Young Rwandans from different ministries and government institutions pay tribute to genocide victims laid at Kigali Genocide Memorial site in June 2025
As Rwanda prepares to mark the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, two prominent national organizations—Unity Club Intwararumuri and IBUKA—have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at deepening remembrance efforts and strengthening national unity.
The agreement, signed on March 31 by Unity Club Executive Secretary Julienne Uwacu and IBUKA President Philibert Gakwenzire, sets a framework for joint initiatives focused on preserving Rwanda’s history—particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—and promoting shared national values.
The partnership comes just days before the annual commemoration period, Kwibuka, which begins on April 7. The period is dedicated to national reflection, mourning, and education, honoring more than one million victims while reinforcing the commitment to “Never Again.”
Unity Club’s Executive Secretary Julienne Uwacu (right) and IBUKA President Philibert Gakwenzire
Through this collaboration, the two organizations will coordinate efforts to commemorate victims through national and community activities, prevent and combat genocide ideology, promote unity and resilience through the Ndi Umunyarwanda identity, and improve the welfare of survivors.
These initiatives align with Rwanda’s broader approach of using remembrance not only to honor victims, but also as a tool for education and prevention.
Unity Club Intwararumuri, which promotes unity and ethical leadership, brings together current and former leaders, including members connected to the presidency. It plays a key role in fostering social cohesion, dialogue, and responsible leadership across generations.
IBUKA, the umbrella organization for genocide survivors, is central to advocacy, memory preservation, and survivor welfare, ensuring that survivors’ voices remain at the forefront of national and international discourse.
By combining Unity Club’s focus on leadership and cohesion with IBUKA’s work in remembrance and survivor support, the partnership is expected to amplify impact at both institutional and community levels.
A shared vision for unity and development
Officials from both sides emphasized that the agreement goes beyond commemoration, aiming to build a resilient future. The collaboration is expected to strengthen unity and peace—key pillars for Rwanda’s sustainable development.
With the 32nd commemoration approaching, the partnership signals renewed commitment to preserving truth, supporting survivors, and ensuring that the lessons of the Genocide against the Tutsi continue to guide future generations.
Separately, a two-day mental health training programme will equip more than 200 university students with skills to support others during the commemoration period.
Two-day mental health training program for over 200 university students, equipping them to support others during the 32nd commemoration
