The presidential family organized a national day of thanksgiving prayer in the commune Muyinga of Buhumuza province to praise God for six years of the president's mandate. The event included a teaching session for young people, held on Friday, June 19, 2026. This specific session, designed to empower the next generation, was conceived by the First Lady of the country, Angeline Ndayishimiye. During the session, First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye exhorted young people to prepare to become good leaders, emphasizing the key role they will play in the nation's future. Her address showed the importance of developing essential qualities from an early age to ensure effective and principled leadership.
Qualities of True Leadership
First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye emphasized that qualities of a good leader include prayer, fidelity, compassion, and the defense of truth. A good leader, she stated, must prioritize God above all else, placing divine guidance at the forefront of all decisions and actions. Ms. Ndayishimiye invited young people to cultivate a leadership spirit from an early age, showing the importance of developing these virtues during formative years. She stressed that the foundation for strong leadership is laid long before individuals assume formal positions, through consistent practice of these core principles.
She further explained that effective leaders must listen to those they lead and actively establish dialogue, fostering an environment of open communication and mutual understanding. The First Lady advised that leaders should demonstrate humility, be trustworthy, consistently tell the truth, and possess an understanding of suffering, allowing them to empathize with the challenges faced by their constituents. To effectively assist others, individuals must be honest, reliable, and constant in their principles, ensuring their actions are always guided by integrity and unwavering values. She concluded her remarks by stating that to solve others' problems, one must first avoid being a source of problems oneself, advocating for personal accountability as a prerequisite for effective governance.
Avoiding Destructive Behaviors
Young people were urged to actively combat behaviors that could damage their reputations and hinder their potential for leadership. Such behaviors, deemed incompatible with effective leadership, include egoism, engaging in quarrels, fostering division, and associating with bad company. The First Lady stated that the period between 15 and 35 years of age is key for individuals to learn to make sound decisions that benefit society, noting this time as a critical window for personal development and ethical grounding. She encouraged young people to use this formative time to develop positive attributes and avoid pitfalls that could hinder their future leadership potential, stressing that choices made during these years significantly shape one's trajectory. She further elaborated that young people are encouraged to fight behaviors that tarnish their reputation, as a clean image built on integrity is vital for public trust and effective leadership.
Call to Action and Future Focus
First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye extended an invitation to young people, urging them to invest their energies in development activities. This call to action noted the importance of engaging in constructive endeavors as a means to prepare for their future roles in society. The First Lady emphasized that such involvement is key for cultivating the practical skills and experience necessary for effective leadership, linking active participation in community building to personal growth. Her message focused on proactive engagement, encouraging young individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and national progress. She showed the idea that purposeful engagement in development at an early stage builds a strong foundation for future responsibilities and leadership opportunities, preparing them to tackle complex challenges with competence and vision.
Expert's Perspective on Solutions
Pastor Jean Miburo also addressed the gathering, focusing on the theme: 'A true leader knows how to find solutions to citizens' problems'. His remarks reinforced the broader message about the responsibilities inherent in leadership, emphasizing the practical application of virtuous principles to community challenges. Pastor Miburo's intervention complemented the First Lady's call for ethical leadership by providing a spiritual and practical framework for problem-solving within the community.
