In celebration of National Heroes Day, University of Kigali students and staff honoured Rwanda’s heroes by spending the day with those who fought to liberate the country. The student-led initiative took place on Saturday, February 1, Rwanda’s Heroes Day, in Kibaya village, Kamashashi cell, Nyarugunga sector, bringing together students, university administrators, local community members, and retired soldiers who were injured during the liberation struggle. ALSO READ: University of Kigali sends top IT students to Czech Republic for exchange programme The event started with a dance to the rhythm of hand claps and music praising the bravery of Rwandan heroes, setting the tone for a celebration filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for Rwanda’s national heroes. Eric Karegaya, the sector’s Finance and Administration Director (DAF), commended the students' initiative and encouraged them to continue contributing to the community, and urged young people to learn from Rwanda’s heroes and ensure the country never goes back. “As leaders, we want the youth to understand what our heroes fought for, where they took us from, and what they enabled us to achieve. If we forget their sacrifices, we risk going back to where we came from,” he said. “The country is now safe, and it would be a disgrace to reverse the progress we’ve made. Let’s love our country and protect it so that our heroes, wherever they are, can see that their sacrifices were not in vain.” International students from the University of Kigali also joined the celebration, expressing appreciation for the safe and welcoming environment Rwanda provides. Kelechi Anyenwu Reginald, a Nigerian student who has lived in Rwanda for six years and adopted the Rwandan name Mugisha, acknowledged the contributions of Rwandan heroes. “I want to appreciate our heroes here today. Because of people like you, some of us have a home in Rwanda. If not for the fight you fought, Rwanda would not be the country we see today,” he said. “Rwanda is not just for Rwandans. It is for all of us. You made it possible for Rwanda to be a home for everyone, and I want you to know that your fight was not in vain.” He added that Rwanda is the only country where he has never been treated as a foreigner. “Rwanda is home for me, my name is Mugisha,” he said proudly. University of Kigali students shared heartfelt messages of appreciation, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the heroes of the liberation war. Pauline Niyonasenze, a student leader, and secretary in the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) at the university, reflected on how the heroes' sacrifices shaped her life. “I am here because of you. I was only two weeks old during the Genocide, but because of your fight, I never experienced malnutrition. I got milk and porridge, and for that, I honour your bravery,” she said. Diane Uwase, Chairperson of RPF at the university, expressed pride in the country’s heroes. “As youth, we are so proud of you. You gave us a country and pulled it out of darkness, and that is why we will always stand with you,” she noted. “I am just 24 years old, and while I may not know much about the past, when I see where Rwanda is today compared to where it came from, I am filled with gratitude. We will always be with you.” Virginie Mukasonga, Dean of Students at the University of Kigali, highlighted that the idea to celebrate with Rwanda’s heroes came from the students themselves, with the university's leadership providing support. “These young people represent many others from the University of Kigali, some of whom are participating in other activities to build the country,” she noted. “As young people, they are always curious. They want to know where all the beauty in Rwanda today comes from. As their leaders, we decided to bring them here to meet the heroes who sacrificed for this country, bringing peace and security so that they can study in a safe environment.” She added that while no act could fully repay the heroes, students would honour them by preserving the pride and values they instilled in Rwanda. “We recognise you as heroes, and we are committed to moving Rwanda forward.” To show appreciation, the University of Kigali students donated a cow worth Rwf 500,000 to the retired soldiers, ensuring they have a source of milk. Uwase, speaking on behalf of her peers, assured the heroes that their sacrifices would always be remembered. “As the youth of Rwanda, this is not just a gift—we hold you in our hearts. My colleagues sent me to tell you that the country you fought for will never be invaded on our watch,” she said. “We are ready to step into your shoes. The Rwanda you gave us made us who we are today. We are only here because we have a country, and for that, we love you dearly.” One of the injured soldiers, John Ndekezi, who sits in a wheelchair due to injuries he sustained during the liberation struggle, thanked the students for recognising their sacrifices and encouraged the youth to focus on development. “I want to thank you all and urge you to continue fighting for Rwanda’s progress. You have the energy, resources, and everything needed to do so,” he said. “In our time, we fought with weapons. Now, you have the opportunity to fight with innovation, knowledge, and economic development.” Ndekezi also expressed gratitude for the students’ gift, emphasising how meaningful it was. “The cow you gave us will provide milk for our families. This kind gesture reassures us that our fight was not in vain.” The event concluded with a joyful celebration as students and community members shared drinks, danced, and sang patriotic songs. A special performance by Samuel Ruhorahoza, a retired soldier and liberation war casualty, moved the audience. Though confined to a wheelchair, he entertained the crowd with powerful songs celebrating the bravery of Rwanda’s heroes and the greatness of the nation.
