Communities across Rwanda have been mobilised to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the potential impacts of heavy rainfall expected during the September–December 2026 rainy season.

The mobilisation was part of the 29 August 2026 Umuganda, which was dedicated to practical activities aimed at preventing and reducing the impacts of disasters before the onset of heavy rains. The initiative brought together communities, local authorities, MINEMA officials, security organs and partners to address disaster risks at household and community level.

The activities focused on practical measures including securing roofs, clearing drainage channels, strengthening anti-erosion structures, managing rainwater and reinforcing vulnerable homes and infrastructure. Residents living in high-risk areas were also urged to relocate to safer locations early, while communities were encouraged to remain alert to weather forecasts and early warnings.

The mobilisation comes as Rwanda prepares for the September–December rainy season, with forecasts indicating the possibility of above-average rainfall associated with the El Niño climate phenomenon. The seasonal outlook indicates that Rwanda could receive between 300 and 1,000 millimetres of rainfall during the period, compared with a long-term average ranging from 279 to 962 millimetres.

Speaking during the activities in Jarama Sector, Ngoma District, MINEMA Permanent Secretary Aristarque Ngoga stressed the importance of taking preventive action before disasters occur.

“The weather forecast indicates that the coming season is expected to bring heavy rainfall. That is why we have the responsibility to warn residents that prevention is better than waiting for disasters to occur,” he said.

In Jarama, residents worked with MINEMA, district authorities, security organs and partners to reinforce roofs, clear water channels and establish measures for controlling erosion and retaining rainwater. The sector is among areas exposed to hazards including strong winds and lightning.

Lightning prevention was also emphasised, with residents urged to remain vigilant during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and strengthen lightning protection in homes and public facilities.

The mobilisation was also reflected in other districts. In Muko Sector, Gicumbi District, MINEMA Director General Christine Niyotwambaza, responsible for Surveillance and Preparedness, joined residents and the District Authorities, in tightening roofs of houses and clearing anti-erosion trenches. 

DG NIYOTWAMBAZA urged residents to regularly inspect their homes, ensure roofs are properly tightened, keep drainage channels clear and stabilise slopes around their homes. She also called on people living in high-risk areas to relocate before disasters occur.

“As Rwandans, we must prepare early to protect lives. Disasters take lives, and we must put greater effort into prevention because we do not want any resident to lose their life to disasters. Preventing disasters is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

In Bugeshi Sector, Rubavu District, MINEMA Director General in charge of Emergency Operations ACP Egide Mugwiza joined residents in disaster prevention activities, while MINEMA Director General in charge of Planning, Policy and Disaster Risk Reduction Adalbert Rukebanuka participated in similar activities with residents of Mukingo Sector, Nyanza District.

The activities demonstrated the importance of community participation in disaster risk reduction and the need to translate seasonal forecasts into early and practical action. Simple measures such as securing a roof, clearing drainage channels, controlling erosion and strengthening lightning protection can significantly reduce disaster risks.

The 29 August Umuganda also provided an opportunity to reinforce messages on hygiene, public health, school readiness and the prevention of illicit alcoholic beverages, demonstrating the broader value of community mobilisation in strengthening household and community resilience.

The nationwide mobilisation is part of Rwanda’s broader shift towards anticipatory action, where risks identified through forecasts and early warning systems are addressed before they develop into disasters.

As the country enters the 2026 rainy season, MINEMA calls on all households, communities and institutions to remain vigilant, act on early warnings and continue implementing preventive measures.