Professor Didace Muganga Kayihura, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, has called on students to recognize their role in shaping the nation — reminding them that their voices matter, even when guiding their elders.
He made the remarks during a solemn night vigil held on April 21 at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus, where students, staff, and national leaders gathered to honor more than 500 victims who studied and worked at the former National University of Rwanda.
“Though you are young, you are not powerless — and that doesn’t mean you can’t correct those older than you. Please, correct us,” he urged.
Prof. Muganga reflected on the university’s painful legacy, once envisioned as a beacon of enlightenment, but which instead became home to individuals who contributed to the Genocide’s planning and execution.
He spoke candidly about how the institution failed the nation at a critical moment in history.
“The university was once trusted to be a beacon of hope for the people. But today, it is with a sense of shame that we acknowledge how elite academic leaders at our former National University of Rwanda were an integral part of the Genocide against the Tutsi architecture.
“Instead of educating for unity, it raised generations through division and discrimination,” he said.
Still, he expressed hope — drawn from the resolve and patriotism of today’s students, whom he described as carrying the torch of a new Rwanda, one built on unity and free from hatred.
“The young people passing through this university have shown us that it’s not difficult — if we don’t make it difficult for them. They have the will and determination.”
Prof. Muganga encouraged students to pursue not only academic knowledge but also moral integrity, urging them to reject genocide ideology in all its forms.
He concluded with a call for reflection, inviting both students and faculty to use the commemoration as a moment to envision the kind of citizens Rwanda needs.
“We hope this moment becomes one for reflection — helping us shape a brighter future. Our country needs us to be people of value,” he said.
Ruzigana Prince / The Kaminuza Star