Rwanda’s Recent Holiday Break Sparks Mixed Reactions and Increased Tourism Activity

President Paul Kagame recently explained the rationale behind Rwanda’s holiday from July 1 to July 4, followed by an extended weekend, stating, “I think you needed it, sometimes because I see people getting tired, so you needed those holidays.” This holiday period left a significant mark across the country, prompting both curiosity and celebration among the populace.

Initially, many wondered about the reasons for the government’s decision to declare such a break. Ahead of the holidays, authorities, including the police, issued advisories encouraging citizens to rest, enjoy themselves responsibly, and maintain moderation, especially regarding alcohol consumption. Social media and public messages aimed to remind people to drink in moderation, emphasizing health and safety considerations.

The days leading up to the holiday were characterized by widespread planning and anticipation. Most notably, hotels—especially in popular tourist destinations in the North, West, and East—experienced an unprecedented surge in bookings. In Rubavu District alone, all hotels were fully booked three days before the holiday began, leaving many visitors without accommodation.

Tourism Boom in Rubavu

Rubavu, a prominent tourist hub, saw an influx of visitors that exceeded its capacity. Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga confirmed that the town’s population swelled beyond normal levels, with parking spaces and accommodations intensely strained. “In Rubavu, parking spaces have become scarce—children’s playgrounds are even being used as parking lots—and many visitors are forced to sleep in their cars due to lack of accommodation,” he said.

Hotel owners in the area confirmed the high demand. Father Straton Nshimyumuremyi, who manages the Centre d’Accueil Saint François Xavier, stated, “All 29 rooms of our hotel were fully booked. Guests paid anywhere from 25,000 to 60,000 Rwandan francs per night, and we even had some rooms with no space left.”

Meanwhile, Nzabonimpa Déogratias, Vice Mayor in charge of the economy, noted that the holiday highlighted the need for more accommodation facilities, urging increased collaboration with the private sector.

Behind the Scenes of the Celebration

Following the holidays, social media platforms buzzed with stories of the festivities. While some narratives focused on the excitement and joy shared by visitors, others painted a more sensational picture—highlighting rampant drunkenness, parties, and alleged misconduct.

Many accounts, however, were questioned for exaggeration. IGIHE interviewed seven individuals who attended the festivities in Rubavu, many of whom acknowledged a lively atmosphere but disputed claims of widespread chaos or misconduct. One young man in his 30s remarked, “I realized I was a good kid. I saw people having sex backstage and doing things I wouldn’t have expected.” An IGIHE reporter noted that although some stories seemed exaggerated, the event was indeed extraordinary, especially given the difficulty in finding parking and lodging.

People dressed appropriately for summer—loose-fitting clothes suitable for the weather—and reports noted that the local fashion was relaxed and expressive. A woman shared, “People in Kigali tend to judge others based on how they dress. In Rubavu, everyone dressed however they wanted—wearing what made them feel at peace.”

A Weekend of Freedom and Excess

The holiday weekend was marked by music concerts, social gatherings, and celebrations that brought together people from all over the country. Social media posts described scenes of physical pleasure, alcohol, cigarettes, and social connections—sometimes described as “sugar mummy and sugar daddy” interactions. During the day, the atmosphere remained relatively calm and peaceful; however, come evening, the festivities intensified.

One visitor recounted, “We arrived in Rubavu on Wednesday evening, and by 6 PM, everyone was out drinking and dancing. We partied from then until early morning. That was my life for four days.” Many others described similar experiences—people engaging in drinking, dancing, and socializing openly. There were reports of some individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, and stories of intimate encounters that defied societal norms.

Some witnesses expressed concern about the depth of societal problems that holidays seem to reveal—trauma, stress, and the desire to escape daily struggles. One observer noted, “You see someone from the outside, but you don’t know what they’re going through inside. People are doing everything possible to forget their problems during these moments.”

Police Response and Official Perspectives

In response to reports of disorder, ACP Boniface Rutikanga assured the public that incidents were limited. “There was no widespread violence or nakedness,” he stated. “A few arrests were made for theft, but overall, the events unfolded peacefully. Rumors on social media about condoms and pills being missing are false—these are exaggerated claims meant to incite unnecessary fear.”