A Legacy of Vision and Opportunity: Rwanda’s Path Through Golf Development

As I reached my sixties, I find myself reflecting on the many lessons I’ve learned throughout my life. One conversation stands out in my mind—a conversation I had with my late father, and another I had with my late uncle, Philippe Kanamugire. Both men shared a deep connection to Rwanda, despite the multiple exiles they endured, often finding themselves displaced across the borders in neighboring countries. But despite the hardships, they always held a deep faith in the potential of our homeland, a country of hills, of untapped promise.

Both my father and uncle had something in common: they were writers, each with their own notebooks, where they transcribed their thoughts and observations about the world. I remember hoping, in my youthful ignorance, that I might one day be able to read their journals—only to realize that neither had computers nor access to modern media platforms that could ensure their thoughts were preserved. Their passion for documenting their lives was born from a desire to leave a legacy for future generations, something I too now strive for.

It is in these quiet moments of solitude, as I reflect and transcribe my own experiences—both the good and the bad—that I realize how fortunate I am to not keep these thoughts to myself. Life, with all its complexities and challenges, is an adventure filled with valuable lessons for those who are open to learning.

As I walk the hills of Kigali—from Kibagabaga to Kagugu, and back to Gacuriro—I am reminded of the remarkable transformation that has taken place in our city. One such moment occurred when I stood at a spot overlooking what is now Kigali Golf Resort & Villas. I couldn’t help but reflect on the past, remembering the year 1997 when my father first showed me the land that the family had acquired after returning from exile in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). With the support of MVK (the City Admin of the time), Rwandans were being encouraged to return and rebuild after the tragedy that struck our country.

I vividly remember my father pointing to the valley where a simple structure—what was once the clubhouse of our post-genocide golf course—stood. "You see this place?" he asked. "One day, this place will be highly sought after, because a golf course is a development engine for a country." At the time, I was young and ignorant to understand his words. I smiled, looking at the land with little interest, unsure of what he saw that I could not. Little did I know, those same lands would soon become the foundation of what is now a thriving golf destination.

Years later, I would find myself in the position to sell that very land, a decision made with no compensation in return, simply as part of our family’s broader legacy. Today, as I witness the remarkable growth of this project, I can’t help but think back to my father’s vision, one that I struggled to comprehend at the time. But now, I see how deeply he understood the transformative power of this industry for our country.

While some of the younger generation may see golf merely as a pastime, a game played for leisure or distraction, I’ve come to understand that it is much more than that. It’s a tool for development, a way to uplift entire communities and create opportunities for those who will one day lead our country. The project we are building today isn’t just about golf; it’s about contributing to the nation’s future, providing a foundation for growth that will extend far beyond our own lifetimes.

I have spent countless mornings reflecting on how I can help the younger generation understand the significance of what we are creating. Some may question the time it will take for Rwanda to see returns on its investments, sarcastically asking how long it will take for the country to recover its investment. I often respond, sometimes naively, that their children will understand when they live long enough to witness the long-term effects of this project. But the true value of what we are doing lies in the ability to see the bigger picture—a picture that will evolve in ways that are not immediately apparent.

One of the most striking conversations I had was with a local resident who sarcastically asked when our country would recover the funds invested in projects like this. I answered, half in jest, that his child might one day explain it to him, assuming he manages to stay sober long enough to see it. While my response might not have been the best at the time, it was rooted in a deeper understanding of the generational impact that projects like the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas can have on our nation's development.

Golf is not just a game. It is an investment in the future—a sustainable opportunity for the people of Rwanda and for generations to come. It will create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and provide a platform for young people to gain skills that will serve them well in life, whether they are involved in the sport or in the broader development of our country. This is why I am so deeply invested in this project: I see it as a long-term solution to many of the challenges we face as a nation.

As I continue this journey, I hope that I can help the younger generation understand the significance of what we are doing, not only in terms of its economic benefits but also its cultural impact. Rwanda is a country that has endured much, but it is also a country filled with boundless potential. The vision of my father, the lessons I’ve learned, and the progress we are witnessing today all point toward a brighter future for Rwanda—a future where development is not just a short-term goal, but a long-term reality.

In the end, as I look back at the journey that has brought us to this point, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the vision of those who came before me, and for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of my country. And most of all, I am grateful for the chance to help build something that will benefit generations of Rwandans to come.