ULK HONORS 1994 GENOCIDE VICTIMS, PLEDGES UNITY AND EDUCATION
On Friday, May 17th, 2024, ULK
students, faculty, staff, and leaders gathered to commemorate the 1994 Genocide
against the Tutsi. Participants started by paying their respects to the over
250,000 lives laid to rest at the Kigali Genocide
Memorial.
The ceremony then continued at the ULK stadium, where the focus shifted towards education, fostering unity, and the fight against genocide ideology.
Starting with a prayer and moment of silence, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Cyprien Sikubwabo, then gave welcoming remarks to all participants and encouraged them to always fight against genocidal ideology.
Nyirumuringa Théophile, a genocide survivor, shared the harrowing story of his family’s murder during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He recounted how the Interahamwe brutally attacked him, inflicting three deep head wounds that left him on the brink of death. Théophile expressed profound gratitude to RPF-Inkotanyi, who rescued him and treated his severely infected wounds, enabling him to survive and eventually pursue his education. He is now happily married with two children and stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, the Founder and President of ULK, delivered a lecture that offered both healing and historical insight- delving into Rwanda’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history. Moreover, he shared how the genocide idealogy was fomented by the post-colonial governments and how it lead to the atrocities of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He also expressed gratitude to the RPF, led by H.E. President Paul Kagame, for stopping the genocide and fostering good governance that prioritizes national unity.
Ibuka representative, Gatete Eugene, urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards Rwanda’s future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and building a stronger nation, reminding them that Rwanda’s future rests in their hands.
The flame of hope was lit followed by a message of encouragement to the survivors by students from Glory Academy.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful message from the Guest of Honor, Mrs. Pauline Umwali Gasabo district’s Executive Director. She offered words of encouragement to the survivors and challenged the youth to learn more about the history of the genocide. By understanding the past, they can ensure such a tragedy never befalls Rwanda again.
