the district’s vulnerability to drought and water shortages.
“One of the major challenges farmers faced was producing crops without reliable access to water. To address this, we have invested in small-scale irrigation systems covering up to five hectares and other infrastructure that helps farmers increase productivity,” he said.
The organization has also established agricultural pack houses equipped with cold storage facilities, offices and storage space to help farmers preserve produce and reduce post-harvest losses caused by high temperatures and climate change.
“Previously, farmers often lost their harvests because of the heat. Today, they can store produce in cold rooms and wait for better market prices, allowing them to earn higher incomes,” Hagenimana explained.
In addition, the organization has supported maize farmers by constructing drying facilities that improve grain quality and reduce losses after harvest.
According to Hagenimana, these interventions have already produced positive results, including higher household incomes, improved food security and expanded market opportunities for farmers.
He said the exhibition offers an opportunity to showcase these achievements, connect farmers with potential buyers and facilitate access to financial services.
“With more than 80 percent of Rwandans involved in agriculture, we expect many visitors to learn about our work and the positive changes it brings. We also hope to connect farmers with traders and financial institutions that can support the growth of their businesses,” he said.
The JADF exhibition continues until June 26, providing residents with an opportunity to explore products, services and development initiatives that are helping transform livelihoods across Bugesera District.
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