On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the ADEPR Church at Rwikubo Parish in Rwamagana District held a commemoration event for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marking the 31st anniversary at parish level.
Before the ceremony, genocide survivor Alphonsine Mukagihana was handed a house built for her by the church in collaboration with local authorities.
The commemoration began with a memorial walk and tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who are buried at the Rwamagana Genocide Memorial.
Pastor Nsengiyumva Silver, leader of ADEPR Rwikubo Parish, addressed the attendees at the event held in Kigabiro Sector. He highlighted the parish’s efforts to support the community in healing from the genocide, including reconciliation initiatives and support for genocide survivors to rebuild their lives.
He noted that, as part of this year’s commemoration activities, ADEPR Rwikubo members constructed a house for a genocide survivor. The house is valued at over 11 million Rwandan francs.
Jeanne Umutoni, Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of social affairs, praised the church’s contribution to national development and community welfare.
She said: “On behalf of the district, I thank Pastor Silver and the church members for the good work. Remembering by gifting Mukagihana a house where she and her children can now sleep peacefully is a commendable act. Taking part in remembrance through such meaningful acts is the kind of rebuilding we need. We are truly grateful.”
She added: “This is not the first time this parish has helped genocide survivors. You have supported citizens in improving their lives on several occasions. As district leaders, we deeply appreciate the efforts of ADEPR Rwikubo. Know that we will always stand with you in development. Just as citizens should lead in society, Christians too must take the lead in building better lives.”
Umutoni also called on citizens to reject genocide ideology: “Internalize the fight against genocide ideology. Reject it, and teach your children to reject it. That is how you become good Christians.”
ADEPR Rwikubo is one of the 15 parishes in the Ngoma Diocese.
All these parishes have held 31st genocide commemoration activities. It was also announced that on June 12, 2025, a diocesan-level commemoration will take place in Kirehe District, according to Pastor Emmanuel Kananga, head of the Ngoma Diocese.
