Rwandans are always welcome home

Last week, 42 Rwandans returned from Uganda where they had lived as refugees for varying periods. Among the returnees was Mathias Mbonaruza who returned with his family of 17, after spending close to 40 years in exile.An emotional Mbonaruza told journalists that he left Rwanda - in 1975 - in search for better employment, however, the desire to return home grew. And over the last couple of years, he longed to return to his country of origin with his family.The other returnees had fled the country in the 1990s.The returning citizens were warmly welcomed home and officials from the government, pledged maximum support to enable them reintegrate smoothly.Over the last few years, we have witnessed a growing number of Rwandans return home.The policies in place have presented equal opportunities for every Rwandan to prosper and live a happy life. The hostile environment which forced Rwandans to flee their country has been cleared and the conditions today do not warrant Rwandans to live as refugees any more.This is evidenced with the Cessation Clause scheduled to come into effect in June 2013.Those who have returned should act as ambassadors and share their experiences with those who are still reluctant to return home, over perceived fear and misinformation from detractors. The decision to return home is not easy, however, through sharing of stories of returnees, those remaining will return too.

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Rwandans are always welcome home