Elderly survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Impinganzima home in Nyamata, Bugesera District, shared moments of joy on Friday, December 12, as they marked the Christmas and year-end season with members of Unity Club Intwararumuri. ALSO READ: Unity Club’s annual forum to spotlight “Ndi Umunyarwanda” as key to unity Donned in iconic Santa hats, the survivors who are known as Intwaza, were joined by children, traditional dancers and guests in song and dance, as traditional rhythms blended with Christmas melodies to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere ahead of December 25. Performances by artists and children filled the Impinganzima home with laughter and vitality. The visit by Unity Club Intwararumuri members reflected their longstanding commitment to national unity, peace and socio-economic development. Founded in 1996 by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the Unity Club brings together government officials and their spouses to promote dialogue, support vulnerable groups, such as Genocide widows and orphans, and foster resilience. During the celebration, members shared gifts, cut a festive cake and spent time engaging with the residents. ALSO READ: Unity, reconciliation rise to 95 percent: new report Rita Zirimwabagabo, who was the guest of honour during the visit, as the delegation conveyed Christmas and New Year wishes for 2026 to the elderly survivors. Established in 2018, the Impinganzima home in Bugesera currently accommodates 71 Intwaza, aged 57 to 98. Speaking on behalf of the residents, Consilia Mukarutsinga said that despite the Genocide that erased their families and destroyed their livelihoods, sustained support from institutions such as Unity Club has enabled them to rebuild with dignity and resilience. “We are grateful to the government for gathering us from where we were scattered after the Genocide, when we were barely surviving, and bringing us into this home,” Mukarutsinga said. “Here, we rediscovered ourselves. The hope and care we receive give us the strength to keep on living.” She noted that such visits hold profound emotional value for them. “Bringing children here to dance and spend time with us, alongside the caregivers and Unity Club members who are young enough to be our children, restores our sense of life and parenthood,” she said. “We cherish these moments. They reflect the good governance of our country.” Throughout the celebration, Intwaza danced alongside children and guests, their joy evident as laughter echoed across the compound. ALSO READ: ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ is the bond we share, the legacy we leave, says First Lady Addressing the residents, Zirimwabagabo conveyed greetings on behalf of Unity Club leadership and its founder, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, commending the survivors for their resilience. “On behalf of the Unity Club Chairperson, Jeannette Kagame, I extend our greetings, as well as Christmas and New Year wishes,” she said. “We have come not only with small gifts, but to share this festive season with you, as children would do with their parents. This is an annual tradition rooted in our culture.” She added that the initiative draws from Rwanda’s post-Genocide governance, which has dignity and care for survivors at its core. “Our dedication stems from our mission to strengthen unity and resilience among Rwandans,” she said. “Each visit, and finding you united and thriving, reassures us that the values we envisioned remain alive. This is a heritage we must all protect.” Zirimwabagabo reaffirmed Unity Club's commitment to continued support, commending the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) for its sustained efforts in supporting survivors. ALSO READ: Championing peace, cultural values among 10 Unity Club forum resolutions Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi also extended festive greetings, assuring Intwaza of continued support. “You are not just survivors; you are our grandparents,” he said. “As a district leadership, we remain committed to working with Unity Club Intwararumuri to improve your wellbeing.” Ambassador Joseph Nsengimana, who was part of the delegation, underscored the importance of both material and emotional support. “Our goal is to ensure these survivors feel cared for and not left behind in the Rwanda rebuilt after the Genocide,” he said. “Many lost everyone close to them, while others had relatives struggling to recover. This is why Unity Club and the government stepped in.” He added that companionship remains essential, saying, “After such tragedy, loneliness can be as painful as material deprivation. Moments like these remind them that they are not alone.” The Christmas outreach continued in Rusizi District on December 13, with further celebrations planned in Nyanza and Huye districts on December 18 and 19.
