Rwandan  students in Uganda have launched a scheme that aims at improving the livelihoods of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The project named Tuition Insurance Scheme (TIS) is run by students of Uganda Christian University under their association Uganda Christian University Banyarwanda Students Association (UCUBASA).

According to Emmanuel Muhinda the project manager, TIS will seek not only to support unprivileged students in Rwanda, but also Genocide survivors studying in Uganda.

Muhinda said that the idea to support the survivors was mooted after harrowing images of child victims whom he described as still lacking accommodation in several parts of the country.

"When I visited some of the orphanages in Ntarama and in Butare, I was told 60 children sleep in a single room. The government has helped much – but we also need to support it,” Muhinda said.

"Through this project, we are looking at catering for necessities like food and clothing because the government has done a lot on accommodation.”

The scheme, Muhinda added, will be funded by financial support from friends in the US as well as annual contributions from sister student associations from some universities in Uganda.

The scheme also targets financial assistance from the Rwanda High Commission in Uganda and the Uganda Banyarwanda Community Association (UMUBANO).  

Speaking as guest of honor at the event, the First Secretary at Rwanda High Commission, John Ngarambe, commended the students for their patriotic gesture, and urged them to always uphold their cultural values. 
During the launch, the students and guests raised Shs1,360,000 to kick-start the project.

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