On Tuesday 29^th April 2025 at Kabuga Cell, Nyagisozi Sector, Nyanza District there was launched another round of unconditional cash transfers to households in poor living conditions under the project branded Habwa Wigire or Scaling Transfers for Extreme Poverty Project (STEP) run by GiveDirectly in Rwanda. This event was attended by District leaders, representatives of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and members of security organs. 

Financed by Qatar Fund, the project will be implemented by GiveDirectly in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), LODA and Nyanza District. Enlightened by national households’ data, GiveDirectly conducts its own registration and assessment on who is eligible to get the financial support.  

Kabuga residents advised to invest in income generating projects

After briefing Citizen Assembly attendants on the historical background and operations of GiveDirectly in the region and in Rwanda in particular, Moses Rwaka, the agent in charge of External Relations, advised the local population on how to definitely exit poor living conditions. “We provide a financial grant that can relieve a household from poverty; it’s up to the recipient to consider it as a seed”, he tipped them. “This a golden opportunity to implement projects that you thought about but failed to execute because you were short of financial means. We are expecting a positive impact on livelihoods from the support you will get”, he added on. Mr. Rwaka pointed out some conditions and requirements to be eligible for this project, namely possession of national ID, being a legally recognized household (father, mother, children) or household member aged between 21 and 35, and even teen mothers (aged 21 or less).   

Warning citizens and opinion leaders of fraudulent speculators and domestic conflicts

In his address to the local population, Mr. Kajyambere Patrick, the Acting Mayot of Nyanza District, emphasized on their active participation in uplifting one’s own living standing. “Today we have come to announce that you are given a special opportunity. You are going to be given cash, and in return your personal development is the only collateral. Please do not misuse this money; it should rather make change on your household living conditions. If this project becomes successful in your Cell, it will be extended to your neighbouring Cells.  I believe that in coming days we will notice its impact right from mere observation”, he said. 

Mayor Kajyambere further alerted citizens on potential swindlers who might come to lend them money with exorbitant interests. “In case you encounter or suspect such crooks, please inform security organs; the latter know how to handle them”, he said.

Earlier in the day, Mrs. Kayitesi Nadine, Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, met with Para-social Workers (PSWs) and Village Coordinators from Kabuga Cell who, under the technical facilitation of LODA staff, were having a training on the National Strategy for Sustainable Graduation, development and management of income generating projects, as well as approaches to community mobilization and coaching. 

Mrs. Kayitesi reiterated their role in shaping citizens’ perception towards household development goals. “You are opinion leaders and should lead by example. Please get closer to your fellow countrymen and help them write up household development action plans (Imihigo), and manage domestic conflicts effectively. To PSWs, you should become coaches of households so that sustainable graduation becomes real”, she said.

Commenting on the forthcoming cash transfers to Kabuga Cell residents by GiveDirectly, Vice Mayor Kayitesi emphasized on truth telling during the registration process, warned them to denounce potential migrants pretending to be local citizens, abnormal price rising. She also requested them to advise citizens to deposit money into bank accounts or saving groups. Mrs Kayitesi ended her message recalling the saying: “Ikintu kigoye si ukubona amafaranga, ikigoye ni ukuyagumana” (The most difficult task is not getting money, but keep possessing it!).

Citizens pledge to exit poverty

Upon getting the good news that they are about to get unconditional and non-reimbursable money, residents of Kabuga Cell expressed their profound gratitude to the top leadership of the country and commitment to graduate from poverty.

“The financial support that we are getting is meant for personal development. I will first of all buy an agricultural plot and small livestock; I will then rehabilitate the kitchen, purchase food stuff, and clothes (for my wife, children and myself). […]. I call upon my fellow village men not to misuse this support through drunkenness”, revealed the jubilant Sinzababanza Silas, aged 64, resident of Mirehe Village.

Mrs. Hagenimana Rosalie, aged 24, resident of Mirehe Cell, also shared her plan to invest the expected support. “We normally get our daily living on serving as labour force through cultivating for others and/or renting their agricultural land.  I and my husband have therefore planned to purchase our own land and some small livestock. […]. We are endlessly grateful to our President and his collaborators for thinking of us and offer us such a support”, she said.

Kabuga Cell was targeted after covering the entire Sector of Cyabakamyi, whereby xxxx [number] households received FRW 1,176,933 each. Selected on basis of the highest poverty rate in the Southern Province (as per EICV5), other Sectors in the same category benefited from the same project. These include Butare Sector in Rusizi District, Shingiro Sector in Musanze District, Murama Sector in Kayonza District and Gikomero in Gasabo District.