The Government of Rwanda has declared both today, Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, 2025 as public holidays in celebration of Labour Day, giving Rwandans a rare opportunity for a long weekend of rest and reflection.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour said, “The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs the public that tomorrow, Thursday May 1, 2025, is Labour Day and will be a public holiday. The Ministry takes this opportunity to inform the public that the Government of Rwanda has also granted a public holiday on Friday May 2, 2025.”
The decision to extend the public holiday has been met with widespread praise, particularly from across the border in Uganda.
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was abuzz with admiration, with many Ugandans applauding Rwanda’s government for its consistent prioritization of workers’ welfare.
“Rwanda understands the value of rest. It’s a government that truly treasures its people,” Sam Jjuuko said on X.
Queen Janie, her user name of X praised Rwanda leadership for caring about its people.
“This is what caring leadership looks like. Rwanda always gives its people time to breathe.”
“Am sure some Ugandans will make noise about this. Public servants in Rwanda are very lucky, Paul Kagame has done it for them. Their weekend has started this evening,” said Nanyanzi Gladys on X.
Rwanda has built a reputation for being people-centred when it comes to work-life balance, and this latest move further solidifies that image.
