I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc has provided financial support to 16 families of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rubavu District as part of the Bank's commitment to commemoration and resilience. The support offered was through the construction of Commune Rouge Genocide memorial garden and supporting small-scale businesses run by survivors. A total of Rwf18 million is designated for the memorial garden and will directly fund 16 survivor families in Gisenyi, Rubavu, Rugerero, Nyundo, and Nyakiliba sectors, mainly families who are predominantly involved in small-scale businesses. Frw 5 million will enhance solid waste management and support the cleanliness campaign in Rubavu town. Speaking at the event on Tuesday, May 27, Nikhil Hira, the Chairman of the Board, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, stressed that “remembrance is a duty” and “solidarity is a commitment that must never fade.” “This is not only an act of remembrance but a public expression of our shared values, human dignity, unity, and the belief that healing must be accompanied by justice, memory, and meaningful support to survivors,” said Hira. “We are proud to walk alongside the leadership and people of Rubavu District, as we contribute both symbolically and tangibly to the journey of resilience that defines Rwanda today.” Benjamin Mutimura, the CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, also highlighted the Bank's commitment to improving survivors' livelihoods and supporting Rwanda's post-1994 development journey. He said, “As a bank, we are here to support Rubavu community during the 100 days of commemoration. Our support is towards the Genocide survivors, to thank them for their resilience and courage.” “We are bringing our financial support as a bank to assure them that we are here with them, and we will keep supporting them,” he added. According to him, beyond its financial role, I&M Bank is committed to encouraging the community to remember and renew, aligning with the country's vision. “We are part of the community, we need to encourage others to remember and renew so that what happened will not happen again but also continue the development journey, added the Bank’s CEO. Gerard Mbarushimana, Head of Ibuka in Rubavu, the organisation for Genocide survivors, welcomed the financial support, revealing that it will significantly help the planned memorial garden at the Commune Rouge Memorial Site. “We are about to put a memorial garden here, as part of the Commune Rouge Memorial Site, to display the country’s tragic history. So, the Rwf10 million will support us in addition to the district budget,” Mbarushimana told journalists. “Another second support will also help our Genocide survivors in improving their livelihoods and development journey, renewing, thanks to where they are today,” he added. “It will boost their various development projects. We welcome the Bank's support.” Rubavu District Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa, lauded the Bank’s support as “invaluable” to Ibuka Rubavu and the community at large. “Your support and solidarity are invaluable,” said Mulindwa. “On behalf of the district, we thank you for your commitment and great contribution. This corporate social responsibility program goes far from financial assistance; it is a gesture of humanity.” Mulindwa believes that the Bank’s contribution, actions are aligned with Rwanda's journey of resilience, unity, and development. “You are investing in human dignity that was lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he reiterated.
