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UR-CE delegation honours victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Nyanza Genocide Memorial

As part of the ongoing 32nd Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the University of Rwanda-College of Education organised a memorial visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Nyanza District. The delegation, composed of students and staff and led by Principal Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, paid tribute to more than 31,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest at the memorial.

The visit sought to honour the victims, deepen participants’ understanding of the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and provide a space for reflection on its consequences. It also aimed to strengthen their commitment to preserving its memory, upholding unity, and actively fighting genocide ideology.

The delegation included the Campus Administrator, Mrs. Immaculate Mukamuhizi ; the Chairperson of the Kwibuka 32 Organising Committee, Prof. Beatrice Yanzigiye ; members of the Committee ; staff from various administrative and academic units ; and a large representation of students.

UR-CE delegation listens to a briefing during their visit to Nyanza Genocide Memorial

During the visit, participants laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence in honour of the victims. They were then guided through the memorial, gaining insights into how the Genocide against the Tutsi unfolded in the area and its devastating impact on families and communities. Participants were also given time for questions and answers, allowing for deeper understanding and reflection.

Mr. Théophile Kayigambire, Director of Good Governance, Nyanza District, provided a detailed briefing. He explained that the former Nyabisindu Commune, part of Butare Prefecture, initially resisted the wave of killings in early April 1994 and became a place of refuge for many Tutsi fleeing violence.

Théophile Kayigambire (left), Director of Good Governance in Nyanza District, engages the UR-CE delegation with insights into the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the area

The situation later changed when the genocidal government intervened and appointed new leaders in key institutions, many from outside the region, who had already embraced genocide ideology. These leaders played a central role in organising, mobilising, and systematically sensitising the population to participate in attacks against innocent Tutsi men, women, and children, leading to widespread killings across the area.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Nsanganwimana highlighted the importance of such memorial visits as part of the University of Rwanda-College of Education’s annual programme. He noted that these visits provide a meaningful platform for students to engage directly with Rwanda’s history, draw lessons from the past, and strengthen their role in promoting unity and preventing genocide ideology.

Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, Principal of UR-CE, delivers remarks to the delegation at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.

For the students, the visit offered an opportunity to connect academic learning with lived history, strengthening their understanding of the consequences of division and the importance of national unity. The experience also reinforced their role as young ambassadors of remembrance, committed to preserving the memory of the victims and contributing to a peaceful and inclusive future.

Through such initiatives, the University of Rwanda-College of Education continues to nurture informed and responsible citizens dedicated to upholding the values of remembrance, resilience, and the collective commitment to “Never Again.”

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-College of Education