Police FC striker Emanuel Arnold Okwi has said that living and playing in Rwanda is about more than football, highlighting the profound lessons he has drawn from the country’s recovery after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Speaking on the occasion of the 32nd commemoration of the genocide, Okwi expressed solidarity with Rwandans and praised the country’s remarkable journey of rebuilding. “This is proof that Rwanda deserves to be an example to other countries in the world,” the Ugandan forward said in an Instagram post on Sunday, April 12. “The country has gone through a dark history but has chosen the path of unity, reconciliation, and reconstruction.” He added that his experience in Rwanda extends far beyond professional football. “This period of remembrance reminds me that being here is not just about work and living, but also about learning, respecting, and understanding resilience,” Okwi said. “I may not be Rwandan, but I stand with Rwandans in remembering and in building unity for a better future.” Okwi joined Police FC ahead of the 2024/25 season after signing from AS Kigali, following an impressive campaign in which he scored nine goals and provided 13 assists. He previously featured for Kiyovu Sports during the 2021/22 season. Reflecting on his time in the country, he described Rwanda as a place defined by resilience, safety, and a strong sense of belonging—an example of how a nation can rebuild and move forward despite a painful past. The former Uganda international is among several athletes who joined Rwandans in observing the commemoration of the genocide. A number of Amavubi players—including Jojea Kwizera, Abeddy Biramahire, Emery Bayisenge, and Innocent Nshuti—as well as Rwanda FA Head of Women’s Football Commission Nikita Valverde Gicanda, shared messages of solidarity. In his message, Kwizera said, “As a national team player, we take this opportunity to remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.” Biramahire and Bayisenge directed their message to the youth, urging them to uphold unity and national development. “As young people, as we continue to remember, we commit ourselves not to compromise on unity, peace, and development. We are the future of Rwanda, and our responsibility is to build a country free from division,” they said. Meanwhile, Nshuti and Gicanda emphasized the responsibility of every Rwandan to stand firmly against genocide denial and ideology.
