Commemorating Rwandans who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis is not a time to only be filled with sorrow but it is the time for people to remember and rebuild themselves.
This was said by Hon. Venancie Ugirayezu the Minister in the President’s office who had joined residents of Rulindo District on Sunday the 7th.April.2013 to mark the beginning of the commemoration period for the next 100 days.
Hon. Venancie Ugirayezu addressing the public
The state minister also told people to renounce anything that would bring disunity among Rwandans but to get together and think of ways to develop together.
He asked people to become more sensitive in this trying and hard period for most Rwandans especially genocide survivors by supporting and understanding them in any possible way.
The mayor for Rulindo district Justus Kangwagye in this function said genocide survivors in this sector do not intend to live as alms beggars but they are working for their future. The district supports the needy and poor and people support each other towards their development.
“Genocide survivors are the first people to support their fellows in need especially in physical work like building accommodation for the homeless and in many other ways” says the mayor.
Rulindo residents starting commemoration week
The genocide survivors of Rulindo district need their fellow genocide survivors with mental problems caused by genocide to be give medical assistance.
Eric Rubayita the coordinator of IBUKA in Rulindo district asked all local leaders to own the issue of genocide survivors with mental cases and solicit means to give them the desired medical treatment and make them better.
“Genocide survivors in this district are doing far better than ever before. We are still worried about some of the genocide survivors who have mental cases that were caused by the genocide. We need and seek help from you local leaders to help us get our fellows better.”
The coordinator of IBUKA appreciated the continuous support from the district administration to all genocide survivors in encouraging them to be self reliant.