President Kagame Holds Interactive Session with Over 10,000 Youth at BK Arena
Kigali, October 21, 2026 — President Paul Kagame engaged with more than 10,000 young Rwandans on Wednesday during the #MeetThePresident event at BK Arena in Kigali. The gathering brought together youth from across the country, including government officials, social media influencers, musicians, actors, comedians, and representatives from diverse sectors, for open discussions on their aspirations, challenges, and roles in national development.
The session, which drew a large and energetic crowd, featured President Kagame alongside key officials including Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Minister of Youth and Arts Abdallah Utumatwishima. It marked a significant youth engagement, following a previous meeting with youth volunteers in May 2024.
In his remarks, Kagame emphasized national unity, stressing that Rwandans of all ages share a common goal of building the country together. He noted that whether individuals are still young, have moved beyond youth, or fall in between, the priority remains collective effort in strengthening families, personal lives, and the nation as a whole.
A central theme of the dialogue was personal responsibility, particularly in addressing harmful habits. Kagame urged young people to take ownership in overcoming addiction to alcohol and drugs, explaining that lasting change depends on individual discipline and a genuine willingness to transform. He cautioned against normalizing harmful practices simply because they have become common, citing teenage pregnancy among the concerns, and encouraged those who regret past decisions to act, emphasizing that it is never too late to redirect one’s life.
The President illustrated the consequences of substance abuse by recounting the experience of a former colleague whose heavy drinking impaired his ability to walk and perform his duties. Kagame said he had advised the individual to stop, but when the behavior continued, professional collaboration became impossible.
He also delivered broader guidance on character and productivity. “No one can force you to be disciplined, but you can learn from others how to be disciplined,” he told the audience. In another statement, he advised: “Don’t waste time. Learn, work and develop the ability to distinguish right from wrong.” Kagame encouraged youth to reflect independently on what they consider right rather than simply following others, to stand up for their rights instead of waiting for them to be granted, and to choose paths that may be difficult in the moment but lead to a healthier future—contrasting this with using alcohol merely to numb discomfort.
The interactive format allowed young participants to share their perspectives while receiving direct counsel on discipline, hard work, self-respect, and contribution to Rwanda’s progress. The event underscored the government’s focus on youth as active partners in the country’s ongoing transformation.
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