Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure, Amb. Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, has called on employees of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and WASAC Group to actively build a Rwanda free from divisionism. During a commemoration event held on Friday, April 24, 2026, he urged staff members to learn from the nation’s history to ensure that genocide never happens again.
The ceremony took place at the REG headquarters in Kigali to honor former employees of Electrogaz who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Consequently, the event served as a reminder of the vital role that unity plays in national development and service delivery.
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Strengthening the foundation of Ndi Umunyarwanda
Amb. Uwihanganye emphasized that remembrance provides a crucial opportunity for all citizens to reflect on the past and commit to a unified future. He noted that every individual’s responsibility must complement the efforts of others to foster a culture of togetherness.
“Commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is an opportunity to learn from our history. Everyone’s responsibility should complement that of others so that we work together in unity and avoid divisionism. The spirit of ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ must continue to take root, as it forms the foundation of Rwanda,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister specifically urged young professionals within the energy and water sectors to recognize their duty in building a resilient nation.
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Restoring dignity and honoring former Electrogaz staff
Dr. Asaph Kabaasha, the Managing Director of WASAC Group, reminded participants that honoring the victims is a shared responsibility for all Rwandans. He highlighted the tragic irony that those who provided essential services like water and electricity were targeted without mercy.
“Remembrance is a moment to honor and restore dignity to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Although those we commemorate today had the critical duty of providing essential services such as electricity, water, sanitation, and hygiene, they were shown no mercy,” he said. He encouraged current staff to fight favoritism and genocide ideology to safeguard the peace the country enjoys today.
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Testimonies of survival and the path to peace
The event featured a moving testimony from Muhorakeye Odette, a former employee of Electrogaz, who detailed the systemic persecution Tutsis faced before 1994. She described how ethnic identity and place of origin were used to deny citizens employment and basic rights. “Before joining Electrogaz, I applied for a job at the former Commercial Bank (BCR), but I was rejected simply because I am a Tutsi. I was also denied a job at the Ministry of Health for the same reason, and because I come from Gitarama. We lived in constant fear, hiding within our own country as Rwandans, to avoid being killed as we were repeatedly threatened,” she said. Muhorakeye concluded by thanking the RPF-Inkotanyi for stopping the genocide and restoring the dignity of all survivors.
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