In day-to-day life, many are faced with situations where they sacrifice their comfort for the common good, while others have gone the extra mile, given their extraordinary and heroic actions.

Rwanda’s recognised heroes are laid to rest at the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Remera, next to Amahoro Stadium, under the management of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO).

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Characterised by a very green and serene environment, the premises are separated by road bricks to navigate around the tombs laid according to the three categories of Rwanda’s heroes.

The upper part is designated for ‘Imanzi’—heroes who demonstrated supreme sacrifice in carrying out outstanding acts that benefited society at large and exhibited a life example. They can only be awarded posthumously.

This upper part of the mausoleum is home to Maj Gen Fred Rwigema whose tomb is painted in white on the right and the Unknown Soldier’s tomb on the left, separated by a symbol of heroism at the centre.

According to Patrick Byishimo, the manager of the mausoleum, this symbol of a person with stretched arms pouring ‘water of life’ into another person’s bowl while facing the opposite side, signifies the supreme sacrifice that one gives, even his or her own life, for the sake of others with no basis of who they are.

In the same way, it reflects the sacrifices of Maj Gen Fred Rwigema and the Unknown Soldier who represent all the fallen soldiers of the liberation struggle that put an end to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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The lower part holds five tombs of recognised heroes under ‘Imena’ category; King Mutara III Rudahigwa (1911-1959), Michel Rwagasana (1927-1963), Agathe Uwiringiyimana (1953-1994), Félicité Niyitegeka (1934-1994), and the S6 students of ESP Nyange who lost their lives during the Genocide.

Only Rwigema and Uwiringiyimana’s remains are interred at the mausoleum while the rest of the tombs are symbolic to pay tribute to the respective heroes.

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Imena is the hero who seconds Imanzi and is reputed for extraordinary acts for the country which are characterised by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example, according to CHENO.

Below this side of the premises is another yard dedicated to the ‘Ingenzi’ category, however, heroes under this category are yet to be announced.

Nicholas Rwaka, Director of Research at CHENO, said there is a list of names waiting for approval to be considered heroes after thorough research.

There are seven national orders awarded to people with heroic deeds, including the National Liberation Medal (Uruti), Campaign against Genocide Medal (Umurinzi), National Order of Honour (Agaciro), National Order of Friendship, (Igihango), National Order of Performance (Indashyikirwa), National Order of Culture (Indangamirwa), and National Order of Bravery (Indengabahizi).

By and large, this is where on February 1st of every year, wreaths are laid on the tombs to recognise, and celebrate national heroes as the country reflects and draws lessons from them.

Byishimo said that celebrating and maintaining the honour of heroes instils the spirit of patriotism among Rwandans, especially young people who can do heroic deeds in various ways.

He disclosed that there are ongoing renovation works to add another part that holds the history of Rwandan heroes in writing and imagery.

The mausoleum is open and free of charge to all Rwandans and foreigners who wish to visit.