CHENO unveils activities for Heroes Day celebration

The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) has unveiled a programme of activities aimed at honoring the country’s heroes and promoting values of Heroism and unity as Rwanda prepares to celebrate National Heroes Day on February 1,2026. National Heroes Day, celebrated annually, will be celebrated for the 32nd time. This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Heroism and Unity for Rwanda’s development”. The theme ponders that Rwanda’s progress is built on unity, dedication, excellence in work, and love for the country, and calls on every Rwandan to actively contribute to sustainable national development. CHENO explained that the celebrations are meant to pay tribute to men and women who defended Rwanda’s dignity and values, often at great personal cost, for the wellbeing of the nation and its people. What CHENO does CHENO is a government institution responsible for identifying and recognize Rwandans or foreigners characterized by heroic acts and other outstanding deeds. Its mandate includes conducting research on acts of heroism identify those who deserve to be national heroes and to receive national orders or decorations of honour. The institution also promotes acts of bravery and develops values of the culture of heroism, organize and celebrate National Heroes’ Day in collaboration with other organs, manages and preserves Heroes’ mausoleums in the country, and collaborates with other regional or international institutions with a similar mission. Through its work, CHENO aims to ensure that heroic deeds inspire national pride and excellence. Why Heroes’ Day matters According to CHENO, National Heroes’ Day is observed to honor the legacy of heroism, celebrate those who sacrificed their lives for the country, and promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and patriotism. The day also encourages, especially young people to be innovative, hardworking, and committed to protecting Rwanda’s achievements, while appreciating progress made in social welfare and harmonious relations among citizens. The day is marked not only across Rwanda but also abroad in countries hosting Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, through Rwandan embassies. Heroism month activities Heroism month officially kicked off from January 4 to January 31. It was launched through a joint radio and television talk show on January 4. From January to March, various media programmes and discussions have been aired on radio, television, and social media. Other planned activities include visits to National Heroes’ Mausoleums and historical sites, as well as a “Heroism Tournament” featuring sports such as football, volleyball, handball, cycling, basketball, and sitting volleyball. Special messages will also be delivered during Community Work (Umuganda) at the end of January and the National Heroes tribute concert is scheduled for January 31. Activities on February 1 On National Heroes Day itself, an official ceremony will be held at the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera.celebrating events and discussions will take place at village level across the country, while Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living abroad will organize their own celebrations. Where possible, discussions will also be held at other mausoleums, including the Heritage of Rwandan Identity at Nyange, in Ngororero District, the Heritage of Humanity located in Rubavu District, and other relevant locations. Categories of National Heroes Rwanda recognizes its heroes in three categories and that are “Imanzi”, “Imena”, and “Ingenzi”. The Imanzi category, supreme hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterised by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and examples. Among them are Maj Gen Fred Rwigema, who died on the frontline in 1990 at the start of the liberation struggle, and the “Unknown Soldier,” representing all fallen liberation fighters. The Imena category includes heroes known for extraordinary acts and supreme sacrifice for the country. In this category we have King Mutara III Rudahigwa, former Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Michel Rwagasana, Félicité Niyitegeka who was killed for protecting Tutsi during the Genocide against the Tutsi, and the Nyange Secondary School students killed in 1997 for refusing to separate themselves. The Ingenzi category consists the hero who seconds Imena and who is known for his/her good ideas or his/her outstanding achievements characterised by supreme sacrifice, great importance and high exampleThe are no heroes in this category yet; research is still ongoing. National “Orders” CHENO also oversees national orders, including “Uruti” for those who took part in liberating the country from 1990-1994, “Umurinzi” for those who participated in fighting and stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi, and “Agaciro” for leaders who contributed to national development. Other orders include “Igihango” for strengthening international cooperation, “Indashyikirwa” for innovations in the development of the country, “Indangamirwa” for promoting Rwandan culture, and “Indengabaganizi” for acts of selfless sacrifice to save others. CHENO says the celebrations are a reminder that heroism is not only about the past, but also about the responsibility of every citizen to uphold unity, dignity, and development for the future.

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CHENO unveils activities for Heroes Day celebration