The 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda -UTAB

Gicumbi  – Saturday , June 14, 2025 – The University of Technology and Arts of BYUMBA-UTAB  held a joint commemoration to honor all The Tutsi who were killed during  the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.A group of IMENAGITERO students created the below theatre ,video and songs  to honor the memory of the more than one million lives lost during the 100 tragic days and to recommit to our obligation to always unite against hate. KWIBUKA means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda and the 7th of April marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, as many as 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered.   District staff ,Invited visitors , UTAB students and staff also gathered together in person to commemorate Kwibuka 31 through a solemn night vigil, a Walk to Remember, testimonies from survivors, and a panel discussion on the role of younger generations in preserving the memory of 1994 and fighting against genocide denial and ideology. We offer a heartfelt thank you to the all team participation -led Peace and Love

Purpose of this events at UTAB

• To honor and remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

• To educate the university community and others stockholders of university on the history and impact of the genocide.

• To promote unity, reconciliation, and the fight against genocide ideology among youth.

• To reflect on the role of education in rebuilding Rwanda.
• TWIBUKE TWIYUBAKA

The Importance of Commemoration

The commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is an essential national and international act of remembrance. It is a moment to remember the mothers, fathers, children, and entire families that were wiped out simply because they were Tutsi. why this commemoration is important:

1. Honoring the Victims -It is a time to remember and pay tribute to over one million innocent lives lost.Names, stories, and dignity of victims are preserved through remembrance.
2. Fighting Genocide Denial and Ideology-It serves as a powerful tool against denial, revisionism, and hate speech.Commemoration keeps the truth alive and educates future generations.
3. Promoting National Unity and Reconciliation-It reminds Rwandans of the importance of unity, forgiveness, and living together peacefully.Creates a platform to reflect on how far the country has come and the efforts toward reconciliation.
4. Educating the Youth-Helps young people, especially those born after 1994, to understand the history and learn lessons that prevent future violence.Empowers them to become peacebuilders and responsible citizens.
5. Supporting Survivors-Shows solidarity and compassion to genocide survivors.Helps in healing psychological wounds and promotes mental well-being.
6. Strengthening “Never Again”-Reinforces the national and global commitment that genocide should never happen again, anywhere.Encourages vigilance and action against injustice, discrimination, and divisionism.
7. Building a Resilient Nation-Remembrance inspires strength, courage, and hope.It is a moment to appreciate Rwanda’s reconstruction, progress, and resilience.

Program of Activities 

9H30-10H15 : VISIT OF  GENOCIDE MEMORIAL SITE -MUKERI ‘’THE WALK TO REMEMBER’’ 

10H15-10H20 : AGENDA PUBLICATION

 10H20-10H21:   MOMENT OF SILENCE -1MIN REMEMBERING           

10H21-10H25:  PRAY BY LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE

10H25-10H35 :  WELCOME REMARKS BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR

10H35-10H45: ARTIST

10H45-11H20: MINUBUMWE SPEAKER

11H20-11H25: FAMILY IMENAGITERO UTAB

11H25-11H40: SURVIVOR TESTIMONY

11H40-11H50 :ARTIST

11H50-12H05: IMENAGITERO MESSAGE

12H05-12H10:LIGHTING THE FLAME OF REMEMBRANCE(  URUMURI RW’ICYIZERE)

12H10-12H20: GUEST IBUKA

12H20-12H25: ARTIST

12H25-12H35: GUEST SPEECH  

CLOSING REMARKS

THEME : TWIBUKE TWIYUBAKA

Never Again Rwanda ,