Kagame addresses 10,000 youth at BK Arena, urging health, responsibility and smart financial choices

KIGALI, Oct 22 – President Paul Kagame met more than 10,000 young Rwandans at BK Arena on Wednesday, October 21, delivering a wide-ranging address that touched on personal health, addiction, social norms and financial discipline, as two youths shared testimonies of how government-linked opportunities transformed their lives.

The large-scale youth engagement, reported by The New Times, saw Kagame urge young people to place their well-being above all other ambitions, warning that poor health could undermine their capacity to develop themselves and contribute to the country. He told attendees to take personal responsibility for overcoming harmful habits, particularly alcohol and drug abuse, saying lasting change requires individual commitment rather than reliance on external intervention.

Two young Rwandans at the event illustrated the impact such messages can have in practice. One speaker described overcoming addiction after becoming involved in smuggling illicit alcohol, while another detailed building initiatives that have since reached 17,000 adolescents, according to The New Times. Their testimonies underscored the broader theme of the gathering: that youth empowerment begins with personal accountability before extending to community impact.

Kagame also addressed financial habits, urging young people to avoid spending beyond their means on lavish weddings and instead prioritise investments that can improve their livelihoods and long-term security, The New Times reported. He further encouraged critical thinking about evolving social norms, including dressing styles, saying society has a role in shaping values and determining what is appropriate.

Beyond the youth forum, other developments marked the day in Rwanda. Cybersecurity experts warned businesses to strengthen their defence systems and prepare to recover quickly from attacks, emphasising that early detection and effective response are critical, The New Times reported. Separately, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology in Rwanda signed a cooperation agreement with the Global Platform for the South to promote joint research and student exchange. On the water sector, Rwanda's Water and Sanitation Corporation reported that non-revenue water, which refers to water produced but lost before reaching paying customers, has fallen to 30 percent from a previous rate of 45 percent, following government efforts to repair ageing pipes and detect leakages.

In cultural news, Rwandan singer Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa, who died on October 16 at the age of 83 following an illness, is scheduled to be laid to rest at Rusororo Cemetery on Saturday, October 24, according to The New Times.