HUYE – About 170 Gacaca court judges locally known as ‘Inyangamugayo’ from Mukura Sector were yesterday awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their services in the sector.

Officially closing Gacaca court activities in the sector, Gratian Dusingizimana, an official from the National Service of Gacaca Jurisdiction, commended the judges for the commitment and sacrifice exhibited in the execution of their duties.

"We are here to celebrate the end of the challenging task that you were charged with,”  Dusingizimana said. "We are here to thank you for the key role you played in rebuilding the country,”

The four Gacaca Sectors in Mukura Sector handled over 5000 cases 99 of which were in the First category.

Dusingizimana, underscored the main achievements of Gacaca which include; the reconstruction of the country, reconciliation of all Rwandans and fostering unity.

"Through information gathered during Gacaca trials, we were able to locate remains of Genocide victims to accord them decent burial. Gacaca also helped in curb the culture of impunity,” he added.

He called upon the judges to take advantage of their cooperative by engaging in income generating projects so as to uplift their social welfare.

Egide Munyankindi, the representative of the former Gacaca judges promised their readiness to serve the community whenever they are called upon.

"What looked as an insurmountable task at the beginning has now been accomplished successfully, we are grateful to local authorities and security personnel who stood by us during the execution of our duties,” said Munyankindi. "We will always be ready to serve whenever we are called upon.”

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