In solidarity with Rwanda during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, staff and management of Radisson Blu and Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) paid tribute to the victims.
The observance included a visit to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial and an engagement with survivors at Impinganzima homes -- a village dedicated to elderly Genocide survivors known as Intwaza -- in Bugesera District.
Held on Wednesday, April 22, the commemoration brought together hotel staff, management, representatives of survivors’ associations, and residents of Impinganzima homes.
Through testimonies, remembrance activities, and conversations with survivors, the event emphasised resilience, collective memory, and the responsibility of younger generations to preserve the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi while continuing to fight Genocide ideology and denial.
Reflecting on history at Nyamata – once a church, now a Genocide memorial
At Nyamata Genocide Memorial, staff members were taken through the history of the atrocities committed in Bugesera and the events that unfolded at the former church, now a memorial, during the Genocide.
Today, more than 45,000 victims are laid to rest at the memorial site. During the Genocide, thousands of Tutsi had sought refuge inside the church, believing it would offer them protection, as it had during earlier waves of violence targeting Tutsi in previous decades.
However, in April 1994, the church became a killing site. More than 10,000 people who had sought refuge there were murdered, while many others buried at the memorial were killed in the surrounding areas of Bugesera.
The church has since been preserved as a testimony to the horrors that took place there. Victims’ clothes remain displayed inside, alongside visible bullet marks on the walls and ceiling.
Nyamata Genocide Memorial is among Rwanda’s Genocide memorial sites recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its role in preserving the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Following the memorial visit, the delegation laid wreaths at the mass graves.
Connecting with Intwaza survivors at Impinganzima homes
The delegation later visited Impinganzima homes. Opened in 2018 by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the homes currently host 70 residents – Genocide survivors – comprising 64 women and six men. All of them are elderly women and men who lost their spouses and all their children during the Genocide.
Speaking during the visit, Nice Uwase, Complex Director of Operations at Radisson Blu and Kigali Convention Centre, described the moment with survivors as deeply emotional and meaningful, particularly for members of the post-Genocide generation.
"Most of us belong to the post-genocide generation, but we want you to know that you are not alone. We are together,” she said.
"When we see you, we see our parents. The moment we hugged you gave us a sense of family and connection. Your resilience and strength continue to guide us and be a light for us.”
Uwase emphasised the responsibility carried by the youth to protect Rwanda’s unity and continue fighting Genocide ideology and denial.
"We promise that it will never happen again. Like soldiers, the youths you saw here are ready to protect this country’s peace and unity,” she said.
Messages of resilience, remembrance and commitment to unity
Survivors who spoke during the gathering echoed similar messages, urging young people to protect the progress Rwanda has made and shun any form of divisionism or Genocide ideology.
They also thanked the hotel staff for the visit, describing them as "our children” and emphasising how such gestures help restore hope and comfort during the commemoration period.
Françoise Umuhoza, Coordinator of Impinganzima homes in Bugesera, underscored the importance of standing alongside survivors, especially during the period of commemoration.
Reflecting on the survivors’ resilience, she noted that beyond receiving support, some residents engage in farming, sewing, and other activities. This year, residents also contributed to paying school fees for around 40 children from nearby communities.
"Despite everything they went through, many of these parents continue to think about helping others. It is part of their resilience and humanity,” she said.
Eugene Gashugi, Chief Engineer and Environmental Manager at Radisson Blu and Kigali Convention Centre, commended the survivors for remaining strong despite enduring years of discrimination and violence.
"Many of you witnessed the discrimination, the killings, and everything that eventually led to the Genocide. Yet you remained resilient and continued to live with dignity and strength,” he said.
He also commended the liberation struggle that stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi and restored peace and stability in Rwanda, thanks to RPF Inkotanyi.
Speaking at the event, Beatrice Niweburiza, Secretary General of Avega Agahozo, described the visit as a reflection of Rwanda’s culture of togetherness and unity.
She emphasised that regular visits and interactions help survivors feel connected to the families they lost during the Genocide.
"We thank you for visiting these parents. They see you as their children, and your presence restores their hope and joy for life,” she said.