“I lost all my children, but never stopped being a mother,” survivor testifies as RSwitch staff commemorate

Angelique Mukabuzi’s journey is a testament to the firm spirit of motherhood. Born in 1962, Mukabuzi’s life took root in Nyamata after her family moved from Byumba. She got married, built a family, and raised her children. However, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi would shatter that life, claiming her children, her husband, and countless other loved ones. Yet, despite it all, Mukabuzi never stopped being a mother. Mukabuzi shared her story during a commemoration event organised by RSwitch, the National E-payment switch of Rwanda and driver of the SmartCash brand enabling electronic payment settlements, interoperability and other financial solutions in Rwanda. On April 7, the team visited Ntarama Genocide Memorial in Bugesera District to honour the memory of the victims and stand in solidarity with survivors. Reflecting on her journey, Mukabuzi recalled the horrors that unfolded in Ntarama, a region that witnessed mass killings during the Genocide. “People often think it started in 1994, but the atrocities against the Tutsi began long before,” she said. “Those who deny it are simply ignoring history.” She recounted the events that followed the plane crash on April 6, 1994, a turning point that exploded widespread violence. Ntarama, largely populated by Tutsi families, saw its Hutu residents begin to leave as tensions escalated. Men in the community prepared for what felt inevitable, desperate attempts to protect their families. “On April 10, my mother-in-law returned from the early church service, unusually worried,” Mukabuzi recalled.” She said things had gotten worse and insisted we flee with the children.” That day marked the beginning of life in hiding, where bushes became homes and survival depended on the kindness of strangers. The community sought refuge at the local Catholic Church, now Ntarama Genocide Memorial. Mukabuzi’s firstborn was killed there, held in the arms of her aunt. Her mother-in-law was also murdered within the church. Mukabuzi fled, seeking refuge with her father, who carried her second child. Her husband, tragically, was shot later after the Interahamwe militia ambushed their hiding spot. “We had returned to our house, still hiding day and night,” she recounted. “On April 30, they found us in the bush. The women I was with claimed I was their aunt and a Hutu to save me, but my neighbours were killed right next to us.” Mukabuzi survived, but not without scars; both physical and emotional. She carries nine sword wounds and a deep cut below her ear from that horrific day. Her two-year-old child, strapped to her back, did not survive. Despite the unbearable losses, Mukabuzi’s spirit endured. Rescued by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), she found a way to continue being a mother. She raised her nieces and nephews, children to whom she once was only an auntie. Today, they are grown and married, and through unimaginable tragedy; she remains what she has always been, a mother. “I lost all my children, but I never stopped being a parent,” she said, her voice steady with the strength of survival. Mukabuzi, with gratitude, thanks God and the RPF for her survival and safety. At the commemoration event, Evode Ngombwa, representing MINUBUMWE, praised R-Switch for its commitment to supporting survivors. He urged them to continue preserving the progress made in reconciliation and to participate actively in combating genocide denial. “Eradicating hatred is a journey,” he said, adding that ‘Never Again’ must be more than a slogan. R-Switch’s leadership echoed these sentiments, noting that visiting memorials exceeds solely commemoration. They said that it is about standing with survivors and all Rwandans. It is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about our history, especially as genocide denial now finds its space online. We must equip them with truth so they can stand against it.” The RSwitch team toured Ntarama Memorial, learning about the atrocities committed in the area and paying their respects with a wreath-laying ceremony. They pledged continued support in preserving Rwanda’s history and standing by survivors in their journey of healing and resilience.

News

“I lost all my children, but never stopped being a mother,” survivor testifies as RSwitch staff commemorate