Karongi District and its development partners have helped more than 9,000 residents graduate from extreme poverty and are now scaling up support to an additional 10,000 still facing severe economic hardship.
The progress was announced during the Karongi District Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) General Assembly held on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Raymond Uwiragiye, Chairperson of the District’s Development Partners Forum, said the Graduation Programme continues to deliver significant impact.
He noted:
The programme has enabled over 9,000 residents to move out of poverty through various interventions, including livestock distribution, provision of seeds and fertilizers, employment through VUP, and financial literacy that encourages saving and borrowing.”
Uwiragiye highlighted persistent challenges:
“A major issue is mindset. Some families believe they are destined to remain poor, while others misuse the support provided, assuming they will continue receiving aid. This led to around 2,000 people dropping out of the programme last year.”
Karongi District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Julienne Ntakirutimana, reaffirmed the District’s commitment to poverty reduction.
She stated:
About 67% of targeted households have already graduated from extreme poverty. This year, we are supporting 1,088 more residents, including those who dropped out. Our priority is shifting mindsets, helping citizens understand that support is temporary and that they can drive their own development. We also link them to opportunities such as VUP jobs, development partners, and cooperatives.”
Karongi District is currently working with 84 development partners.
Gashonga Jean Claude
