President Paul Kagame engaged with a large group of young Rwandans at BK Arena in Kigali, using two personal narratives to illustrate the difficulties of altering destructive habits. According to KT Press, the president spent over four hours with the audience, standing for more than three of those hours while delivering an unscripted address and fielding questions. The session focused on how individuals can confront uncomfortable realities before they become entrenched in daily life.
In the first narrative, Kagame described his concern over a close aide who was frequently unavailable in the evenings. Initially suspecting family responsibilities, the president eventually sent security officers to locate the man. KT Press reports that Kagame observed from an upper level as the aide arrived, gripping the wall for support while ascending. The next day, Kagame attempted to counsel the aide, hoping the encounter would serve as a turning point. However, the intervention did not lead to lasting change, leading Kagame to conclude that external authority is often insufficient if the individual does not decide to change.
The second story offered a contrasting perspective. Kagame recounted supporting a young man through his education, including studies abroad, before the man requested assistance with his wedding. The young man presented a budget of approximately Rwf10 million and had sought contributions from others. Rather than simply providing the funds, Kagame helped review the plans, removing unnecessary expenses and offering his office compound as the venue. The couple agreed to serve juice, coffee, tea, and soft drinks to approximately 600 guests instead of alcohol. Kagame promised to provide the Rwf10 million after the event, allowing the young man to use the money to build his family rather than spend it on a single celebration.
Kagame used these examples to urge young people to take ownership of their decisions. He warned that repeated harmful behaviors can slowly become normalized, making their consequences harder to see. According to KT Press, the president emphasized that while others can offer guidance, the drive to change must originate internally. He encouraged the audience to remain open to reforming their habits, noting that each new day provides a fresh opportunity to improve. The central message was that questioning social expectations and confronting difficult situations early can lead to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes.