Members of Unity Club Intwararumuri joined elderly Genocide survivors known as Intwaza at Impinganzima home in Huye District on Friday, April 17, to honour 664 victims, family members of the residents who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The commemorated victims include children and spouses of 148 Intwaza who once lived in the home. Currently, the facility accommodates 106 residents, 99 women and seven men, who continue to receive care and community support.

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The event is part of the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, providing a moment to remember loved ones and stand in solidarity with the survivors who endured profound personal tragedies.

A painful testimony of loss

One of the residents, Marie Gregorie Uwambajemariya, shared a testimony of the violence that tore her family apart.

Before the Genocide, she lived with her husband, Emmanuel Uwimana, and their six children in Ngoma Sector of Huye District. Her husband, who was alocal leader, faced pressure to join the then-ruling MRND party but refused.

"They told him he could no longer lead because he had not joined them,” she recalled.

As tensions escalated, armed men began targeting their family. Uwambajemariya recounted how soldiers and local leaders repeatedly came to their home, accusing Uwimana of hiding weapons and bullets and threatening his life.

When the genocide started, the family fled to Kabakobwa hill. However, violence soon caught up with them. She said that after trying to hide in different places he was later killed. Four of their children also perished during the genocide, while two who initially survived later died in 2000 due to illness.

Uwambajemariya expressed gratitude for the support she now receives from Impinganzima home.

"I thank the leadership that brought us here. We are cared for, and we are not alone,” she said.

Standing in solidarity

Speaking on behalf of Unity Club, Senator Espérance Nyirasafari acknowledged the weight of what the survivors went through.

"It is never easy to speak after hearing such painful stories, but this is our history, we must tell it as it is,” Nyirasafari said.

She emphasized that, while 32 years have passed since the Genocide, the pain remains fresh for survivors.

"For those who lived through it, it feels like yesterday. You can never forget your children or loved ones,” she said.

She reassured the Intwaza that they are not alone.

"We cannot replace your loved ones, but we are here for you. We walk this journey together,” she added.

Nyirasafari also highlighted the resilience of survivors, describing their continued lives as a victory over those who sought to exterminate the Tutsi.

"Your survival is an honour to those we lost and a defeat to those who wanted to destroy you,” she said.

"You are the evidence of resilience. Your lives are a symbol of strength and hope for future generations.”

A call to protect unity

Nyirasafari warned that divisionism and hate speech, if left unchecked, can lead to devastating consequences she said citing what is currently happening in the region.

"History shows that when divisionism is not addressed early, it can escalate into violence and even genocide,” she said.

She also called on Rwandans to report acts of discrimination or genocide ideology and work collectively to uphold national unity.

Addressing young people, the senator underscored their responsibility to preserve the truth about the Genocide.

"Some of you were not born yet, but you must learn this history, understand it, and pass it on, so that the truth is never distorted,” she said.

Local leaders reaffirm commitment

The Mayor of Huye District, Ange Sebutege, said the commemoration was both a moment of mourning and a reaffirmation of national values.

"We stand with Intwaza as they remember their loved ones, and we renew our commitment to fight anything that could take our country backwards,” he said.

Sebutege commended Unity Club Intwararumuri for continued support to survivors and pledged that local authorities would ensure the well-being of residents of the home.

He also paid tribute to the leadership that stopped the Genocide, noting that it enabled survivors to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s development.