ULK Polytechnic Institute commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: Honoring the Past, Building a Future of Unity and Knowledge

The ceremony then continued at the ULK stadium, where the focus shifted towards education, fostering unity, and combating harmful ideologies. Starting with a prayer and moment of silence, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Cyprien Sikubwabo, welcomed all participants and encouraged them to remain vigilant against genocidal beliefs.

Nyirumuringa Théophile, a genocide survivor, shared the harrowing story of his family’s murder during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He recounted how the Interahamwe brutally attacked him, inflicting three deep head wounds that left him on the brink of death. Théophile expressed profound gratitude to RPF-Inkotanyi, who rescued him and treated his severely infected wounds, enabling him to survive and eventually pursue his education. He is now happily married with two children and stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.

Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda, the Founder and President of ULK, delivered a lecture that offered both healing and historical insight- delving into Rwanda’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history. Moreover, he shared how the genocide idealogy was fomented by the post-colonial governments and how it lead to the atrocities of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He also expressed gratitude to the RPF, led by H.E. President Paul Kagame, for stopping the genocide and fostering good governance that prioritizes national unity.