Reflecting on the liberation struggle and its outcomes, Capt [Rtd] Mike Byusa likes to put much emphasis on the importance of visionary leadership in transforming lives and shaping the future as is evident in the remarkable progress Rwanda has made over the past three decades.

Byusa, 50-year-old a former fighter of the Rwanda Patriotic Front’s military wing, the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), said: "After all the sacrifices that were made, we are now witnessing the fruits of the Rwanda that we wanted, in addition to visionary leadership.

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"The younger generation&039;s embrace of this path gives great comfort, setting the stage for celebrating 60 years of liberation.”

Byusa said that patriotism takes on a deeper meaning when he now takes in the reality of what once was, and as he aims to impart this outlook to future generations.

"When you reflect on the 30-year journey, having been there at the beginning and hearing about a future where everyone desires to be, visiting our developed, liberated nation, and realizing that our own hands contributed to this transformation, seeing this transformation is the most profound form of rehabilitation, fuelling even deeper patriotism.”

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Byusa, who was born in DR Congo by refugee parents, joined the rebel RPA aged 17, in 1991 after being mobilised and educated about Rwandan history and the struggle for liberation. He believes that the youth should recognise the importance of continuing to nurture and protect the legacy of the people who fought for Rwanda’s liberation.

"Coming from refugee parents, we had little exposure to our own history and origins. In October 1990, when the liberation struggle began, we began actively contemplating our role as young people in this journey. It was during this time that we were introduced to mobilisation campaigns and leadership training. Senior [RPF] cadres approached us in high school, educating us about Rwanda&039;s history and the significance of the liberation movement," he said.

"Patriotism must be cherished. For a generation born in a liberated Rwanda, I hope they appreciate our country's journey, understand its sacrifices, and never take its progress for granted."

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‘Becoming a disabled veteran was emotionally and psychologically taxing’

In mid 1992, during an intense fire exchange with the genocidal regime’s army and militia, in Byumba, present-day Gicumbi District, Byusa was shot and wounded in the right hip, causing a foot drop and consequently a complete hip replacement later in 2014, following several other operations.

The injury marked a significant turning point in his life. At 18, he was forced to confront the stark reality of his situation.

"The transition from being a physically capable young fighter to a disabled veteran was emotionally and psychologically taxing. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and the daunting task of discovering a new sense of purpose. However, I was supported by exceptional leadership under the Chairman of RPF/A that never labelled anyone as incapable.”

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The visionary leadership of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) played a crucial role in Byusa’s rehabilitation and other wounded soldiers at the time.

"Understanding the importance of keeping even the injured soldiers productive and motivated, the RPF initiated a vocational training programme that provided injured soldiers with technical and vocational skills in carpentry, construction, basic computer training, and literacy, thereby ensuring that they continued to contribute to liberation struggle in a meaningful way,” he said.

"Muvumba Project, as it was called, was more than just a rehabilitation initiative; it was a lifeline.”

As such, Byusa and his comrades realised that their worth was not lessened by their injuries. They learned to craft walking aids, furniture, and even engage in fundraising activities, which instilled a renewed sense of purpose and productivity. This period of rehabilitation and vocational training was pivotal in reshaping their identities from disabled veterans to active contributors to the nation&039;s development.

Later, despite his injury, Byusa also continued to serve in various capacities.

In 1995 he transitioned into local administration, becoming a 'bourgmestre', or mayor, in Gabiro, present-day Gatsibo District.

Five years later, he requested for permission to pursue further studies. Supported by the RPF, Byusa studied public finance management and later served as a budget and finance advisor in the Ministry of Defence.

In 2007, seeking to gain more knowledge and expertise, the father of five – four girls and a boy – moved to Australia for further studies. While there, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and completed postgraduate studies in international relations and national security, and financial planning.

He returned home in 2023, committed to contributing more to his country’s development.

Byusa now works as a Commercial Director at Prime Insurance, one of the major insurance firms in the country.