In a colorful ceremony held in Ruramira Sector, the Mayor of Kayonza District, Nyemazi John Bosco, officiated the legal marriage of 63 couples who had previously been living together without formal recognition. The mayor urged them to live in harmony and to make joint decisions regarding their families and future development.
The event, organized with support from Kayonza District and RAB–SPIU through the KIIWP2 Project, took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The initiative aims to promote peace and harmony within families, especially those that had faced conflicts or informal unions.
On the same day, a campaign titled “Iwanjye Aheza Haruta Ahandi” (“My Home is the Best Place”) was launched to encourage citizens to create peaceful, respectful, and understanding homes that foster sustainable development, gender equality, and mutual support.
In his address, Mayor Nyemazi emphasized that families in conflict cannot develop, urging couples to build strong communication and unity in decision-making.
“In everything you do, make sure you agree as a couple,” he said. “Discuss and agree on your development projects, and even on your household plans. Only then will your family develop quickly.”
Several newlyweds shared testimonies of how the KIIWP2 Project teachings had transformed their relationships and restored peace in their homes.
Mukamugema Marie Jeanne, who married her husband Habimana Gilbert, said:“In less than ten years, I had separated from my husband five times. The KIIWP project trained us and taught us that peace in the home is the foundation of development. Not being officially married had caused many conflicts because I wasn’t recognized as a legal wife.”
Her husband, Habimana Gilbert, added:“Before, our home was full of shouting and arguments, but now we live happily. Our children study well, and the project even gave us a cow and bedding materials. We are really doing well now.”
Representing RAB–SPIU, Gisa Shakila, Officer in charge of community development, gender, and youth, explained that the GALS (Gender Action Learning System) approach has yielded impressive results in promoting equality and cooperation among couples.
“GALS helps men and women set joint goals, understand which activities generate income, and work together for progress. It also includes the ‘diamond dreams’ exercise, where partners identify what they love and dislike, helping them avoid behaviors that hurt one another,” she said.
Introduced in Ruramira Sector in 2023–2024, the GALS approach has reached over 250 people, providing them with practical skills to resolve conflicts, strengthen unity, and rebuild love and harmony within their families.
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