The Mayor of Huye District and the Director General of the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) have expressed their gratitude to the Inkotanyi for saving the lives of Rwandans not only at CHUB but also in other parts of the country during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during the 31st commemoration of the genocide at an evening vigil held at CHUB on May 22, 2025, Mayor Ange Sebutege called on hospital staff to reject genocide ideology and uphold the values of Ndi Umunyarwanda in all their professional and personal activities.
The vigil paid tribute to victims who were healthcare providers, patients, and hospital neighbours killed at CHUB in 1994. It is estimated that around 300 Tutsi were murdered within the hospital grounds.
Mayor Sebutege emphasised that Kwibuka serves as a foundation for building resilience and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. He stressed the importance of drawing strength from the past to rebuild society and strengthen national institutions like hospitals through the delivery of quality services.
“We are deeply grateful to the Inkotanyi who stopped the genocide and gave us back a country where everyone has equal opportunities,” he said. “Today, healthcare providers welcome and treat all patients with dignity and professionalism principles we must continue to uphold as we remember and renew.”
Dr. Christian Ngarambe, Director General of CHUB, highlighted that today’s health workers are committed to doing the opposite of those who violated their oath in 1994.
“Health professionals now serve all people equally, with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring genocide never happens again,” he said.
Both leaders expressed appreciation for the heroic role played by the former RPA, now RDF soldiers, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame in rescuing lives and contributing to national healing.
By Athanase Munyarugendo | The Kaminuza Star