Kigali, 3 July 2026 – Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, officially inaugurated the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre at the Mutobo Demobilisation and Reintegration Centre in Musanze District, a centre supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants and civilians associated with armed groups returning from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The newly established ECD Centre will provide temporary care and early childhood development services to children accompanying their parents while they participate in civic education and reintegration programmes. Through the centre, children will receive age-appropriate care, nutrition, early learning, stimulation, and protection in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Mutobo Reintegration Centre currently hosts 687 returnees, including 283 children who arrived with their parents, with 158 enrolled in the ECD programme, while 125 children under the age of 18 are benefiting from a special literacy programme that equips them with basic reading and writing skills. Many of these children were born and raised in forests under the control of armed groups, where they were denied a normal childhood, education, and the protection guaranteed by children's rights. Instead, they grew up amid conflict, violence, and deprivation, with many experiencing traumatic circumstances from an early age.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Uwimana said that the establishment of the Mutobo ECD Centre marks an important milestone in restoring hope and giving children the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment. She encouraged parents to make full use of the services offered by the ECD Centre and to continue embracing early childhood development programmes after they are resettled in their communities.

Following the inauguration, the Minister met with returnees undergoing civic education and reintegration training, welcoming them back to the Rwandan family and encouraging them to contribute to national development, safeguard Rwanda's security, and promote lasting peace. She also called upon them to encourage fellow Rwandans still in armed groups to return home and benefit from the Government's reintegration programmes.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of protecting children from all forms of abuse and violence, reminding participants that child defilement is a serious criminal offence under Rwandan law and carries severe legal consequences. She urged parents and caregivers to uphold children's rights by providing safe, nurturing, and protective family environments. 

The visit reaffirmed the Government of Rwanda's unwavering commitment to child protection, family resilience, and the successful reintegration of returnees, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to grow up in safety, dignity, and hope.