Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS) staff gathered at the company’s headquarters on May 16 to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of over a million people. The event featured commemoration songs, testimonies, discussions on Rwanda’s history, and the lighting of candles to honour the memory of the victims. Diana Mutoni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RMS, highlighted the significance of remembrance for the institution, stating, “As a health-based institution, we value this moment of reflection. We take this as an important opportunity to honour lives lost, support survivors, and reinforce the commitment to never again allow such a tragedy to happen. At RMS, we believe in remembering while rebuilding, preserving what has been achieved, and fighting against genocide ideology.” Theogene Kabagambire, Head of Ibuka in Gasabo District, commended RMS for organising the event, saying, “We appreciate this act of honouring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Remembering is an opportunity to reconnect with the victims, reflect on where we have come from, and where we are heading. It also opens the door for conversations that help prevent future atrocities.” Kabagambire reminded attendees about the origins of the Genocide, attributing it to bad politics and the propagation of hate. He stressed the importance of educating both Rwandans and foreigners on the Genocide’s causes and consequences, underscoring the impact not only on survivors but also on post-Genocide generations. “Remembering is life, especially for survivors, because it gives us the time to reflect and share our stories,” he added. He shared the statistics, arguing that Gasabo District is home to 11 Genocide memorials: Jabana (332 victims), Jali (over 25,023), Gatsata (513), two memorials in Bumbogo (5,875 and 1,618), Kibagabaga (23,141), Ndera Petit Séminaire (8,004), Ndera Caraes (32,030), Christus (17), Ruhanga (38,763), and Rutunga (141), with many victims thrown into Lake Muhazi. Kabagambire urged RMS staff to visit the memorials to deepen their understanding of the Genocide’s impact. He also highlighted the continued challenge of genocide denial, saying, “When we count over 134,320 victims in Gasabo District alone, we know there are many more uncounted, those killed while giving birth, those thrown into toilets with houses constructed above them. We urge anyone with information about where victims were thrown to come forward.” He further stressed that remembering is a pillar of Rwanda’s unity and reconciliation. “It is not just for survivors; it is a collective responsibility. Remembering is a time to reflect on how the Genocide was prepared, committed, and its impact on citizens, so we can take measures to fight its effects,” he said. Kabagambire noted that genocide ideology still lingers, particularly among ex-convicts and fugitives. He called on authorities to continue pursuing justice, despite the challenges of fugitives changing identities, expressing confidence that justice would prevail. He concluded by emphasising the role of survivors in rebuilding the nation and preserving its achievements, urging RMS to consider inviting survivors from neighbouring communities to share their testimonies in future commemorations. During the event, Theogene Karinamaryo delivered a dialogue on Rwanda’s history, covering the pre-colonial era, colonial rule, the lead-up to the Genocide, and post-Genocide recovery. He explained how divisive politics and hate propaganda led to the mass killings of neighbours, friends, and colleagues. He also highlighted the ongoing plight of Tutsis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing the need for vigilance against genocide ideology. “The Genocide was planned. Those who link it to the plane crash are misleading. This ideology did not start in 1994; it was rooted in events like 1959, 1963, and 1973, etc,” Karinamaryo said. He assured attendees that Rwanda is committed to fighting genocide ideology and preventing its recurrence. Alex Karanganwa, an RMS staff member and Genocide survivor, shared his experience during the Genocide. Originally from Nyaruguru District, Karanganwa recounted the discrimination he faced in school, where he and other Tutsi students were singled out and called insulting names like “snake.” He explained that growing up, he did not fully understand why he was targeted, but after the Genocide, he realised the depth of hatred that had been sown. “People who rooted out the hate should have been punished extraordinarily,” he said. Karanganwa survived with only his sister out of a family of eleven. Despite the painful memories, Karanganwa shared a message of resilience. He is now married, a father, and works at RMS. “But I have rebuilt my life, and I hold on to hope.”
