1. RWANDAN CUSTOMS AND LAWS
An understanding of Rwandan customs and laws will help you to
adjust to life in our community and make the most of your stay.
Rwanda is a safe country. You should feel free to move around on foot or by public transport, even in the evenings. If you ask for directions people will always do their best to help you.
Many people, especially in Kigali, understand English and French. Many older people, especially outside Kigali, are able to speak French. Try and learn one or two greetings in Kinyarwanda. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated wherever you go.
Rwanda is largely a homogenous society in which most of its population shares the same language and culture with only slight differences from one province to another. However over its history many Rwandans have lived out of Rwanda and been exposed to different cultures. This has enhanced the richness and diversity of Rwandan culture.
This diversity of experience amongst the Rwandan population means that there is a good understanding about the cultures of many of the foreign visitors to Rwanda. Rwandans like and welcome all who come and visit. Rwandans are tolerant and interested in newcomers to their country.
In Rwanda every one is free within the law, to express and maintain their own culture and their own religious traditions all visitors are invited to participate as a member of Rwandan society. We are a predominantly Christian community and we respect the views and traditions of other religious communities.
If you are open and respectful towards the ideas and traditions of others you are likely to fit into our society, enjoy and be successful in your new life.
Rwanda does not tolerate corruption of any kind. Do not, ever, offer a bribe or try and obtain preferential treatment for public services. You are most unlikely to come across any corruption in Rwanda, and you will insult people (and embarrass yourself) if you seem to expect it.
Rwandans work long hours. In government departments the working day begins for everybody at 7.00 am. Most businesses are at work by 8.00 am.
Like anywhere else in the World be cautions before taking photographs of people who you do not know. Often people are willing to be photographed, but some prefer not to be. Always ask permission to avoid causing any inconvenience.
Children will often approach visitors to Rwanda and ask for money or gifts. This behavior is discouraged. As you will notice Rwanda is embarked on universal nine years basic education (9YBE). If you give them money then the children will be encouraged in this behavior, so please do not give anything. The government of Rwanda’s stand on this is that they should be no children on the street asking for money. The government of Rwanda has created rehabilitation and vocational skills development centre so that those street children and beggars could learn vocational skills, become employable and leave the street. Rather Rwanda is known to be the country where visitors are welcomed with enthusiasm, smile, and affectionate hospitality. So please wherever you find children begging be aware that that is not our culture.
In Rwanda there no clear principles regarding leaving a tip in Restaurant, Bar or Hotel. However the tendency is that because customers visiting Rwanda have been giving tips to staffs servicing them, in bigger hotels and restaurant it has became a culture. On how much to give in tip, there is no fixed amount; it depends on who is giving it.
Rwanda is a safe country. You should feel free to move around on foot or by public transport, even in the evenings. If you ask for directions people will always do their best to help you.
Many people, especially in Kigali, understand English and French. Many older people, especially outside Kigali, are able to speak French. Try and learn one or two greetings in Kinyarwanda. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated wherever you go.
Rwanda is largely a homogenous society in which most of its population shares the same language and culture with only slight differences from one province to another. However over its history many Rwandans have lived out of Rwanda and been exposed to different cultures. This has enhanced the richness and diversity of Rwandan culture.
This diversity of experience amongst the Rwandan population means that there is a good understanding about the cultures of many of the foreign visitors to Rwanda. Rwandans like and welcome all who come and visit. Rwandans are tolerant and interested in newcomers to their country.
In Rwanda every one is free within the law, to express and maintain their own culture and their own religious traditions all visitors are invited to participate as a member of Rwandan society. We are a predominantly Christian community and we respect the views and traditions of other religious communities.
If you are open and respectful towards the ideas and traditions of others you are likely to fit into our society, enjoy and be successful in your new life.
Rwanda does not tolerate corruption of any kind. Do not, ever, offer a bribe or try and obtain preferential treatment for public services. You are most unlikely to come across any corruption in Rwanda, and you will insult people (and embarrass yourself) if you seem to expect it.
Rwandans work long hours. In government departments the working day begins for everybody at 7.00 am. Most businesses are at work by 8.00 am.
Like anywhere else in the World be cautions before taking photographs of people who you do not know. Often people are willing to be photographed, but some prefer not to be. Always ask permission to avoid causing any inconvenience.
