Volunteer youth from the City of Kigali have been educated about the historic battle at Kagugu in Gasabo District, where an armored personnel carrier (APC) belonging to the former government forces was destroyed by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). The battle led to the rescue of thousands of persecuted Tutsi civilians.
The youth were encouraged to continue confronting genocide denial and the spread of Genocide ideology, particularly on social media.
The event took place on July 11, 2026, bringing together 200 volunteer youth representatives from Kigali’s three districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge.
The Battle That Helped Save Thousands
On April 11, 1994, RPA soldiers from the Alpha Mobile Force Battalion entered Kigali to reinforce approximately 600 troops who had been stationed at the Conseil National de Développement (CND) now home to Rwanda’s Parliament.
One of the strategic areas they secured was Kagugu Hill. By the evening of April 10, RPA forces had already taken control of the area, providing temporary safety to Tutsi civilians living there and in surrounding communities.
In the early hours of April 11, 1994, forces loyal to the former Habyarimana regime launched a counteroffensive against Kagugu with three armored personnel carriers and several trucks carrying soldiers.
Their assault, however, was swiftly repelled by the RPA. One of the APCs at the front was destroyed, forcing the remaining troops into a disorderly retreat.
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Countering Genocide Denial Through Historical Knowledge
Alexia Uwitonze, the Coordinator of Volunteer Youth in the City of Kigali, said the visit was organized to help young people better understand the history of Rwanda’s Liberation Struggle, particularly the events that unfolded at Kagugu.
“Those who trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi often claim that the RPA was merely fighting to seize political power. What we have learned here proves otherwise. Their mission was to rescue Tutsi who were being massacred and to lay the foundation for a government based on national unity,” she said.
She urged fellow youth to continue learning Rwanda’s history so they can effectively challenge Genocide denial and distortion.
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A Survivor’s Message to the Younger Generation
The President of IBUKA in Kinyinya Sector, Godelieve Uwamahoro, who is also a survivor from the area, explained that the persecution of Tutsi began long before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She recalled experiencing discrimination while in primary school, including being denied educational opportunities because of ethnic discrimination.
She told the young participants that they enjoy opportunities her generation never had, including equal access to education and employment.
she said: “You have opportunities that many of us never imagined. It is as though you are holding gold in your hands without realizing its value. We grew up in difficult times. Going to school was a struggle, demonstrations frequently turned violent, and finding employment was extremely difficult,” .
Uwamahoro urged young people to make good use of the opportunities available to them, avoid misinformation and rumors often filled with falsehoods and instead seek knowledge by reading and asking questions. She said this is essential in resisting those who deny or distort the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Call to Uphold Patriotism and National Unity
Lt. Col. Gaétan Semucyo called on the youth to deepen their patriotism, safeguard national unity, and actively challenge individuals who spread Genocide ideology through social media platforms.
he said: “The courage demonstrated by the RPA Inkotanyi should inspire you because they, too, were young people. Uphold the values that guided your predecessors love for your country, selfless service, and preserving our nation’s history. Pass these lessons on to younger generations and to those who will come after you,” .
Expanding Historical Education for Youth
The City of Kigali has more than 200,000 volunteer youth. Their historical education program, which involves visiting sites of historical significance, began in 2013.
To date, around 80,000 young people have participated in the training, while additional initiatives are being prepared to enable more youth from different parts of the country to learn about Rwanda’s history.
