BK Group Plc honoured the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on April 11 and urged Rwandans—especially the younger generation—to learn about the country’s history and preserve it at all costs. The ceremony began with a heartfelt tribute to 15 former Bank of Kigali employees, including three women, who were killed during the Genocide. Staff members, alongside the victims’ surviving families, laid flowers on their graves and lit a candle of hope at BK Group headquarters—symbolising remembrance, resilience, and the enduring light of unity. The commemoration continued at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where BK Group staff paid their respects by laying wreaths at the tombs and listening to powerful testimonies of survival and strength. ALSO READ: Genocide commemoration: Why we remember At the auditorium, BK Group Plc staff were warmly welcomed by Alphonse Munyentwari, Country Director of Aegis Trust, who reminded them that while remembering the Genocide is vital, understanding and preserving the history behind it is equally important. “We remember because we don’t want to forget them,” he emphasised. Human Rights and International Criminal Justice specialist Jean Damascene Karimba also delivered a powerful talk on Kwibuka, shedding light on the history of how the Genocide was planned and executed. He condemned genocide denial, urging that those who distort the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi must be held accountable. “Even though many people know the truth about what happened, there are still those who want to deny it. It is the role of the youth to fight that,” he stated. ALSO READ: Kwibuka31: Observing commemoration appropriately During the event, Gaspard Rugirabaganwa, a BK staff member and survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shared his personal story in three parts—before, during, and after the Genocide. He was only ten when the violence began and spoke of the hardships his family faced. Rugirabaganwa expressed deep gratitude to Inkotanyi for rescuing the country, adding that he is now a father of five and has had the chance to rebuild his life with his wife—all thanks to their sacrifice. There was also a theatrical performance titled Hora Mugongo Mugari Uduhetse, presented by the Sherrie Silver Foundation—bringing the day’s reflections to life through art, emotion, and cultural expression. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana, CEO of BK Group Plc, who extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the former BK employees who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He emphasised the importance of unity, historical awareness, and national resilience. “As BK staff and Rwandans, we have a shared responsibility to honour the past, uphold unity, and contribute to the country’s continued growth. Together, we must ensure that the truth is preserved and never forgotten,” he said. Ndagijimana also paid tribute to the bravery of the Inkotanyi and Rwanda’s progress over the last 31 years, encouraging BK employees to keep delivering quality service and supporting the nation’s development goals.
