Where liberation began: The rise of Nyagatare District

Thirty-one years ago, Nyagatare District was a remote, sparsely populated region with limited infrastructure. In October 1990, it became a turning point in Rwanda’s history—marking the start of the country’s liberation journey. ALSO READ: A teenage girl's journey to liberating her country: The story of Lt Col Bagwaneza On July 2, hundreds of residents retraced the historic Gikoba Liberation Trail, a 21-kilometre route once used by Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) fighters who crossed into the country – from neighbouring Uganda – through Kagitumba during the early stages of the liberation war. Once a battlefield, the trail now runs through flourishing rice fields and rolling hills—symbols of the district’s transformation. ALSO READ: Liberation Day: The capture of Mont Kigali and fall of the capital “This land is sacred to us,” Esron Ndemezo, 44, a farmer from Tabagwe Sector, said as he joined other area residents in a 21-kilometre march from Nyagatare to Gikoba to honor the hardships endured by Rwanda’s liberators over 31 years ago. ALSO READ: A liberation museum that inspires the youth “We are walking not just in memory, but in gratitude. What was started here gave us access to schools, healthcare, safety, and equal opportunity.” ‘It was textbook guerrilla warfare’ The trail passes through another historically significant zone named Agasentimita due to the battles fought by the liberators between September 1991 and April 1992. Agasentimita is buffer zone that RPA eventually captured in May 1992. This area, spanning Tabagwe, Gishuro, Kaborogota, Gikoba, Shonga, Ndego, and parts of Karama, became a critical staging ground for RPA operations. Retired Captain Elizabeth Nyiramwiza, 76, one of the few surviving female fighters, recalled the harsh terrain and intense battles. “When you reach Shonga hill, you understand what we faced,” she said. “We were surrounded by government forces on every hill. Each step came with sacrifice, but we moved forward with purpose—to reclaim our homeland.” Nyiramwiza joined the struggle while in exile in Uganda and was among the first fighters to re-enter Rwanda. According to historian Medard Bashana, RPA’s strategy combined speed, knowledge of terrain, and tactical precision. “By May 1992, RPA had captured all key positions between Tabagwe and Rukomo,” he said. “The commander deployed battalions like Zulu, Echo, Yankee, and Bravo to cut supply lines and encircle enemy bases. It was textbook guerrilla warfare.” Today, Nyagatare bears little resemblance to its wartime past. What was once bushland is now a thriving district with modern roads, schools, hospitals, and commercial activity. “This trail is more than history—it’s a classroom,” said Stephen Gasana, the Mayor of Nyagatare. “Over 1,500 people have visited it in the last six months alone. Preserving it helps future generations understand where we came from.” Nyagatare District now boasts 195.4 kilometres of paved roads, over 1,000 kilometres of well surfaced rural roads, two hospitals, 20 health centres, and 84 health posts. Its education network includes 185 primary schools, 94 secondary schools, 13 science colleges, and two universities. In agriculture, more than 4,000 hectares of wetlands were developed, and major irrigation projects like Gabiro Agribusiness Hub and the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam aim to transform over 20,000 hectares. With more than 217,000 cattle, Nyagatare is also a leading producer of meat and milk. For residents like Viollete Uwiringiyimana, 38, a mother of three, access to clean water in her home area, Shonga, meant liberating residents from waterborne diseases. “For most of my life, we didn’t have clean water,” she said. “We used to fetch it from dams, which was unsafe. That changed four years ago when a water pipeline was installed. It improved hygiene, created jobs, and now I earn a living selling water to support my family. We’re truly grateful.” At the liberation ceremony in Gikoba, Pudence Rubingisa, the Governor of Eastern Province, paid tribute to the liberators and urged citizens to preserve the gains made so far. “This very ground is where the bravery of RPA Inkotanyi troops, led by His Excellency the President, took root,” he said. “It’s not just history—it’s a responsibility. We honour their sacrifice by building unity and progress.” Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi, the Commander of RDF’s Fifth Division, called on the youth to step up. He said: “You are the future guardians of this nation. Prepare yourselves and take initiative. Be willing to serve.” Muhizi spoke about RDF’s evolving role in a changing global landscape. “Our mission today is broader than ever—we protect our people, cooperate with neighbours, contribute to international peacekeeping, and create conditions for development. “We are modernizing to meet 21st-century challenges. The battles of today aren’t like those of 1990—but the RDF has kept pace.”

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Where liberation began: The rise of Nyagatare District