Patriotism Day: 36 years after liberation struggle began, youth reflect on key lessons, RPA sacrifice

October 1, 2026, marks 36 years since young Rwandans in exile took up arms and crossed from Uganda into Rwanda to begin the liberation struggle that ended with the defeat of the former government and the stopping of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The day is observed as Patriotism Day, a time for reflection on the sacrifices made those who fought for their right to return to their homeland, as well as the responsibilities that come with the freedom and progress that followed. The liberation war was launched by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) and its army, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), under the command of Maj. Gen. Fred Rwigema, who died on October 2, 1990. For young Rwandans today, the significance of October 1 goes beyond remembering the events of 1990. In conversations marking Patriotism Day, they spoke about sacrifice, responsibility, unity, sober living, participation in national affairs and the need to build a better future. Abdallaziz Murenzi Patriotism should not be limited to celebrating what the RPF-Inkotanyi and those who fought for the country did as heroes. We should also look at what the country and its people have gone through and think about what, as young people, we should do and should not do. As a young person, you see the ongoing campaign against alcoholism. You should not look at such issues from a distance. You should take part, engage with other people and help address them. Young people should participate in activities happening around them. If you see false stories about the country on social media, you should not assume that responsibility lies with the people in public offices. If you have the facts, you can respond and contribute to the discussion. Nathalie Siborurema I am proud of October 1 because the initiative taken by the RPA on this day was the first step towards the country we enjoy today. They took the first step, allowing me to take thousands of steps after them. Today, I enjoy peace, but when I look back at this day, it reminds me that somebody started the journey and somebody sacrificed for me. I therefore have to do more. As a person who has worked for my country as a volunteer, I have learned that we have been given a big platform because people sacrificed for it, and we must keep it up. To my fellow youth, I would say four things. First, look back and see what has been done for you and, second, what you can do for the next generation. Third, do not allow foreigners or other people to dictate how you live, because sacrifices were made for you to be free, think and develop. Finally, develop yourself and make sure you have a sustainable life and future so that you can leave something for the next generation. Victoire Lyse Uwase I am a student at the University of Kigali, and on Patriotism Day I am happy to remember the journey the country has walked and the sacrifices that were made. For me, Patriotism Day brings the word sacrifice to mind. For every good thing you want to achieve, you have to sacrifice something, not at a loss but for a gain. That is what makes it meaningful. Emmanuel Kagame Tumusiime As a student at the University of Kigali, I see October 1 as a journey that began in 1990 because of oppression but eventually led to liberation, allowing thousands of Rwandans to enjoy their rights. There is no way we can fully express our appreciation to those who made that possible. Their contribution became a foundation for unity and for the rights to freedom and fair hearing. As the new generation, we should learn from that history. It should not remain just history because it also shapes how we look at the future and what we become. We should remember that this was the day our elders began their journey and crossed from Uganda into Rwanda to liberate the country. The freedom and independence we have today are results of that struggle. Those who started it were people who had been oppressed and in exile. Today, we can move freely and enjoy opportunities that were not available to them, and that should be appreciated. Lydia Kansiime Patriotism goes beyond simply saying that you love your country. It shows how much young people can do to contribute to the development of their country. It is also about teaching fellow youth social values, responsible behaviour and concern for the country. We should recognise that the country is evolving, contribute to its growth and prepare the next generation to learn from what we are doing today. Lionel Roi Rwigamba October 1 marks the beginning of the liberation war in Rwanda's history. It is a day to remember those who fought for change in 1990. As young people, we can honour them through our actions and by striving for the development they fought for. That is one way to honour their contribution. Brilliant Sano October 1 is the day the RPA began the effort to liberate the country. The lesson we should take from this day is to love our country, continue developing it through education and be willing to sacrifice for it. Jordana Kagira Keza Today marks 36 years since the start of the liberation of Rwanda. As a young person, this day reminds me of the courage and sacrifice of the RPA. It is also a reminder that we have a responsibility to continue the journey by improving and developing the country and acknowledging what has been done for us. Yves Ishimwe To me, patriotism means loving Rwanda not only through words but through responsible actions that contribute to the country's unity, development and future. As young people, we should be careful about how we use social media because hatred, violence and division can be spread through those platforms. We should also prepare for the future by taking responsibility for our future. That includes avoiding drugs and alcohol and supporting the campaign for a sober generation. Being patriotic also means learning from our history, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, so that we can help prevent such tragedies from happening again.

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Patriotism Day: 36 years after liberation struggle began, youth reflect on key lessons, RPA sacrifice