Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, participated in a community physical exercise session with citizens in Gitega on Monday, September 1, 2026. The event commenced in the city center of Gitega, where Ms. Ndayishimiye emphasized the importance of regular physical activity. She stressed that physical exercises must become a permanent habit, stating, "La pratique des exercices physiques doit être une habitude permanente." Ms. Ndayishimiye further noted that "les exercices physiques, en plus de contribuer au bon fonctionnement du corps, permettent à une personne, de garder un esprit sain et d’être toujours de bonne humeur." She affirmed, "La pratique des exercices physiques doit être régulière."
Community Fitness Journey
Participants in the fitness drive walked past the monument dedicated to Prince Louis Rwagasore. The activities involved a varied routine, which included alternating periods of walking, dancing, and running. The established route for the exercise session navigated through several key locations in Gitega. It passed by the Gitega regional hospital and continued near the Institute of Health Sciences. The route further extended to the Gitega-Karusi crossroads, then proceeded in the direction of Ngozi, traversing through the Rutegama zone before ultimately reaching the Zege neighborhood.
Upon arrival in Zege, Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, greeted children from the Nice hope house orphanage. The group also passed near the University of Burundi's Faculty of Agronomy and Bioengineering during their journey. The entire exercise session concluded at the Technical and Professional School (ETP), located in the Bwoga neighborhood. Ms. Ndayishimiye has previously stated that "la pratique des exercices physiques doit être une habitude permanente" (the practice of physical exercise must be a permanent habit). She further emphasized that "les exercices physiques, en plus de contribuer au bon fonctionnement du corps, permettent à une personne, de garder un esprit sain et d’être toujours de bonne humeur" (physical exercises, in addition to contributing to the proper functioning of the body, allow a person to maintain a healthy mind and always be in a good mood). Ms. Ndayishimiye affirmed, "La pratique des exercices physiques doit être régulière" (The practice of physical exercise must be regular).
Health and Well-being Benefits
Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, noted the full benefits of physical activity, noting its role in fostering both physical and mental well-being. According to Ms. Ndayishimiye, "les exercices physiques, en plus de contribuer au bon fonctionnement du corps, permettent à une personne, de garder un esprit sain et d’être toujours de bonne humeur." This statement translates to physical exercises contributing to the proper functioning of the body, and also enabling a person to maintain a healthy mind and always be in a good mood. She showed the necessity of consistency in these efforts. Ms. Ndayishimiye emphasized, "La pratique des exercices physiques doit être régulière," signifying that the practice of physical exercise must be regular. She also asserted, "la pratique des exercices physiques doit être une habitude permanente," indicating that the practice of physical exercise must be a permanent habit.
Inclusive Message
Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, reiterated the necessity of consistent physical activity for all citizens. She stated that the practice of physical exercise must be regular. Ms. Ndayishimiye further stressed that "the practice of physical exercises must be a permanent habit." She also emphasized the non-discriminatory nature of physical exercise, affirming that participation is not linked to political parties or religious confessions. This message showed an inclusive approach to health and well-being initiatives across the community. Her remarks aimed to encourage broad participation in fitness activities, promoting public health regardless of personal affiliations.
