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Kigali Independent University ULK ltd Commemorates the 32nd Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

On Friday, June 5, 2026, Kigali Independent University ULK Ltd commemorated the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event brought together university leadership, students, staff, invited guests and partners in a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to preserving the truth of Rwanda’s history.

The commemoration activities began with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where participants paid tribute to more than 250,000 victims laid to rest at the memorial site. wreaths were laid on the mass graves, and a moment of silence was observed in honor of the innocent lives lost during the genocide.

ULK, UPI and Glory academy Management and staff laying wreaths on mass graves

One of the highlights of the event was a testimony delivered by Mr. Patrice Nzayisenga, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi who was only 13 years old when the genocide began. Born and raised in Gisozi, near the current premises of ULK, Mr. Nzayisenga recounted the painful experiences endured by his family during the genocide.

Mr. Patrice Nzayisenga giving his testimony

He narrated how his family was forced to flee in search of safety, only for many of them to be killed. His father was among the first victims murdered. After passing through numerous roadblocks where countless people lost their lives, he and a few surviving relatives eventually reached Sainte Famille Parish, where they were rescued by the Rwanda Patriotic Army(RPA/F-Inkotanyi).

Reflecting on his journey after the genocide, Mr. Nzayisenga explained that despite the hardships faced by survivors, he persevered through education, later served in the military, and eventually graduated from university. Today, he serves as the President of IBUKA in Gisozi Sector, demonstrating resilience, determination, and commitment to preserving the memory of genocide victims.

 

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, Founder and President of Kigali Independent University ULK ltd, emphasized the importance of remembrance as a means of honoring the victims and educating future generations.

Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda the Founder and President of ULK ltd giving his remarks during the event

He noted that the annual commemoration organized by the ULK community, which includes the university, ULK Polytechnic Institute UPI, and Glory Academy under its umbrella, serves as an opportunity to remember those who were killed solely because of their identity and to support genocide survivors.

Glory academy students attentively listening to speakers at ULK stadium during the event

Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda further paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the RPA/F-Inkotanyi for stopping the genocide and rescuing those who were being targeted for extermination. He also highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades, citing peace, security, and educational development as key achievements that continue to attract students from across the world.

“Today, ULK hosts approximately 4,000 international students from 41 countries. Their presence is a testament to the peace, stability, and quality education that Rwanda offers,” he said.

A historical presentation delivered by Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana a research analyst in the Minstry of National Unity & Civic Engagement provided participants with an overview of the historical events that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi. He emphasized the role played by discrimination, exclusion, and genocide ideology in creating conditions that culminated in the 1994 tragedy.

Dr. Hakizimana Emmanuel giving his remarks during the event

Dr. Hakizimana stressed the importance of remembrance activities within educational institutions, noting that schools and universities have a responsibility to educate young people about the dangers of divisionism, hatred, and genocide ideology while promoting unity, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.

Also speaking during the event, Mr. Theogene Kabagambire, President of IBUKA in Gasabo District, commended ULK for its continued commitment to genocide commemoration and genocide prevention education.

Theogene Kabagambe the President of Ibuka in Gasabo district addressing attendants during the event

 

He underscored the importance of ensuring that young people understand Rwanda’s history and become active ambassadors of unity and reconciliation. He encouraged students to reject genocide ideology in all its forms and to contribute positively to building a peaceful and inclusive society.

Gasabo District Executive Administrator Mr. Bayasese Bernard addressing attendants during the event at ULK stadium

Representing Gasabo District, Mr. Bernard Bayasese, Executive Administrator of Gasabo District, reminded participants that the Genocide against the Tutsi was a planned and coordinated crime rather than a spontaneous event. He called upon students and educators to safeguard historical truth and to continue educating future generations about the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and extremism.

The commemoration concluded with a collective commitment by participants to uphold the values of unity, resilience, and responsible citizenship while ensuring that the memory of the victims remains alive for future generations.

Remember Unite Renew

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Uhagaze NobelJun 09No Comments

Renowned Author and Researcher Yolande Mukagasana conducts a book tour “Umurage w’Urubyiruko” at ULK

Kigali Independent University ULK community recently had the distinct honor of hosting Yolande Mukagasana, a prominent researcher, writer, and globally recognized survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event marked a tour of her deeply impactful new book, “Umurage w’Urubyiruko” (The Legacy for the Youth).

