Residents of Kamegeri Sector in Nyamagabe District, accompanied by the sector leadership, visited the Mulindi Heroic Site in Gicumbi District, where they learned about the history of Rwanda’s Liberation Struggle and the bravery demonstrated by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi). They said the visit gave them valuable lessons that will inspire them to preserve Rwanda’s history, strengthen their patriotism, and contribute to the country’s continued development.
During the visit, participants were briefed on the historical circumstances that forced many Rwandans into exile due to the oppressive governance that preceded the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They were also taken to several historically significant locations associated with the Liberation Struggle.
Among the sites visited was the underground bunker used by the Commander of the RPA-Inkotanyi, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, Paul Kagame, where military operations and strategic decisions for the liberation campaign were planned and coordinated.
The delegation also visited the location where military ranks were awarded for the first time within the RPA-Inkotanyi. They learned how the Liberation Struggle progressed until the government led by former President Juvénal Habyarimana agreed to negotiate with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), culminating in the signing of the Arusha Peace Accords in Tanzania.
The educational tour further included a visit to the origins of APR FC, which was initially known as Mulindi FC before adopting its current name. Participants also toured the building where financial contributions from RPF-Inkotanyi members were collected to support the Liberation Struggle and lay the foundation for Rwanda’s future economic reconstruction.
Assumpta Muragijemariya, one of the participants, said the visit deepened her understanding of Rwanda’s history and reinforced her responsibility to preserve it.
“The greatest lesson I am taking home as a young person is the responsibility to safeguard what the heroes of the Liberation Struggle achieved. I have a duty to contribute to Rwanda’s development, preserve this history, and pass it on to future generations,” she said.
Tharcisse Niyigena, another participant, said visiting the birthplace of the Liberation Struggle left him with lasting lessons about courage and perseverance.
“I was honored to visit Mulindi Hill, where the Liberation Struggle began, and to see the bunker where President Paul Kagame worked during the struggle. We also learned about the place where political strategies and key decisions that guided the liberation campaign were made. I leave with three important lessons: never give up, remain focused on your goals, and serve your country with dedication.”
Celine Sibonkayo, the Executive Secretary of Kamegeri Sector, said the purpose of the visit was to help residents gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history so they can continue safeguarding the country’s achievements.
“When people understand the history of Rwanda’s Liberation Struggle, they appreciate the extraordinary sacrifice made by the RPA-Inkotanyi. We remain deeply grateful for their selfless commitment, which brought freedom to our country. Today, Rwanda enjoys peace and security, and every citizen has a responsibility to protect these achievements and actively contribute to national development.”
She added that the sector leadership is committed to organizing more educational visits of this kind, particularly for young people, to ensure they understand Rwanda’s authentic history and continue promoting the values of unity, patriotism, selflessness, and community development.
At the conclusion of the visit, all participants pledged to continue preserving the history of Rwanda’s Liberation Struggle, strengthening national unity, and actively contributing to the country’s sustainable development. They emphasized that honoring these values is the most meaningful way to recognize the courage and sacrifice of the RPA-Inkotanyi who liberated Rwanda.