Children will often approach visitors to Rwanda and ask for money or gifts. This behavior is discouraged. As you will notice Rwanda is embarked on universal nine years basic education (9YBE). If you give them money then the children will be encouraged in this behavior, so please do not give anything. The government of Rwanda’s stand on this is that they should be no children on the street asking for money. The government of Rwanda has created rehabilitation and vocational skills development centre so that those street children and beggars could learn vocational skills, become employable and leave the street. Rather Rwanda is known to be the country where visitors are welcomed with enthusiasm, smile, and affectionate hospitality. So please wherever you find children begging be aware that that is not our culture.
In Rwanda there no clear principles regarding leaving a tip in Restaurant, Bar or Hotel. However the tendency is that because customers visiting Rwanda have been giving tips to staffs servicing them, in bigger hotels and restaurant it has became a culture. On how much to give in tip, there is no fixed amount; it depends on who is giving it.
2. EQUALITY AND ANTI
DISCRIMINATION
You have the right to be respected and to have your needs
considered on the same basis as every one else. You are of course required to
respect other people whether they have been born in Rwanda or elsewhere and
have come as a migrant like you.
The Rwandan Constitution embraces equality amongst all citizens as a core value of Rwandan society. Anti-genocide laws prohibit any act that seeks to discriminate against any individual or group of people.
Individual religious and cultural practices are allowed but must conform to existing Rwandan law. For example Rwanda prohibits gender based violence in any situation including private homes and any one who encounters such problems should report it to the responsible police unit. Toll free telephone number is 3512.
The Rwandan Constitution embraces equality amongst all citizens as a core value of Rwandan society. Anti-genocide laws prohibit any act that seeks to discriminate against any individual or group of people.
Individual religious and cultural practices are allowed but must conform to existing Rwandan law. For example Rwanda prohibits gender based violence in any situation including private homes and any one who encounters such problems should report it to the responsible police unit. Toll free telephone number is 3512.
3. DRIVING
To drive a car in Rwanda
you must have a driving license and the vehicle you are driving must be
registered with the competent government authority. Disobeying or breaking
traffic laws can result in big fines, loss of your driving license or even
imprisonment.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you do so using a hands free kit.
The laws are particularly strict regarding speed limits and driving while having taken alcohol. The speed limit in towns is 40 km/h and the speed limit going in provinces is 60 km/h. It is prohibited to drive while having taken more than 0.8 mg of alcohol per 1 liter of blood. It is discouraged to drive while having taken alcohol. If suspected of driving while drunken, you are tested and if found that you have more than 0.8 mg of alcohol per 1 ml of blood; you are punishable of imprisonment from 3 days up to 6 months maximum.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you do so using a hands free kit.
The laws are particularly strict regarding speed limits and driving while having taken alcohol. The speed limit in towns is 40 km/h and the speed limit going in provinces is 60 km/h. It is prohibited to drive while having taken more than 0.8 mg of alcohol per 1 liter of blood. It is discouraged to drive while having taken alcohol. If suspected of driving while drunken, you are tested and if found that you have more than 0.8 mg of alcohol per 1 ml of blood; you are punishable of imprisonment from 3 days up to 6 months maximum.
4. DRUGS, SMOKING AND
DRINKING
The penal code prohibits illicit drug usage, trafficking and
possession.
Smoking tobacco in public is not allowed. It is considered to be impolite to smoke in the public especially in the cities.
However, traditionally most old Rwandan men smoked tobacco but as the time goes on this is decreasing.
Being drunk in the public place is not acceptable.
Few women in Rwanda do take alcohol.
Smoking tobacco in public is not allowed. It is considered to be impolite to smoke in the public especially in the cities.
However, traditionally most old Rwandan men smoked tobacco but as the time goes on this is decreasing.
Being drunk in the public place is not acceptable.
Few women in Rwanda do take alcohol.
5. THE ENVIRONMENT
Protection of the natural environment and cleanliness in public
places are very important to Rwandans.
It is illegal to use or import plastic bags. Rwanda as the country of a thousand hills gives priority to the prevention of soil erosion and the conservation of flora is a priority. Rwanda has a tree planting week every year and it is prohibited to uproot any tree without permission. Hunting and fishing must be done in a regulated manner. There are also special rules that apply to national parks to ensure sustainable development. When visiting parks please enquire about local rules and observe them.
For further information about visits to our national parks, please contact RDB at
It is illegal to use or import plastic bags. Rwanda as the country of a thousand hills gives priority to the prevention of soil erosion and the conservation of flora is a priority. Rwanda has a tree planting week every year and it is prohibited to uproot any tree without permission. Hunting and fishing must be done in a regulated manner. There are also special rules that apply to national parks to ensure sustainable development. When visiting parks please enquire about local rules and observe them.
