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The Principal of UR CE, Prof Florien Nsanganwimana, lays a wreath in honour of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi during the Kwibuka 32 at UR Rukara Campus.

On 29 April 2026, the University of Rwanda-College of Education commemorated for the 32nd time the Genocide against the Tutsi. The event was a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment, honoring more than one million innocent lives lost while standing in solidarity with survivors.

The commemoration brought together the college community, alumni, and partners, and was graced by the Guest of Honour, Mr Higiro Jules, Vice Mayor of Kayonza District, representing the Governor of the Eastern Province.

Delivering the keynote remarks, Prof Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of UR CE, underscored the significance of the day as both a time to mourn and a call to action. “Today is a moment to remember the more than one million innocent victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, to stand with survivors, and to renew our commitment that such a tragedy must never happen again,” he said.

At the heart of his message was the unique responsibility borne by the College of Education. As an institution that trains future teachers, UR-CE plays a critical role in shaping the values, attitudes, and perspectives of generations to come. “We train teachers who will shape the minds and values of Rwanda’s children and youth. Education must go beyond knowledge. It must be rooted in humanity, unity, and resilience,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, he acknowledged how education was misused in the past, particularly between 1962 and 1994, when it became a vehicle for division and hatred against the Tutsi. He noted, however, that the period after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has demonstrated the transformative power of education. “Education, which was once misused, has become a powerful force to build unity, reconciliation, and lasting peace,” he said.

Prof Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of UR CE, delivers a message of remembrance, unity, and responsibility during the Kwibuka 32 at UR-CE, Rukara Campus.

Prof Nsanganwimana called on educators and institutions to continue teaching the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi with professionalism and integrity. “We must ensure that truth prevails over lies and ignorance, and we must confront those who deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi,” he stressed, highlighting the role of education as a shield against genocidal ideology.

Addressing students, he delivered a strong message of responsibility and hope. “You have the duty to be guardians of truth and builders of the future. Cultivate values of unity, integrity, and respect for human life, and be courageous in confronting genocidal ideology while promoting peace and mutual respect,” he urged.

Turning to his colleagues, he emphasized the need to integrate lessons of peace, unity, and remembrance into all aspects of academic life. “Let us continue to embed these values in our teaching and research, and to reach out to survivors with compassion and support, contributing to lasting reconciliation,” he added.

In a heartfelt message to survivors present at the commemoration, he expressed deep respect and solidarity. “We remember you and stand with you. Your courage and resilience give hope and set an example for all of us,” he said.

As the event concluded, a shared message resonated among participants. Remembrance must inspire responsibility. By preserving the truth of history and nurturing values of unity and humanity through education, UR CE reaffirms its commitment to building a future free from hatred, discrimination, and division.

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE