It’s amazing to that Rwanda’s young generation knows more about the history of the European states than their own history. I guess it because they have more information about this states available online and in libraries. It is my understanding that not enough is being done to educate young Rwandans about what the 1990-1994 War of Liberation was all about. The older generation might know all about it but the young Rwandans are in the dark; that is why I believe that a Rwandan War Museum is essential. It would act as an educational center for inquisitive young people. A museum is permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment”. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artifacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society. It is now fifteen years since the Liberation War ended. Many Rwandans, and other well wishers, made a joint effort to liberate this and this is why Kigali was liberated in 1994 after a long struggle. Sadly many of the young generation lost their lives. Since then, there have been many discussions regarding what actually can be done to remember the heroes who started the war and many others whose lives were lost. While some individuals have deemed such a ‘physical’ museum unnecessary, I believe that no matter how good a web site or virtual museum can be, it won’t replace an actual visit to a museum or historic site. But where it would be built and who should put it in action remains the issue of concern. Most Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, support this project due to the fact that thousands of fighters lost their lives and it would be awful for their sacrifice to go unremembered. The aim of this war museum would be to promote the Rwanda’s heroic heritage and to acknowledge the importance of our heroes. It should be noted that the museum would not not glorify war. Rather, its intent is to remind this and future generations of the sacrifices made by previous generations to keep our nation free. Many people have different views on where exactly this proposed museum should be built; some propose it to be constructed at Mulindi, Byumba, former headquarter of the RPA. Others propose Matimba, Eastern Province, where the first Leader died, CND (the Parliament Buildings here in Kigali where the six hundred soldiers camped and Camp Kigali (Former Etat Major). This site, Camp Kigali, is rich in military history. Why is it being touted as a potential home of the War Museum? It is argued that the Camp Kigali premises, presently housing the MMI offices, present a good site for the proposed museum because of its historical back ground and its proximity to the Serena Hotel. And in addition, Camp Kigali hosts the memoriam site of the Belgium soldiers who were killed. What would be displayed in the War Museum? Maybe an example would be the equipment and uniforms used in the war of liberation, displays showing the stages of the war and evolution such as the Pole Kagera, Pole Arusha, Mukotanyi and many others, which were used between 1990 and 1994. It would display photos taken of different fighters and other leaders of both sides of the conflict. The first people to realize this project would be Rwandans themselves-military personnel, veterans and civilians. Maybe foreign nations with experience constructing museums would also be involved. The source of finance for the proposed War Museum would be through the voluntary contribution of every well-wishing partner. semwaga edward” edsemwaga@yahoo.co.uk>
