NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — Ten of the Kigali Independent University (ULK) students, who died in a fatal motor accident in Gicumbi district on Monday night were buried on Tuesday, at the Kasehuma cemetery, Byumba Sector in the Gicumbi district.

Eleven students died in a fatal accident involving a transit goods truck and a commuter minibus at the Rusumo Trading Centre, along the Kigali- Gatuna highway at about 10.00 pm on Monday night.

While the eleventh accident victim, Jovite Rutayisire, was to be buried at his ancestral home Sector in Kageyo, Gicumbi district, yesterday (Wednesday) at the request of family members. The students died while returning to Byumba after attending lectures in Kigali.

A joint requiem mass organised by the Gicumbi district at the district stadium, and a subsequent burial ceremony were attended by thousands of mourners from different parts of the country.

Notable dignitaries at the burial ceremony were the proprietor of the ULK Senator Prof. Rwigamba Balinda, Senator Jean Baptiste Bizimana, Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, the area member of Parliament, Beatrice Nirere and religious leaders among others.

The requiem mass was led by religious leaders from different denominations including Catholics, Protestants and Pentecostals in which they called upon mourners to remain ‘strong during this sorrowful period.’

"Death is for all of us and we should not lose courage at all times,” said Bishop Onesphore Rwaje of Byumba Anglican Church.  

Prof. Balinda promised compensation for the bereaved families.
"ULK has insured its students against hazards like the ones that befell our departed brothers and sisters,” he said. He commended the National Police and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) for their tireless efforts in trying to rescue the victims during the fatal accident.

The Mayor on his part called on Byumba residents to maintain the spirit of togetherness and team work during unexpected calamities such as this fatal accident.

"Although Gicumbi has lost great sons and daughters, we should remain courageous and work for a better future,” said Nyangezi.

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