Gicumbi,14 May 2025 - The Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, hosted a high-level diplomatic delegation on a field visit to observe the implementation of the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) in Gicumbi District.

The delegation was led by Anna Wilson, Director of Development for Rwanda at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and included His Excellency Dag Sjöögren, Ambassador of Sweden, Her Excellency Heike Uta Dettmann, Ambassador of Germany, and senior representatives from FCDO, Sida and KfW.

The delegation was accompanied by the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Marie Solange Kayisire, the Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and the Mayor of Gicumbi District.

In Miyove Sector, the delegation met and interacted with beneficiaries of key VUP components like Classic Public Works (cPW), Expanded Public Works (ePW) and Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support (NSDS).

Beneficiaries shared heartfelt testimonies of how the programme has positively impacted their lives. Some have used their earnings to fund their children’s education with many children having now completed their studies, while others reported graduating from poverty and rebuilding their livelihoods.

Musabyemariya Josephine, a beneficiary from Miyove Sector, shared that life was very difficult before she joined the VUP programme. Today, she says that she is able to address her basic needs.

“Getting food used to be a struggle, my children were not attending school, everything was a problem. But since I joined VUP, I’ve worked hard to become self-reliant. I save money, I now own a cow, goats and sheep, and my children are in school. I expect a better future from them” she affirmed.

Mugabarigira Jean Claude also testified that his household was among the poorest, but through VUP, he has been able to significantly improve his living conditions including building a house.

“Before joining VUP, I was truly poor. Even paying school fees for my children was a major challenge. But with the money I earn from VUP, I pay for health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), cover other household needs, and I even managed to build a house worth one million Rwandan Francs”, he said.

During the visit, Hon. Marie Solange Kayisire acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in the fight against poverty and reaffirmed the importance of continued international cooperation.

“Rwanda has done a lot to combat poverty, but there is still a long way to go. Partnerships like this one are crucial to ensure that no one is left behind”, she said.

On her side, Anna Wilson, commended the Government of Rwanda and LODA for their leadership in delivering social protection services that are changing lives at the grassroots level.

“It’s truly inspiring to hear how these programmes are transforming lives from mothers feeding their babies better, to parents sending their children to school, and families building resilience. I’d like to give my thanks to LODA in particular, who really spearheaded the VUP programme. We’re delighted to be part of this partnership” she said.

The delegation also visited Kageyo Sector, where they toured the Kageyo Vocational Training Centre (VTC). They observed students acquiring hands-on skills in areas such as welding, tailoring, and construction.

The Director General of LODA, Mrs. Claudine Marie Solange Nyinawagaga, emphasized the significant progress Rwanda has made in poverty reduction, as confirmed by the recent EICV7 survey.

“Since 2017, Rwanda has reduced poverty by 12%, lifting over 1.5 million people out of poverty. The VUP programme has played a crucial role in this achievement. What we witnessed today are beneficiaries who are not only happy, but committed to building a better future”, she said.

The visit highlighted the strength of Rwanda’s partnership with development partners in advancing inclusive development. Since 2008, FCDO, alongside Sida, KfW, and other partners, has been a core supporter of Rwanda’s social protection system.