ULK Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research going through the book

During the event, Mukagasana shared profound insights into her life’s work, her Yolande Mukagasana Foundation and its mission, and her core motivation for dedicating this latest literary piece to the younger generation. She shared her personal journey, reflecting on her experiences during and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her transition from a survivor to a leading global voice for peace and remembrance which served as an inspiring lesson in resilience for the audience. Besides, she highlighted the work of the Yolande Mukagasana Foundation, emphasizing its commitment to preserving historical memory, fighting genocide denial, and fostering a culture of peace and truth-telling both in Rwanda and internationally. Explaining the inspiration behind the book’s title, Mukagasana noted that the youth are the guardians of Rwanda’s future. She stressed that “Umurage w’Urubyiruko” was written to equip young people with historical truths, ensuring they carry forward the mantle of “Never Again” with clarity, patriotism, and responsibility.

Students attentively listening to the author of Umurage W’Urubyiruko

“The youth are not just the future; they are the present protectors of our history. This book is a legacy passed down so that they may build a nation anchored on truth, unity, and unwavering humanity.”  Yolande Mukagasana

The book launch drew an enthusiastic crowd of ULK students, authorities, and guests. The interactive session allowed students to engage directly with the author, sparking vital conversations about identity, memory preservation, and the critical role academic institutions play in promoting historical accuracy.

“Meeting Yolande Mukagasana and hearing her speak about the importance of preserving historical truth was a powerful experience. Her message reminded us that, as young people, we have a responsibility to learn from our history, promote unity, and contribute to building a peaceful future. The launch of ‘Umurage w’Urubyiruko’ was not only an opportunity to discover a remarkable book but also a lesson in resilience, patriotism, and humanity.”
Vestine a year 4 Computer science Student at ULK.

ULK remains committed to providing platforms that bridge academic learning with vital national history, empowering students to become conscious and patriotic leaders. “Umurage w’Urubyiruko” is now available for the university community and the general public.

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Uhagaze NobelJun 04No Comments

ULK Gisenyi Campus Commemorates the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

Friday, 22nd May 2026, Kigali Independent University (ULK – Gisenyi Campus) commemmorated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in a solemn and respectful event marked by remembrance, unity, and compassion.

The commemoration activities were successfully conducted in a well-organized atmosphere that brought together university leaders, staff, students, survivors, and members of the community to honor the memory of the victims and reaffirm the importance of unity and resilience.

As part of the commemoration event, ULK Gisenyi Campus, on behalf of the President and Founder of Kigali Independent University, Prof. Dr. RWIGAMBA Balinda, offered two (2) cows to two women survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi under the Kuremera program. This gesture reflected the University’s continued commitment to supporting survivors and promoting social solidarity within the community.

Cows offered under the Kuremera Program

 

The District of Rubavu, IBUKA, and members of the community expressed their sincere appreciation to the leadership of the University, particularly to the President and Founder of ULK, Prof. Dr. RWIGAMBA Balinda, for his outstanding and continuous contribution to the development of the country and his unwavering support toward vulnerable communities.

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Uhagaze NobelJun 04No Comments

Design and Construction of Efficient and Cost-Effective Solar Dryers for Low and Medium-Size Farmers and Food Processing Enterprises in Rwanda

Open-air sun drying is one of the oldest methods for preserving agricultural products. But this method has many limitations including: the dependence on ambient conditions and being prone to contamination by dust, rain, wind, pests, and rodents; and the cost of a standby manpower for transportation in case of interruption by changes in weather conditions. Reviews have shown that poor infrastructure for storage, processing and marketing in many countries results to a high proportion of waste, which average between 10 and 40 % and can reach 30 % in Rwanda. Due to the rise of fuel prices, depletion of fossil fuels, and the issue of air pollution; the use of modern drying technologies is not economical for drying agricultural product. We propose a research to promote in-house solar drying technologies as an eco-friendly method to reduce postharvest losses, improve the quality of dried food, and minimize the cost of postharvest processing in Rwanda. 

Solar dryers are simple boxes working under the greenhouse effect. Nevertheless, for decades, this technology has been relying on empirical and artisanal knowledge. As results, the large scale deployment of the technology has only been successful in countries where the try-and-error method can work; where the cost of essential materials is very low or enough design data are already available. To have the technology adopted in Rwanda, scientific understanding of the process should lead to optimized designs with high efficiency, low cost, and durable; customized for a specific region in the country and for a specific crop product. This project intends to put together efforts from a diverse team to combine the study of the physics of solar energy collection, the process of humidity reduction in the crop, the effect on food nutriment, and the strength and durability of alternative material used; to propose the appropriate designs for specific applications in various regions across Rwanda. 

