Development partners operating in Karongi District have been encouraged to continuously improve the quality of their work, strengthen service delivery, and expand development initiatives to ensure that no community is left behind.
The call was made during the official opening of the 2026 Karongi Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) Open Day taking place from July 13–16, 2026. The four-day exhibition brings together development partners to showcase their achievements, share innovations, and present future plans that contribute to the district’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, JADF Karongi Chairperson Uwiragiye Reymond emphasized that the exhibition should go beyond displaying completed projects. He said it is also an opportunity for partners to present well-planned future initiatives that will create an even greater impact. He noted that JADF members play a vital role in advancing education, environmental protection, poverty reduction, and many other sectors that improve the lives of residents. He added that the district’s achievements are the result of strong collaboration between development partners and local leadership.
Karongi District Mayor Muzungu Gerald commended development partners for their significant contribution to the district’s progress, saying their interventions promote good governance and sustainable development. He encouraged them to continue improving the quality of their services, noting that as a tourism destination, Karongi must consistently provide high-quality services that encourage visitors to return.
The Mayor Muzungu also appealed to partners to support the district’s efforts to help approximately 10,800 residents currently living below the poverty line improve their livelihoods. He expressed confidence that through strengthened collaboration, these households can be lifted out of poverty and achieve a better quality of life.
Officially opening the exhibition, Western Province Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura described the event as an important platform for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance by showcasing development achievements across the district.
He noted that Karongi continues to make significant progress toward becoming a secondary city, highlighting the opportunities created by the district’s growing economy. The Governor pointed to the ongoing Lake Kivu methane gas project, which has already created employment opportunities for many residents and is expected to provide cooking gas to households in the future. As more investors, workers, and visitors come to Karongi, he urged businesses and service providers to maintain high standards of customer service to strengthen the district’s reputation.
Governor Ntibitura further stressed that development should not remain concentrated in urban areas alone. He called on both public and private stakeholders to extend similar investments and services to rural sectors so that all residents can equally benefit from the district’s development.
This year’s JADF Open Day is being held under the theme: “Inclusive Partnership for Self-Reliant Development.”
