The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) has commended communal leaders in the Northern Province for their remarkable achievements in healthcare and savings. On October 28, 2026, the RSSB acknowledged the efforts of communal leaders in the Northern Province who have made significant strides in providing healthcare insurance and promoting savings through the Ejo Heza program. The communal leaders of Musanze, Gakenke, and Rulindo have been recognized for their outstanding performance in enrolling residents in healthcare insurance.
According to the RSSB, Musanze, Gakenke, and Rulindo have demonstrated exceptional commitment to providing healthcare insurance to their residents. As of 2025-2026, Musanze has achieved an impressive 99.4% enrollment rate, followed by Gakenke at 89.0%, and Rulindo at 86.6%. However, despite these achievements, approximately 350,370 residents in the Northern Province remain uninsured, while 70,930 have partially paid for their insurance.
The RSSB report highlights that Gakenke and Gicumbi have made significant progress in enrolling residents in the Ejo Heza program. Gicumbi has emerged as a leader in healthcare insurance enrollment, exceeding its target by 142% in 2025-2026. In the previous year, Gakenke ranked second in achieving its healthcare insurance enrollment target, with a remarkable 141% success rate. Notably, Gakenke has also demonstrated a strong commitment to savings, with 34% of its residents participating in the Ejo Heza program.
Communal leaders attribute their success to a combination of factors, including community engagement, leadership, and the use of exemplary models. Gakenke Mayor, Vestine Mukandayisenga, emphasizes the importance of community understanding and participation in healthcare and savings initiatives. She notes that the community's willingness to listen and adapt to new ideas has been instrumental in their success.
Gicumbi Mayor, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, shares similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of understanding the benefits of the Ejo Heza program. He attributes the commune's success to its "Yongere ni Ayawe" initiative, which aims to encourage residents to participate in the Ejo Heza program. The initiative has contributed significantly to Gicumbi's impressive enrollment rates.
Northern Province Governor, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, commends the communal leaders for their achievements and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all residents have access to healthcare insurance and savings opportunities. He notes that the province is committed to continuing its efforts to promote healthcare and savings, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations.
RSSB Chief Executive Officer, Regis Rugemanshuro, encourages all Rwandans to prioritize their future by investing in healthcare insurance and savings. He emphasizes that investing in Ejo Heza and healthcare insurance is essential for securing one's future and ensuring that individuals can access quality healthcare when needed. The RSSB reports that the Ejo Heza fund has grown to over RWF 100 billion, with over 4.2 million registered participants and over 3.9 million regular contributors.
Key points
- - Communal leaders in Rwanda's Northern Province recognized for outstanding healthcare and savings achievements - Gicumbi and Gakenke emerge as leaders in healthcare insurance enrollment and savings initiatives - RSSB commends communal leaders for their efforts and encourages all Rwandans to prioritize healthcare insurance and savings
