In Rubavu, a community of people who refuse to be defined by their disabilities. The members of COTTRARU cooperative are proving that inclusion, innovation, and initiative can drive lasting change.
What began as a post-war survival strategy has now evolved into a model of inclusive development. COTTRARU, made up entirely of individuals with disabilities, has become a beacon of hope in a country where only 30% of persons with disabilities have access to employment, according to the 2022 National Census.
Among them is Victoria Uwineza, who has a physical disability. Before joining the cooperative, Victoria’s life was limited to waiting at home for assistance, with little purpose or direction.
Today, she is a provider, an active contributor, and a voice for change. “This cooperative saved my life—emotionally and economically. I went from hopelessness to having my own income and supporting my family,” says Victoria.
Her story is echoed by Obed Nizeyimana, who used his earnings to buy a motorcycle and build a home. “Koperative yampaye icyerekezo,”
He says in Kinyarwanda“The cooperative gave me a new direction.”
The cooperative operates in a competitive space—cross-border transport—and faces challenges such as reduced goods flow due to regional instability and the rising cost of specialized bicycles (now costing over 1.2 million RWF each). Yet, the members remain undeterred.
They are appealing for partners and donors to support their efforts by subsidizing tools and advocating for reinstated access to certain cross-border goods that once provided much of their income.
Despite the hurdles, COTTRARU members are not waiting to be helped—they are helping themselves and each other. They have become living proof that economic productivity and social value are not determined by physical ability, but by vision, willpower, and solidarity.
As Rwanda works towards an inclusive labor market, COTTRARU stands as a model: not of charity, but of empowerment, where the marginalized become the trailblazers.
MUKANTWALI Magnifique
