The Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2025, which has been conducted across Rwanda over the past three months, officially concluded today. The event coincided with the closing of the 5th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Week, held in Rwanda from 29th June to 3rd July 2025.

The closing ceremony were presided over by the minister of defence Hon. Juvenal Malizamunda. Present were Governor of the Northern Province Mr. Mugabowagahunde Maurice the executive committee of Musanze district led by the Mayor Mr. Nsengimana Cludien, the Spokesperson of the Rwandan Defence Forces and other EAC senior military officials from EAC partner states.

Over the past three months, the Outreach Programme has addressed a wide range of human security challenges, delivering tangible results. These include the construction of 10 houses in Muko sector for vulnerable families.  In Kabazungu Cell, Musanze sector.

In the 5th EAC Armed Forces CIMIC Week, Military personnel from EAC partner states, together with RDF, RNP, and local authorities, delivered and installed solar panels on 115 homes; 70 by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and 45 by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic Rwanda. 

The ceremony was started by visiting the houses where solar panels are being installed and were given an explanation of how the solar energy systems operate. After that, the Minister of Defence and his delegation proceeded to Muko Sector for the official inauguration of houses built for vulnerable families in collaboration with security organs, the Rwanda National Police, and under the RDF COP 2025 program. 

In Muko Sector, 10 well-built houses were constructed and handed over to 10 families, of 45nhouseholds. These houses were also fully furnished and stocked with essential household items, including food supplies to support the beneficiaries.

The Minister spoke with the beneficiaries, urging them to take good care of the houses and the equipment provided, including the solar energy systems. The local residents, dressed in traditional attire and performing various dances, expressed their gratitude to the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, for continuously initiating projects that uplift their living standards and promote development. They also pledged to take great care of the houses and solar panels they received.