On Tuesday, 12 August, Rwanda marked African Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day with events held across various districts. Nyaruguru District hosted the national-level ceremony, during which it was awarded as the best-performing district in CRVS service delivery for 2024–2025.

The ceremony also served as an opportunity to deliver CRVS-related services, including marriage legalisation and taking photographs for national identity cards. Similar services, and more, will continue to be offered within communities throughout a week-long campaign designed to make CRVS services more accessible to citizens.

In Muganza Sector of Nyaruguru District, Minister of State Marie Solange Kayisire called on citizens to take advantage of the week to register or update civil registration records, including births, deaths, and legal marriages, among other CRVS events.

“We urge those who have not registered their children, loved ones who passed away, or formalised their marriages to do so during this CRVS Week,” she said.

This year’s celebration also coincided with the 25th anniversary of decentralisation in Rwanda and the African Day of Decentralisation. Minister Kayisire highlighted that decentralisation has played a key role in bringing civil registration services closer to citizens, making them faster and more accessible. She commended the significant contribution of public agencies and development partners in advancing  CRVS in the country.