Rwandans in Uganda honour Genocide victims

The Rwandan community in Uganda took part in a Walk to Remember, in memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The walk took place at the Ndejje and St. Lawrence universities in Kampala.

Sunday, May 03, 2015
Rwandan community in Uganda during the Walk to Remember in Kampala. (Gashegu Muramira)

The Rwandan community in Uganda took part in a Walk to Remember, in memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The walk took place at the Ndejje and St. Lawrence universities in Kampala.

The walk, which started at Ndejje University campus in Mengo, was organized by the Rwanda High Commission in partnership with the associations of Rwandan students in Uganda.

Carrying banners and placards with messages denouncing genocide and calling for its prevention in the world, the youth were joined by mourners from other universities and high school for a one hour walk in Kampala city.

Later, they gathered at the St. Lawrence University hall where Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Frank Mugambage, narrated Rwanda’s recovery and transformation journey since the Genocide.

He emphasized the need for all people to be ambassadors who preach against genocide denial.

"We must remain at the forefront of the fight against genocide denial,” Mugambage said, underscoring that the fight should also be taken on the internet and social media platforms.

Donat Kananura, the Chairman of the Rwandan community in Uganda commended the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) leadership for having stopped the genocide and called on the youth to play their rightful role in the development of the country.

The mourners also held a candle lighting moment and a night vigil in memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"All countries should work together to fight genocide because even if you buried your head in the sand, the negative effects will finally come to your house,” said Lawrence Nsereko, the St. Lawrence University Human Resource Manager.

As part of the commemoration activities, the Rwandan community in Uganda and friends of Rwanda last month gathered at Lambu Memorial site where they laid wreaths on the mass graves of thousands of genocide victims buried there.