Your future is bright, Minister Busingye tells Genocide orphans

Justice minister Johnston Busingye has said the government will do whatever it takes to ensure improved welfare for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially orphans.

Saturday, December 26, 2015
Justice minister Johnson Busigye (L) addresses to the media as Justice Ministry permanent secretary Isabelle Karihangabo looks on after the swearing of bailiffs in Kigali, yesterday. (John Mbanda)

Justice minister Johnston Busingye has said the government will do whatever it takes to ensure improved welfare for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially orphans.

Busingye made the commitment on Thursday as he visited Club Urumuri, an association of orphans of the Genocide based in Huye District, where he, together with other officials, had joined the survivors to celebrate Christmas.

Club Urumuri, which is made up of 31 youths, was created in 2003 after realising that there were some Genocide survivors who had been integrated into a home set up with support from the Ministry of Justice.

According to Cyprien Simpunga, the club’s secretary, the club originally had 67 students but others have since moved on after completing school and getting employment and that most of those that remain have completed high school while others are already in university.

Minister Busingye said the government is happy that young survivors and members of Urumuri Club have grown up and thanked them for living harmoniously.

"The serious problems you experienced should not discourage you, rather be the springboard to propel you to build a country that is devoid of the troubles we went through,” Busingye said.

He said the government will continue to do its best to ensure that survivors get the best welfare possible.

Busingye said some members of the Urumuri Club had expressed interest in pursuing vocational training and that the Ministry of Justice will support them achieve their goal.

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