My trip to Rusororo started as a simple errand. I was in the area to check out the computer lab at Kabuga Youth Center, making sure everything was ready for the virtual book club sessions I’ll soon be hosting with the youth here as part of the Turning Pages program. A quick inspection, a few conversations, a mental rehearsal of how the sessions will run—nothing dramatic.
But as soon as I stepped outside, the familiar urge kicked in: why ride straight home when I can explore a little? So I hopped on my bike and decided to spin around Rusororo, just to see what’s new.
Rusororo is no longer the quiet Kigali suburb I used to cruise through on my way to the cemetery. The transformation here is loud and proud. Posh mansions are sprouting up everywhere. Roads are now paved, lined with street lights and pedestrian walkways that give the whole sector a more polished, modern feel.
Then, of course, there’s the jewel that turns heads: Intare Arena. That imposing structure rises out of the landscape like a declaration—bold, unapologetic, and unmistakably Rwagasabo.
As I continued my ride deeper into the suburb, I eventually reached Jalia Hall, one of Kigali’s standout event venues. Its garden was picturesque, the kind of space designed for elegant weddings and unforgettable celebrations. While still on Jalia's premises, Chemchem Restaurant caught my attention. The charm of this place was enough to keep me in Rusororo far longer than I had planned.
And now, as I write this, I’m sitting inside Chemchem Coffee Bar, sipping something refreshing and letting the quiet charm of this place keep me hostage—in the best way. My “quick visit” has slowly evolved into an extended afternoon of observation, writing, and appreciation.