Members of the RPF-Inkotanyi Women’s League convened for their Sixth National Congress on March 21, 2026, electing Pudentienne Uzamukunda as the League’s new President.
The high-level meeting coincided with the national celebration of Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empower Her: Shape the Future Generation.”
During the assembly, a new national executive committee was established to steer the League’s agenda for the coming term. Uzamukunda, who currently serves as the National General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Rwanda, will be deputised by Emilienne Kabega. The committee also includes Virginie Mukandayisenga, who was elected as the League’s Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Christine Hitimana Niyotwambaza, in charge of governance, Ninette Umurerwa, in charge of justice, Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, in charge of social welfare, and Maryse Mbonyumutwa Kangabo, in charge of economic affairs.
The Congress served as a platform to review the significant milestones achieved by the League over the past two years. A primary highlight was the success of the “One Hundred Women” (Ijana ry’Abagore) program, a self-reliance initiative that has provided Rwf 100,000 in startup capital to at least 100 vulnerable women in every sector across Rwanda.
Furthermore, the League highlighted the impact of the “Triple Roles” framework, which assists parents in balancing household responsibilities with their contributions to national development. This sits alongside the “Women in Vision 2050” program, an initiative aimed at fostering knowledge-sharing and economic autonomy at the village level.
Reflecting on the 2023–2025 period, the League noted its success in transitioning women from informal street vending into organized cooperatives and enhancing participation in the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme. Beyond economic gains, the League remained a key player in social advocacy, driving campaigns to return school dropouts to the classroom and addressing critical health issues such as stunting and teenage pregnancy.
Looking toward the 2025–2027 strategic period, the party aims to further entrench financial inclusion and justice for women. In her inaugural remarks, Uzamukunda expressed her readiness to work closely with women across all structures to accelerate these development goals.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation, while the party’s Vice Chairperson, Consolée Uwimana, reminded the assembly that while progress has been substantial, the journey toward total empowerment requires consistent and collective effort from both men and women.
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