Ten years ago, a group of genocide perpetrators and survivors formed an association and named it ‘Ukuri Kuganze’, loosely translated as ‘Let truth prevail’. The association created a platform for members to actively share their stories and give practical help (like building houses and distributing food) in their communities, to promote the courage to confess and ask for forgiveness.
Some of the homes Ukuri Kuganze association has helped build
Members of the association speak with openness, clarity and acceptance of what happened in their lives and they know so much about how to live.
“It wasn’t easy at all, as you can imagine sitting next to the person who killed your family members, as we worked together on a number of social projects, I managed to forgive village members who killed my family and today we support each other in times of need,” says Rachel Mukantabana, a 1994 genocide survivor in Nyamata in Bugesera district.
Mukantabana explained that through the Ukuri Kuganze association, members are able to interact, have fun and support each other.
“It was a heavy burden to forgive. It is a long process, but when I forgave them, I felt relieved and had my life back again”
Didace Kayinamura, at first, as a perpetrator could put himself in the shoes of the victims and valued them as human beings which later led him to admit that he had done terrible things.
“This process led me to soften and confessed my role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and then moved on to ask for forgiveness which I was granted,” he tearfully narrated.
Kayinamura admits that this kind of community therapy has triggered unity and reconciliation among survivors and former genocide perpetrators.
“During the tragic days, we thought we were serving our country by kiling the Tutsis. So, in a way, we felt justified. Those who have not realised that what they did was wrong still feel that way, and they are a danger to our country. They are the ones who could kill again, because in their hearts they still carry those beliefs; and yet confession, asking for forgiveness, reconciliation are the things that will protect our country” he said.
‘Ukuri Kuganze’ association operates in different districts including Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Bugesera, Kayonza and Gakenke district.
Since 2004 members have built 320 houses for the vulnerable genocide survivors in different parts of the country.
“Our acts of compassion to the poor is both a sign and a testimony that proves to the world that some of us who played a role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi have a need to make amends,” says Kayinamura.
Ukuri Kuganze Association has about 1000 members spread in different parts of the country.