More than 700 Intore in the 16th intake of the Indangamirwa Itorero 2026 said they will strive to reveal the truth about Rwanda’s history and fight against those who continue to spread genocide ideology.
During a visit to Umulindi w’Intwari in Gicumbi District, Northern Province, the Intore said they gained a deeper understanding of the history of the liberation struggle and the promotion of values such as heroism, sacrifice, and patriotism.
These Intore, including Rwandan youth born and living abroad, began the Itorero program on July 1, 2026, in Gabiro, which will conclude on August 10, 2026.
Throughout the program, they study Rwanda’s history, culture, values, and traditional taboos.
Visit to Historic Liberation Sites
The Intore were taught about the history of the RPA-Inkotanyi headquarters during the liberation struggle and were shown facilities and structures that played a major role in that struggle.
Among the sites they visited were the house where the RPF Chairman at the time, Col. Alexis Kanyarengwe, lived; the house of RPA Commander Paul Kagame, which had special defenses; and the house of Lt. Gen. James Kabarebe, who was then Deputy Commander of the RPF forces.
They also visited Arusha House, where political discussions were held; the Women’s Wing house, where women carried out activities contributing to the liberation struggle; the sports field; and the meeting house where important decisions were made during the liberation journey.
Youth Share Lessons From Itorero
Some of the Intore said that visiting Umulindi w’Intwari helped them clearly understand the history of the liberation struggle, and that it strengthened their commitment to serve the country with values such as integrity, hard work, and teamwork.
Manzi Bob Dylan, one of the youth who attended the program, said he learned many things, including values and cultural taboos.
As youth, he said he will strive to ensure that nothing causes Rwanda to regress, because he realized that those who liberated the country were also young people like him.
He said: “Itorero helps us to love our country and will help us to continue safeguarding the peace we have today, because we saw that it came from the sacrifice of the Inkotanyi.”
Keza Bithia, one of the young people from New York, said she learned a lot about the history of the liberation struggle, as she came to understand the hardships and challenges that the RPA-Inkotanyi soldiers went through.
She said: “We, as youth living abroad, will fight anyone who tries to distort the history of our country, because we have seen and now know the truth about where the peace we enjoy comes from.”
Keza added that they will continue to resist anyone who distorts the history of Rwandans, since many people abroad often misrepresent it.
Ministry Highlights Importance of Itorero
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Mahoro Eric, said that Itorero helps young people to know the history of their country.
He said: “Youth who have gone through Itorero, whether living in Rwanda or abroad, are people who continue to represent the country and help reveal the truth to those who deny it.”
Mahoro explained that the youth Itorero program will continue to exist and reach different categories in order to help them understand the history of their nation.
Itorero Strengthens Patriotism and National Values
Visiting Umulindi w’Intwari is one of the key activities of the Indangamirwa Itorero program, aimed at helping young people learn the history of the country, strengthen Rwandan cultural values and taboos, and commit to playing an active role in building and advancing Rwanda.
