During the event held last week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Unity Club - an association that brings together current and former members of cabinet and their spouses - First Lady Jeannette Kagame was bestowed upon an award of honour.

The First Lady, who is also the chairperson of Unity Club, was recognised for her outstanding role in championing unity and reconciliation among Rwandans, right from the immediate aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Below is the award and citation as presented:

This Award is presented to Mrs Jeannette Kagame, in recognition of your outstanding role in fostering Unity and Reconciliation among Rwandans.

You are the founding member of the Unity Club, composed of current and former members of the Rwandan Cabinet, as well as their spouses. In the aftermath of the Genocide and in the face of a tattered nation that had lost its people, its dignity and its soul, You challenged leaders to be torch bearers for a renewed, new beginning. Where others saw despair and despondency, You saw hope.

Where others were paralysed by man’s inhumanity to man, you affirmed the intrinsic goodness of all Rwandans. You have consistently, courageously encouraged leaders to see beyond their differences and live as a people united in purposes, bonded by history.

You have been and continue to be a voice for the voiceless. Providing comfort and support to the most vulnerable. Unity Club members have been challenged to celebrate and affirm their Rwandaness, their different life experiences notwithstanding. You are a role model to millions and a mother to many.

Rwandan leaders may belong to many political parties, have different ideologies, but through the Unity Club, they have come to share a devotion to the Unity of Rwandans. For all this and more, We the members of Unity Club Intwararumuri salute and commend you, and with this award honour you.

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