More than 300 people from various administrative levels of Nyabisindu Cell, in Remera Sector, visited the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera, on February 8, to commemorate and reflect on the sacrifices of Rwanda’s national heroes. The visit, held as part of the ongoing National Heroes Month celebrations, provided an opportunity for area residents to deepen their understanding of the country’s history and the values upheld by those honoured at the site.

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Participants—who included youth administrators, women leaders, village heads, security officials, and members of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF)—were given a guided tour of the mausoleum. The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honor (CHENO) facilitated the visit, offering insights into the lives and achievements of the recognized heroes.

Placide Dieudonné Nzisabira, an advisor in Nyabisindu Cell Council and the coordinator of the visit, emphasized the importance of engaging with history first-hand.

"We wanted to take this opportunity to relearn and reflect on the heroic acts that shaped our country’s existence and development,” Nzisabira explained.

"Many people wanted to attend, but logistical constraints made it difficult. However, those of us here will take the responsibility for sharing the knowledge with our communities. We hope to organize more visits in the future, especially on significant national dates, such as during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.”

Nzisabira drew a comparison between historical figures, likening the late Fred Gisa Rwigema to Moses in the Bible and President Paul Kagame to Joshua, highlighting their roles in leading Rwanda to safety and progress.

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For many participants, the experience was eye-opening. Celine Niyonkuru, a 21-year-old member of the youth committee in Nyabisindu Village, shared how the visit deepened her appreciation for the concept of heroism.

"I was excited to learn that one can become a hero even while still alive,” she said.

"This inspired me to strive for extraordinary contributions to my community. We also reflected on the values that define us as Rwandans—especially patriotism, which is a common trait among all the heroes honoured here.”

Allen Justin Kabera from Rugarama Village, who represents women in her local RPF leadership, emphasized the value of first-hand learning.

"Seeing the tombs of national heroes makes their sacrifices feel real. It strengthens our belief in what they fought for and reminds us of our duty to carry their legacy forward,” she said. "The visit ignited a desire in me to represent Rwanda with pride wherever I go and in everything I do.”

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Evanice Mukabutare, the chairperson of the advisory committee of Nyabisindu Cell, stressed the need to extend such educational experiences to more people, especially those unlikely to access them on their own.

"We had some knowledge about our heroes before, but coming here and engaging with those who preserve this history made it much more impactful,” she said. "When you stand before the final resting places of these heroes, you feel a deep responsibility to be a productive and responsible citizen.”

Mukabutare also voiced concerns about the younger generation, calling for more efforts to instil national values.

"It’s heartbreaking to see young people engaging in self-destructive behaviours—alcoholism, social media misconduct, and lack of direction—when other people sacrificed their lives for this country. I urge the government to incorporate lessons on heroism in rehabilitation centers, making historical materials more accessible so that young people can learn from them.”

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Gabriel Ngendabanga, the chairperson of Gihogere Village, highlighted the emotional connection the visit created between past and present generations.

"The people who lived through these historical moments and those born after them were all able to relate to the sacrifices made,” he said.

"I learned that citizens can nominate individuals for national recognition by submitting their names and contributions to CHENO.”

Ngendabanga noted that President Kagame was awarded the ‘Uruti’ and ‘Umurinzi’ medals but suggested that his ongoing leadership and efforts in securing Rwanda should earn him further national recognition.

"I believe he deserves even more honours. When he reassures Rwandans that they can sleep peacefully because the country is secure, many take it for granted. However, when you reflect on recent attacks from DR Congo in Rubavu District, it was entirely possible for Gisenyi town to fall into enemy hands. Yet, under his leadership, the country remained protected. That is the mark of a true hero, and we believe he should be further recognized,” he said.

Residents of Rubavu town on January 28 told The New Times that the recent shelling on Rwandan territory by the DR Congo army coalition would have claimed more lives than it did had it not been for the resolve of the country’s security organs to shield the population.

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He also drew inspiration from museums he visited in Cairo, Egypt, where the bodies of historical figures have been preserved for centuries.

"If Rwanda could develop similar preservation techniques, it would greatly enhance historical education for future generations,” he suggested.

Ngendabanga urged people to visit historical sites, stressing that seeing something with one’s own eyes leaves a lasting impression, far more powerful than simply hearing about it. "It’s easy to forget what you’ve been told in words, but when you see historical evidence before you, the lesson stays with you.”

CHENO’s response and future prospects

Nicolas Rwaka, the Division Manager of Research on Heroism at CHENO, encouraged the country’s youth to align their decisions with the country’s vision and values.

"Heroism is something we inherited from our ancestors, and it must be actively pursued, not just taught,” he stated. "Young people must learn to adopt valuable aspects of foreign influences while staying true to the ideals that foster both personal and national development.”

He assured participants that CHENO continually works to improve the mausoleum and incorporate new exhibits, urging Rwandans to visit regularly.

Regarding the ideas proposed during the visit, Rwaka acknowledged their importance and stated that CHENO would evaluate their feasibility.

He said: "The idea of body preservation, for instance, is not currently possible due to technological limitations, but as we advance, we will explore such possibilities.

"As for awarding additional medals to the President, it is within citizens’ rights to propose such recognitions. If formal submissions are made, CHENO will conduct thorough research before proceeding.”

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Rwaka also reminded the public that visiting the mausoleum is open to everyone, and applications can be submitted through the IREMBO online platform.