Rwanda has been my dream country for as long as I can remember. Although my grandparents left the country a long time ago and I was born and grew up in Uganda, I’ve always identified myself as a Rwandan. This, despite the fact that I’ve never been to Rwanda before. After a whole month in Rwanda, certain things have caught my attention, especially the country’s beauty.

A country of a thousand hills, valleys, streams and surrounded by trees, which create a peaceful atmosphere, the cleanliness that doesn’t only stop in Kigali but goes deep into the villages, is one of the things which define the country’s uniqueness.

I have also noticed the great sense of security in the country. The citizens also cut across as very law abiding, something not so common elsewhere in Africa.

As I get to the middle of my second month in the country, here comes yet another experience that has left me almost speechless and very humbled, the 15th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

At least a big number of the population in Africa and the world at large have heard and some witnessed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. I happen to be one of those who only heard about it.

Only did I get the chance to see what it was like this week. Much as I’ve seen more and more orphans ever since I stepped here, I never imagined that just as many young children died during the Genocide, not to mention the adults.

In preparation for the commemoration, I decided to visit Gisozi Memorial Centre. It’s a hot afternoon and the sun is high in the sky. Full of anticipation, the drive turns out to be shorter than I expected.

As we approach, the building stands tall and incredibly beautiful, blue and white. Water flows outside, the atmosphere is relatively calm; you can never imagine the cold horror that lies inside, until you are in.

I haven’t found the right words to use in description of how people met their death during the Genocide. Saying that they were killed is an understatement.

The word killing can hardly describe the way people died in Rwanda at the time. It was the kind of death that came with torture, humiliation and both physical and mental pain. 

Seeing the mass graves and the film, not to mention the living testimonies, seems more like a horror, but it’s a reality, and Rwandans have proved beyond imagination that they are strong enough to cope with this reality.

Unique is Rwanda, that after such a history, Rwandans are determined to build their country, stand on their feet and walk with their heads high and eyes looking straight into a better future.

May the survivors face the future challenges courageously with hope and strength knowing that they will successfully emerge through life’s journey , for there sure is a reason why they survived.

As Rwandans we have a role to forget the bitter past and forge a better future. Together we stand, divided we fall. Long live Rwanda.

Ends