Kigali Independent University ULK ltd Commemorates the 32nd Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
On Friday, June 5, 2026, Kigali Independent University ULK Ltd commemorated the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event brought together university leadership, students, staff, invited guests and partners in a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to preserving the truth of Rwanda’s history.
The commemoration activities began with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where participants paid tribute to more than 250,000 victims laid to rest at the memorial site. wreaths were laid on the mass graves, and a moment of silence was observed in honor of the innocent lives lost during the genocide.
ULK, UPI and Glory academy Management and staff laying wreaths on mass graves
One of the highlights of the event was a testimony delivered by Mr. Patrice Nzayisenga, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi who was only 13 years old when the genocide began. Born and raised in Gisozi, near the current premises of ULK, Mr. Nzayisenga recounted the painful experiences endured by his family during the genocide.
Mr. Patrice Nzayisenga giving his testimony
He narrated how his family was forced to flee in search of safety, only for many of them to be killed. His father was among the first victims murdered. After passing through numerous roadblocks where countless people lost their lives, he and a few surviving relatives eventually reached Sainte Famille Parish, where they were rescued by the Rwanda Patriotic Army(RPA/F-Inkotanyi).
Reflecting on his journey after the genocide, Mr. Nzayisenga explained that despite the hardships faced by survivors, he persevered through education, later served in the military, and eventually graduated from university. Today, he serves as the President of IBUKA in Gisozi Sector, demonstrating resilience, determination, and commitment to preserving the memory of genocide victims.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, Founder and President of Kigali Independent University ULK ltd, emphasized the importance of remembrance as a means of honoring the victims and educating future generations.
Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda the Founder and President of ULK ltd giving his remarks during the event
He noted that the annual commemoration organized by the ULK community, which includes the university, ULK Polytechnic Institute UPI, and Glory Academy under its umbrella, serves as an opportunity to remember those who were killed solely because of their identity and to support genocide survivors.
Glory academy students attentively listening to speakers at ULK stadium during the event
Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda further paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the RPA/F-Inkotanyi for stopping the genocide and rescuing those who were being targeted for extermination. He also highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades, citing peace, security, and educational development as key achievements that continue to attract students from across the world.
“Today, ULK hosts approximately 4,000 international students from 41 countries. Their presence is a testament to the peace, stability, and quality education that Rwanda offers,” he said.
A historical presentation delivered by Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana a research analyst in the Minstry of National Unity & Civic Engagement provided participants with an overview of the historical events that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi. He emphasized the role played by discrimination, exclusion, and genocide ideology in creating conditions that culminated in the 1994 tragedy.
Dr. Hakizimana Emmanuel giving his remarks during the event
Dr. Hakizimana stressed the importance of remembrance activities within educational institutions, noting that schools and universities have a responsibility to educate young people about the dangers of divisionism, hatred, and genocide ideology while promoting unity, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.
Also speaking during the event, Mr. Theogene Kabagambire, President of IBUKA in Gasabo District, commended ULK for its continued commitment to genocide commemoration and genocide prevention education.
Theogene Kabagambe the President of Ibuka in Gasabo district addressing attendants during the event
He underscored the importance of ensuring that young people understand Rwanda’s history and become active ambassadors of unity and reconciliation. He encouraged students to reject genocide ideology in all its forms and to contribute positively to building a peaceful and inclusive society.
Gasabo District Executive Administrator Mr. Bayasese Bernard addressing attendants during the event at ULK stadium
Representing Gasabo District, Mr. Bernard Bayasese, Executive Administrator of Gasabo District, reminded participants that the Genocide against the Tutsi was a planned and coordinated crime rather than a spontaneous event. He called upon students and educators to safeguard historical truth and to continue educating future generations about the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and extremism.
The commemoration concluded with a collective commitment by participants to uphold the values of unity, resilience, and responsible citizenship while ensuring that the memory of the victims remains alive for future generations.
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