For further information about visits to our national parks, please contact RDB at
www.rdb.rw
For further information about the environment in Rwanda contact
RWANDA ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (REMA)
Kacyiru District
Kigali City
Rwanda
B.P 7436 Kacyiru
Fixed/Landline phone number: +250(0)252580101
Website : www.rema.gov.rw
For further information about the environment in Rwanda contact
RWANDA ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (REMA)
Kacyiru District
Kigali City
Rwanda
B.P 7436 Kacyiru
Fixed/Landline phone number: +250(0)252580101
Website : www.rema.gov.rw
6. NOISE
Cities regulate excess an unnecessary noise by prohibiting dancing
and other loud noise in public places.
There are many clubs for those who enjoy dancing but these have minimum standards to protect sound transmission. Generally neighbours are tolerant to occasional noise such as wedding celebrations, but if it is excessive or recurrent a complaint you may call the police.
There are many clubs for those who enjoy dancing but these have minimum standards to protect sound transmission. Generally neighbours are tolerant to occasional noise such as wedding celebrations, but if it is excessive or recurrent a complaint you may call the police.
7. RESPONSIBILITY AND
VALUES
The freedom we enjoy in Rwanda depends on everyone fulfilling
their civic responsibilities. We expect newcomers to support our democratic way
of life and respect our laws and freedom. Values of the dignity of every
person, gender equality and equity, and tolerance, fairness and compassion for
those in need are amongst important values to us.
8. MEETING PEOPLE AND COMMUNICATION
When meeting some one for the first time it is usual to shake
right hands and exchange a greeting in one of the most spoken languages i.e.
Kinyarwanda, French or English. On parting again shake right hands.
For those with whom you are particularly familiar and have not met for some
time you will usually embrace one another for a short time and then exchange
greetings. For social conversation between people who know each other, it is
polite to ask how they are and how their family is before going on to the rest
of conversation (but this is a fading culture). For official business after
greeting you go straight to the point of the conversation. Amongst the younger
generation and with peers they may also exchange kisses.
Try and use one or two Kinyarwanda greetings. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated.
Try and use one or two Kinyarwanda greetings. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated.
9. STREET SAFETY
Rwanda and Kigali are safer
place to go around individually or in group, day or night. However one is asked
to take care of personal belongings, not to leave things like computers, photo
cameras and mobile telephones in an open area. So that people can avoid being
victims of opportunistic thefts.
10. POLITE BEHAVIOR
Food: Workers and business people almost always stop work and eat lunch
at home or in licensed premises. It is considered impolite to eat in
public while standing, or walking. It is accepted that some foreigners may eat
whilst walking, but you will blend in better if you avoid eating in the street.
Bars in Rwanda serve goat meat in a well liked meat “BROCHETTE”, but also
Brochette might be of fish, beef and any other meat. Please do ask of the kind
Brochette you are going to be served.
Gestures: It is considered important to say bon appétit, enjoy your meal or something similar to others eating with you before you commence your own meal.
It is considered polite to carry food in a bag not openly.
It is also seen to be impolite to point to some one with one finger only. We point using all five fingers.
To beckon someone in Rwanda, it is discouraged; you better call the person by name and talk to him or her.
Gestures: It is considered important to say bon appétit, enjoy your meal or something similar to others eating with you before you commence your own meal.
It is considered polite to carry food in a bag not openly.
It is also seen to be impolite to point to some one with one finger only. We point using all five fingers.
To beckon someone in Rwanda, it is discouraged; you better call the person by name and talk to him or her.
12. RWANDAN TIME
Rwandan respect time, However priority may be given to important
events which have not been planned for. This can affect their management
of time so when attending an appointment allow a few extra minutes in case the
meeting does not commence exactly on schedule or is not completed within the
planned period.
Serious efforts are made, in the public sector and other major organizations to have activities commence at the appointed time.
Serious efforts are made, in the public sector and other major organizations to have activities commence at the appointed time.
13. RWANDAN PUBLIC
HOLIDAY SYSTEM
The following are public holiday dates in Rwanda:
1st January: New Year ’s Day
1st February: Heroes day
7th April: Genocide Memorial Day. Followed by a memorial week
Good Friday which has no specific day and date
1st May: Labour Day
1st July: Independence Day
4th July: Liberation Day
15th August: Assumption Day
25th December: Christmas Day
Eid El-Fitr: which has no specific day and date
Other public holidays may be announced by the cabinet of ministers or the Ministry of Public Service and Labour
1st January: New Year ’s Day
1st February: Heroes day
7th April: Genocide Memorial Day. Followed by a memorial week
Good Friday which has no specific day and date
1st May: Labour Day
1st July: Independence Day
4th July: Liberation Day
15th August: Assumption Day
25th December: Christmas Day
Eid El-Fitr: which has no specific day and date
Other public holidays may be announced by the cabinet of ministers or the Ministry of Public Service and Labour
14. LANGUAGE
Rwanda has 3 official languages which are Kinyarwanda, English and
French. In most of the public institutions, English and Kinyarwanda are the
languages used. But French is still the easiest language for many people
particularly outside Kigali although this is changing. Swahili is also spoken
in cities.
