The University of Rwanda (UR) Huye Campus is currently abuzz with the arrival of more than 200 Sudanese students from the University of Medical Sciences and Technologies (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan.
These students are beginning their freshman year, and their academic journey includes spending nearly two years in Huye District for preclinical studies, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Following this phase, they will move on to other UR campuses for clinical medicine studies.
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In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Ange Sebutege, Mayor of Huye, shared insights into the economic and social impact of hosting international students in the district.
Sebutege said: "Huye is an education, heritage, and culture hub. The main campus of the University of Rwanda is in this district, and numerous other universities and educational institutions are also here. International students contribute significantly to our economy; they’re here for studies but need essentials like accommodation, food, and other necessities.
"There’s also a social impact they bring to our district. Sudanese students here for medical studies, like all medical students at UR, will be actively involved in campaigns and community outreach endeavours, educating citizens about NCDs, cancer, and other health-related issues," he said.
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Sebutege went on to highlight the district’s robust infrastructure and learning environment, saying: "Huye’s infrastructure is designed with students in mind, and facilitates a conducive learning environment. I’m talking about roads, buildings, water, electricity, and, most importantly, security. Currently, Huye hosts over 15,000 students from UR, RP IPRC Huye, and other private universities. The district is well-equipped to handle students, offering opportunities to the private sector and families in terms of hostels, accommodation facilities, and hospitality services, among others.”
He added that UR has the capacity to host even more students. "This city is historically a university city, and most of our prominent Rwandans passed through here. So, welcome to the new students, and I wish them a good stay in our beautiful district.”
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Speaking at an induction event at UR, Omar Bashir Taha, a Sudanese medical student, expressed his perspective on accommodation costs, noting: "Compared to my home country, accommodation seems cheaper here. We rented a house, me and four others. It has five rooms and it’s around Rwf700,000.”
Local resident Emile Gakwaya shared his experience hosting students, he said: "Over the five years my family and I have lived here, we’ve accommodated numerous students from UR, both local and international. As residents, we understand our houses can’t stay empty, and I’m glad to host some of these new students from Sudan. While I won’t reveal the exact amount they’re paying, hosting them brings many positives. Most international students are peaceful, focused on their studies, returning home, and occasionally going out to shop.”
Huye District boasts a wealth of attractions, with its crown jewel being the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda. This cultural hub houses a collection of historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artefacts, drawing visitors from both local and international spheres. Notably, the museum is situated just a few minutes away from Mount Huye, also known as Ibisi bya Huye, providing a hiking experience that takes approximately an hour and a half.
Adding to the district’s allure is Huye Mountain Coffee, located near Mount Huye. This establishment offers guided tours of its picturesque coffee plantation. Beyond these attractions, Huye District features a range of hotels, a football stadium, and an airfield.