In the perspective of the 27th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB) in collaboration with the Association of student’s survivors of genocide (UTAB AERG IMENAGITERO) held a ceremony to commemorate the people slain in the genocide against the Tutsi on 16th June 2021,
The ceremony began with a walk to remember that departed from the premises of UTAB towards the Byumba genocide memorial where some authorities, guests, student’s representatives, and staff representatives paid tribute and laid flowers at the graves of the victims of the Genocide.
In his welcome message, Dr. Ndahayo Fidele the Vice-Chancellor of UTAB welcomed all guests and UTAB community, who attended the event of genocide remembrance. He said that to remember is an occasion to look back in the past and to reflect on the ordeals endured by the Tutsi. He requested all participants especially the youth to be good citizens and involving themselves in the fight against genocide ideology
“The student’s representative under the umbrella of AERG (the student’s association of the genocide survivors) in his remarks thanked the former RPA army that played a vital role to save them and thanked the government of Rwanda for the continuing support offered them in their day to day livelihood and ensuring that they are educated. The commemoration period reminds us the struggle we endured and it is also a time for commitment to build a bright future. We hope for a better future,” said Mr. Evariste HATEGEKIMANA’’the coordinator of AERG-UTAB.
Mr. Ngendahimana Ladislas in his Public lecture delivered to the audience, he clarified the history of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi; the role of youth and literate in perpetrating Genocide against Tutsi, and emphasized that all Rwandans especially the youth should think of what to unite them fighting against Genocide. He asked UTAB Students as the intellectuals in University to refocus on the practices of good governance, living moral and ethical values, in order to overcome the effects of genocide. The sovereignty of their country is in their hands to shape and give it a proper identity and bright hope for sustainable development.
Byumba genocide memorial
NDAYAMBAJE Felix, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, who was the guest of honor thanked the UTAB community for preparing that event and encouraged the students to fetch energy from commemoration activities. He highlighted the fruits of good governance and encouraged the participants to rehabilitate our country, devastated by the Genocide against Tutsi. He told them to dissociate from any form of hatred and Genocide ideology and rather focus on projects aiming at developing the country.
