President Kagame urges RPF Inkotanyi members not to be “Useless”

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged RPF Inkotanyi members not to become “useless,” saying they should demonstrate their value through action and service by contributing to the party’s mission and Rwanda’s development.

He made the remarks on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) Political Bureau meeting at Intare Arena in Rusororo, Gasabo District.

It brought together over 2000 RPF members, leaders from the public and private sector, representatives of other political parties, members of the diplomatic corps and young professionals.

Kagame said the party’s identity is shaped by its history, values and sense of responsibility, requiring every Rwandan to contribute to national development.

He said politics should focus on solving problems rather than creating division.

“Real politics is about confronting challenges and finding solutions. Politics based on lies and fabrications only adds to the problems you already have,” Kagame said.

The President urged RPF Inkotanyi members to contribute actively to the country’s development instead of waiting for others to act.

“Don’t be useless, and don’t let others be useless,” he said.

Progress must be measured by results

Kagame said national development should be judged by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than statements that do not reflect reality.

“You cannot create results simply by talking about them and expect people to see solutions that do not exist. You cannot fabricate them,” he said.

Using education as an example, Kagame said achievements must match the situation on the ground.

“You cannot create results on your own and expect people to see them when they do not exist. You cannot fabricate them. If children are not in school, they are not in school. You cannot claim you have achieved the goal of ensuring Rwandan children are in school when that is not the reality,” he said.

Kagame added that the same principle applies to healthcare.

“If people do not have good health or access to healthcare, you cannot claim that Rwandans enjoy quality healthcare when they do not. When those results are absent, making such claims only creates accountability that you will eventually have to answer for,” he said.

Leaders urged to evaluate themselves

Kagame compared addressing national challenges to treating an illness, saying problems cannot be solved unless they are first acknowledged.

He said the Political Bureau meeting provides an opportunity for members to assess their performance honestly and identify practical solutions.

“The opportunity we have through this discussion within RPF is to remind ourselves and examine ourselves,” he said.

The President noted that while some challenges can be addressed individually, others require cooperation and support from those with the necessary expertise.

He reminded leaders that their decisions directly affect the people they serve and called for greater accountability at all levels.

Kagame also encouraged young people to make productive use of their energy, talents and opportunities, while urging all party members to reflect on their responsibilities and ensure their work responds to citizens’ aspirations.

He said lasting progress depends on honesty, accountability and a commitment to delivering measurable results.