PREPARATIONS for a liberation history tourism trail, which is slated for July 3-4, have reached advanced stages. Organised by different parties, including Simba Safaris, Alex Muyoboke, Joel Rutaganda and Divine Inshuti, the tour will have a maximum of 100 participants. The objective is to enlighten those taking part about the liberation struggle, organisers say. Rwanda is set to mark the 27th liberation anniversary on Sunday, July 4. The day also marks the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of over a million people before it was brought to a halt by the forces of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF). Inshuti, one of the organisers of the tour, told The New Times that, ordinarily, the liberation history tourism trail encompasses four phases, but due to the pandemic, they will cover just one phase. The first phase involves insights into the early days of the liberation struggle, including its launch, on October 1, 1990, and the subsequent setbacks in the days that followed the death of Maj Gen Fred Rwigema, the first commander of Rwanda Patriotic Army, the armed wing of the RPF. To participate, an individual is required to pay Rwf100, 000, while a couple has to part with Rwf160,000 for the trail. The fee will cover a Covid test, accommodation, transport, headsets, and meals, Inshuti said. “Our journey will begin from Kagitumba to other historic sites of the liberation struggle and then end at Muhazi Beach Resort where everyone will stay for the night,” she said. During the night, Inshuti added, a bonfire will be lit and “we will get to know more about the liberation struggle through storytelling and be able to ask different questions. We will also visit Lake Muhazi and sing liberation songs.” Different DJs, including DJ Rugamba and DJ Diallo, will be busy behind the decks playing liberation songs, organisers say. Several celebrities are expected to go on the trail. Asked how they intend to ensure compliance with Covid guidelines, Inshuti said safety was a key factor in the whole planning process, adding that they put in place elaborate safety protocols on the bus and in other settings, while masking up and regular handwashing or sanitising will be a requirement.
