The Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda in Uganda over the weekend celebrated the 28th liberation anniversary with commitment to uphold achievements that Rwanda has registered since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign affairs in charge of regional affairs John Mulimba was guest of honour at the well-attended celebrations that took place at the residence of Col. Joseph Rutabana, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda.

The celebrations were marked by dancing to patriotism songs that reminisced October 1, 1990 when Rwanda’s liberation was launched in a war that would eventually topple the genocidal regime on July 4, 1994.

 "On a happy note, it’s gratifying to note that after the traumatic period that Rwanda went through; the country has remarkably recovered from that dark period.  That period however remains a history never to be forgotten by the whole world,” Mulimba told the audience that included members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Uganda.

 The Minister observed that Rwandans have been galvanized to work for the common good and have achieved tremendous progress in different sectors such as health, education, ICT and tourism, which had seemed impossible.

 "Rwanda remains one of Uganda’s most important trading partners mainly in food stuffs, petroleum products, fabrics and other items. Therefore, our objective remains one of promoting trade, and investment between our two countries, with the aim of improving the quality of lives of our people and promoting a shared prosperity,” he said.

Rutabana told his audience that the first priority of Government was to restore peace and security in the country, while catering for survivors who had lost hope of living again, and prosecuting the perpetrators who were responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and ultimately carrying out a successful reconciliatory process in a society that had been shattered.

"The journey has been long and difficult but thanks to the able and transformational leadership which charted a clear and shared vision, with inclusive policies and equal opportunities to all, based on the strategic choices of building unity, transparent and accountable systems,” Rutabana said.

"Rwandans both within and without have been empowered to actively participate in the planning and implementation of programs and activities that impact their lives and lead to national development.”

 Habib Mugabo, a Rwandan living in Mityana in Uganda, was all praises for the Rwandan Patriotic Army that put an end to the past bad leadership, and led to leadership today that has ensured dignity of all Rwandans wherever they live.

"We are ready to defend the achievements made so far because we derive our dignity from there. We are forever grateful to all those that fought the divisive past regimes,” he said.