Kigali, 4th May, 2017-Ahead of the 23^rd Liberation Day Celebration (on 04 July 2017), Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), in collaboration with other government institutions, has organized a Special Army Week from 04 May to July 2017. Other government institutions in this campaign involve Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, and Ministry of Youth and ICT.

In the City of Kigali, the Army Week started in Mushumbamwiza sector, Kicukiro District where Nyandungu Swamp was cleaned and vegetable seeds planted to support citizens and fight malnutrition in the country. The Special Army Week will cover a variety of activities aiming at undertaking social service programs such as shelter, disaster relief and counseling.

The campaign was officiated by the Minister of Infrastructure Honorable James Musoni accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Patrick Nyamvumba, Mayor of Kicukiro District Dr. Nyirahabimana Jeanne, other officials and the army. “The week is an opportunity for the military community and all stakeholders to come together and support by educating the community how to liberate themselves from poverty and illiteracy to embrace and articulate development problems hindering Rwandan society “Minister noted.

According to Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, The Army Week planned activities countrywide will accelerate infrastructure projects, medical and enhance environmental protection to overcome natural calamities such as heavy rains, floods and hunger. Some of the activities that will be undertaken include among others the following:

·         Offering Free Medical services in Orthopedics, Dental, Ophthalmology & Gynecology),

·         Rehabilitation of 18 bridges and 1 feeder road and hillside farming,

·         Construction of water access point facilities,

·         Construction/rehabilitation of shelter,

·         Construction/rehabilitation of classrooms and sanitation infrastructure,

·         Environmental protection campaign,

·         Access/rehabilitation of classrooms and sanitation structures.

Free medical services in particular will be offered in all Districts at the following Hospitals and Health Centers: Shyira, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Butaro, Nemba, Rutongo, Byumba, Muhororo, Murunda, Kibuye, Kirinda, Kibogora, Gihundwe, Bushenge, Munini, Kigeme, Kaduha, Kibilizi, CHUB, Kabutare, Nyanza, Ruhango, Kabgayi, Remera-Rukoma in Kamonyi, Nyamata, Rwamagana, Kibungo, Kirehe, Gahini, Rwinkwavu, Kiziguro, Ngarama, Nyagatare, Kibagabaga, Rwanda Military Hospital, Masaka, and CHUK.

The Army Week campaign will be a continuous exercise focusing much on society protection, infrastructure development, health  and agricultural promotion mention but a few.