A team from ULK Polytechnic institute, made of investigators from Science and Engineering background, are collaborating with food science and postharvest expert from postharvest Plus Ltd, a global expert in postharvest handling, and a local food processing company in the project. They are working together to propose solutions for the issues hindering the use of the technology including the high capital investment, long payback period and lack of confidence in the technology. It is expected that at the end of the project implementation, an academic and business platform will have been built to provide cost-effective, efficient, and good quality designs; and construction works for customized solar dryers. Through the project, prototypes are constructed in Bugesera ant the Health is wealth facility and at Gisozi on ULK premises. Design simulation App are developed in COMSOL Multiphysics software to easy the design process.

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NDIKUMANA VenusteSep 18No Comments

ULK POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE WINS RWANDA’S NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NCST) RESEARCH GRANT TO REVOLUTIONIZE SOLAR DRYING FOR RWANDAN FARMERS

In a groundbreaking achievement, ULK Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a significant research grant by the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) to spearhead a project titled “Design and Construction of Efficient and Cost-Effective Solar Dryers for Low and Medium-Size Farmers and Food Processing Enterprises in Rwanda.” The research grant, numbered NCST-NRIF WIS-R&D 07 /004/2022, amounts to Frw 90,000,000 and is set to unfold over a three-year period.

The research project aims to address the challenges associated with traditional open-air sun drying methods, which are prevalent in Rwanda. These methods are hindered by their dependency on ambient conditions, susceptibility to contamination, and the need for standby manpower to intervene in changing weather conditions. The initiative seeks to introduce in-house solar drying technologies as an eco-friendly solution to reduce postharvest losses, enhance the quality of dried food, and cut down on the cost of postharvest processing.

 

ULK Polytechnic Institute, in collaboration with postharvest experts from Postharvest Plus Ltd and a local food processing company, plans to study the physics of solar energy collection, humidity reduction in crops, and the impact on food nutrients. The research team, led by Principal Investigator Eng. Mukeshimana Annoncée, will employ design simulation and optimization using software tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics. Drying conditions data will be collected across different locations in Rwanda to propose customized and efficient designs for specific applications.

 

Upon completion of the project, the team anticipates establishing an academic and business platform that provides cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality designs and constructions of customized solar dryers. The outcomes include construction demonstrations across the country, a regional database of design parameters, and the development of a design simulation app to streamline the design process.

Research Team:

Eng. Mukeshimana Annoncee serves as the Principal Investigator, leading a diverse team comprising Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Habimana Jean Willy, Eng. Karikurubu Emmanuel, Ms. Nyirahafashimana Valentine, and Mr. Amani Manzi Alain. Collaborators include experts from Post-Harvest Plus Ltd, the Postharvest Education Foundation (PEF), and Health is Wealth Ltd, contributing their knowledge and expertise to ensure the success of the project.

 

The research team expressed gratitude to NCST for organizing the contest and recognized the importance of promoting women in research. As the project progresses, regular updates and physical meetings, including a recent one at NCST Office, demonstrate the commitment of ULK Polytechnic Institute and NCST to collaboratively advancing the research and implementation of solar drying technologies in Rwanda.

 

This research project stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Rwanda.

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NDIKUMANA VenusteNov 27No Comments

ULK POLYTECHNIC STAFF TRAINED ON COMPETENCE BASED CURRICULUM

With Rwanda’s education sector taking new shape, all academic institutions are required to teach their learners and make sure they finish their studies being competent to practically demonstrate what they acquired from class. This is what the Ministry of Education in Rwanda urges academic institutions to be doing. Aware of this, ULK Polytechnic Institute hosted training sessions on Competence Based Curriculum(CBC). The training sessions kick-started on 15th April, 2022.

Since these educational techniques entirely fall in the field of education, Mr. SIBOMANA Alphonse, a Master’s holder in Education, was at the forefront of the training to make sure all concepts related to these techniques are clearly internalized.

As SIBOMANA said, Curriculum is a total guided learning experiences designed to facilitate learning by establishing quality relationship between what is learnt and what operates outside the school. In other words, if learning cannot play a role in sorting out problems impinging on the outside society, then that learning is a failure. This calls for teachers to combine efforts and train their learners and make them competent players who will solve socio-economic problems and many others upon leaving their schools.

SIBOMANA also expounded that there is a big difference between Knowledge Based Curriculum and Competence based Curriculum in that the former involves active learning, learners build new knowledge from prior knowledge and it focuses on what learners can do and apply in different situations. Whereas, the latter is lecture based, the teacher provides subject content concepts and the teacher focuses on content and what learners can know and memorize rather than what they can do.

The training came in handy as all lecturers teaching at ULK Polytechnic Institute did not do education as a specialization. Also, this new way of teaching sounds very innovative as it is geared towards learner’s ability to do something. Given this, the training climaxed in lecturers’ vow to be training learners and equip them with the competence they need to create things.

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titijadoMay 16No Comments