15. VOLUNTARY WORK OR
CHARITABLE GIVING
In Rwanda, the community at the Umudugudu level organizes an
activity every last Saturday of the month called Umuganda where the community
clean their Umudugudu and discuss development of their umudugudu. In most
places the discussions are held in Kinyarwanda but neighbours will translate
for foreigners. The day of Umuganda all the businesses close until lunch time.
For those foreigners who wish to conduct more voluntary or charitable work
please contact the district or sector (umurenge) officials for information or
directives.
17. BASIC WORDS IN
KINYARWANDA
Kinyarwanda, the Rwanda
mother tongue is spoken in all part of Rwanda. To give you basic words of our
beautiful language you might later want to learn here are some basic words in
Kinyarwanda.
GREETINGS
BASIC EXPRESSION
Good Morning :
Mwaramutse
(ho).
Thank you: Urakoze
Good Afternoon : Mwiriwe (ho) Yes: Yee!
Good evening: Mwiriwe (ho) No: Oya!
Good night : Ijoro ryiza/ muramukeho Excuse me: Mbabarira
Good Afternoon : Mwiriwe (ho) Yes: Yee!
Good evening: Mwiriwe (ho) No: Oya!
Good night : Ijoro ryiza/ muramukeho Excuse me: Mbabarira
Quick
References
SMALL COMMAND
Do you speak English? Uvuga
icyongereza?
Stand up. Haguruka
Where can I find ...? Ni he nabona ...? Sit down. Icara
Where can I buy ...? Ni he nagura ...? Come here. Ngwino hano.
How much does it cost? N' angahe? Go there. Genda /Jya hariya.
Bring it to me. ...nzanira.
What does this mean? Ibi bisobanura iki? Let me see. Reka ndebe.
When does ... open? Bakingura ... ryari? Come with me. Ngwino tujyane.
When does ... close? Bakinga ... ryari? Talk to me. Mbwira.
What time is it? Ni gihe ki? Go home. Jya mu rugo. / Taha/ Jya i muhira.
Where are the toilets? Aho kwituma ? Listen to me. Nyumva/Ntega amatwi.
Thank you very much Urakoze cyane. Speak slowly. Vuga buhoro buhoro.
You are welcome. Murakaza neza. Can you help me? Wamfasha ...?
Goodbye (am) Mwirirwe (ho)
Goodbye (pm) Muramuke (ho)
Goodbye (Longtime) Urabeho
See you soon. Ni aho mu kanya
Where can I find ...? Ni he nabona ...? Sit down. Icara
Where can I buy ...? Ni he nagura ...? Come here. Ngwino hano.
How much does it cost? N' angahe? Go there. Genda /Jya hariya.
Bring it to me. ...nzanira.
What does this mean? Ibi bisobanura iki? Let me see. Reka ndebe.
When does ... open? Bakingura ... ryari? Come with me. Ngwino tujyane.
When does ... close? Bakinga ... ryari? Talk to me. Mbwira.
What time is it? Ni gihe ki? Go home. Jya mu rugo. / Taha/ Jya i muhira.
Where are the toilets? Aho kwituma ? Listen to me. Nyumva/Ntega amatwi.
Thank you very much Urakoze cyane. Speak slowly. Vuga buhoro buhoro.
You are welcome. Murakaza neza. Can you help me? Wamfasha ...?
Goodbye (am) Mwirirwe (ho)
Goodbye (pm) Muramuke (ho)
Goodbye (Longtime) Urabeho
See you soon. Ni aho mu kanya
17. HOW TO OPEN A
BUSINESS IN RWANDA
In Rwanda, to open business it just require 1 day. All the
requirements and applications required are made at one stop centre which is
located at the Rwanda Development Board head office.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Gishushu, Nyarutarama Road.
P.O. Box 6239 Kigali, Rwanda
Email: info@rdb.rw
Source: www.migration.gov.rw
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Gishushu, Nyarutarama Road.
P.O. Box 6239 Kigali, Rwanda
Email: info@rdb.rw
Source: www.migration.gov.rw
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