EASTERN PROVINCE

KAYONZA — Remains of 938 Genocide victims were last week given a befitting burial at the Nkamba Genocide memorial, in Ruramira sector, the Kayonza District.

The remains buried over the weekend were the first at the new site, whose construction cost over Rwf 8 million.

These latest remains of the over 900 victims were recovered from Ruramira sector, while others were collected from Kabarondo sector.

At the burial, the Mayor, Damas Muhororo urged residents to volunteer information that would lead to the discovery of remains of other genocide victims, so as to accord them a decent burial.

He warned residents against threatening survivors and the genocide ideology, but instead focus on personal and the country’s development.

Muhororo, also encouraged youth genocide survivors to write down their testimonies for posterity, and reference purposes - for those who might want to have first hand information about the past atrocities.

On commemorating the 1994 Genocide, he asserted that Rwandans have to remember the victims of genocide, in order to avoid past mistakes and shape the future.

Muhororo also encouraged residents to focus on nation building by especially helping genocide survivors to have shelter.

MP Charles Kamanda, who represented Ibuka, an umbrella body of genocide survivors, urged survivors to remain strong and work towards development. He also advised them to strive to excel in whatever they do and to sustain hope for a bright future.

The burial ceremony included a requiem mass, mourning, poems, songs and testimonies from survivors. Like many similar ceremonies, some relatives and friends to the victims, left the place unconscious due to trauma.

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