In order to preserve history and further promote the values of unity and resilience, young people have been called upon to draw lessons from those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation Struggle, with a focus on today’s and tomorrow’s security, unity, resilience, and development.
This message was highlighted when youth from Rwempasha and Tabagwe Sectors, in Nyagatare District, visited the Gikoba Bunker in Tabagwe. The site carries great historical significance as it is where His Excellency President Paul Kagame lived during the struggle to liberate Rwanda.
It is one of the places of great importance in Rwanda’s history, being the first area captured by the Inkotanyi, and a source of bravery, resilience, and the fight for an independent nation.
The Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Juliet Murekatete, told the youth that they must understand the heavy responsibility they carry in building a country founded on unity, peace, and sustainable development.
She said: “As youth from Rwempasha and Tabagwe, you have a duty to build a country grounded in unity, striving for development, and shaping a better future, following the example of those who sacrificed for our nation.”
In his remarks, Nizeyimana Innocent, an official from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINIBUMWE), responsible for promoting values, Rwandan culture, and languages, also reminded the youth that the history of Gikoba is not just a story, but a tangible symbol of the heroism and sacrifice that liberated Rwanda.
He said: “The Gikoba Bunker is a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice that gave us a beautiful nation. You, the youth, are the light of the future; you must learn from this lesson of patriotism and defend what has been achieved through good and difficult times.”
Some of the youth expressed that visiting the Gikoba Bunker inspired them to play their part in safeguarding Rwanda’s sovereignty.
Alice Mukarurinda, a young resident of Tabagwe Sector, said:
“Seeing the place where President Kagame lived during the liberation struggle makes us very proud. We are determined to be role models in patriotism, promoting unity, and avoiding anything that could drag us backward.”
Jean Bosco Hakizimana, from Rwempasha Sector, added:
“This shows us that the peace and freedom we enjoy today did not come for free. We must continue to safeguard these achievements by working hard and building our country to the best of our ability.”
This visit to the Gikoba Bunker took place shortly after Rwanda launched the annual “Unity and Resilience Month” under the theme “Let us promote unity and resilience”, an observance that has been marked since 2008.
