Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye attended the closing ceremony of the Ntende parish's golden jubilee on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The celebration marked 50 years of the parish, which is part of the Ruyigi Pentecostal mission. The event was held in Ntende parish, located in Gisuru commune, Buhumuza province. Mr. Ntahontuye's presence showed the significance of the occasion, noting the government's recognition of the church's enduring contributions to community welfare and national development. This golden jubilee event not only celebrated a half-century of spiritual guidance but also showcased the extensive social and educational initiatives undertaken by the Ruyigi Pentecostal mission in the region.
Church's Extensive Development Initiatives
The Pentecostal Church mission's development work extends across areas corresponding to the former provinces of Rutana, Ruyigi, Gitega, and Cankuzo. This broad reach demonstrates the mission's commitment to fostering progress in multiple regions. Within these territories, the Ruyigi Pentecostal mission maintains a significant educational infrastructure, providing key learning opportunities for thousands of students. This includes the operation of 25 fundamental schools, 12 post-fundamental schools, and 1 professional school. These institutions cater to various educational levels, from primary education to vocational training. The mission also runs 1 university, contributing to higher education in the area and nurturing future leaders and professionals. In addition to its educational efforts, the church has expanded its social services by constructing a health center in Butaganzwa. This facility is currently awaiting official authorization before it can commence its operations, promising to enhance healthcare access for local communities. The mission's initiatives aim to support community development through various sectors, addressing critical needs in education, health, and social welfare.
Prime Minister's Engagements and Promises
During his visit, Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye engaged directly with several key development projects. He visited the construction site of a hospital initiated by Daniel Johnson, a significant undertaking poised to improve medical services in the area. The Prime Minister toured several schools built by Mr. Johnson, demonstrating a keen interest in the educational advancements. These included facilities specifically dedicated to children with speech disabilities, providing specialized support, and a paramedical school, which will train essential healthcare personnel. During his visit, Mr. Ntahontuye received updates on agricultural and livestock projects that Daniel Johnson had implemented, recognizing their importance for local livelihoods and food security. The Prime Minister also inspected the construction site for a new church intended for the Ntende parish, acknowledging the spiritual and communal role of the institution. Addressing critical infrastructure needs, Mr. Ntahontuye stated that electricity connections for these projects would become effective soon, citing the imminent electrification of the Gisuru zone chief town. This assurance signals the government's commitment to providing essential utilities that will enable these projects to operate efficiently and benefit the community more broadly.
Government's Appreciation and Support
Burundi's Prime Minister, Nestor Ntahontuye, expressed the government's appreciation for the Pentecostal Church's extensive contributions to national development. His presence at the Ntende parish's golden jubilee noted the administration's recognition of the church's multifaceted role, not only in spiritual guidance but also as a vital partner in socio-economic progress. Mr. Ntahontuye's tour of development projects initiated by Daniel Johnson, including a hospital, schools for children with speech disabilities, and a paramedical school, demonstrated governmental support for these initiatives and the impactful work of individuals dedicated to community upliftment. The Prime Minister also inspected agricultural and livestock projects, which are key for the economic well-being of the region, as well as the construction site for a new church in Ntende parish. During his visit, Mr. Ntahontuye affirmed that electricity connections for these projects would be implemented soon, coinciding with the upcoming electrification of the Gisuru zone chief town. This engagement signals a collaborative approach between the government and religious institutions in fostering community welfare and infrastructure growth across regions like Ruyigi, Rutana, Gitega, and Cankuzo, reinforcing the importance of partnerships for sustainable development.
