Kwibuka32: Rotary Rwanda Family Reaffirms Its Commitment to Peace, Unity, and "Never Again"

On Saturday, 2 May 2026, the Rotary Rwanda Family bringing together Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact Clubs from across the country came together to commemorate Kwibuka32, honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reaffirming our unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the prevention of genocide.

Held under the theme "Hate Speech Against Tutsi and Its Role in Advancing Genocide Ideology in the Great Lakes Region," the commemoration reflected Rotary's dedication to promoting peace, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship.

The event began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where Rotarians and Rotaractors paid tribute to the victims with a moment of reflection and remembrance. Standing together at this sacred site served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the truth, honoring those who were lost, and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

The commemoration continued at the Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, where participants engaged in an educational and reflective conference designed to deepen understanding of the dangers of hate speech and its devastating consequences.

A moving documentary, "Words That Kill," illustrated how hateful rhetoric has fueled genocides throughout history, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the Holocaust.

The screening was followed by a keynote address exploring the historical and contemporary impact of hate speech in the Great Lakes Region and the responsibility of leaders to promote truth, dignity, and reconciliation.

The event also featured a high-level panel discussion with distinguished speakers from government, security, and media, who examined the ongoing challenges of combating hate speech, misinformation, and genocide ideology particularly in today's digital age. Participants were encouraged to recognize early warning signs of division and to become ambassadors of peace within their communities.

For the Rotary Club of Musanze Murera, participating in Kwibuka32 was more than an act of remembrance; it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to Service Above Self through peacebuilding, dialogue, and community leadership. As Rotarians, we recognize that lasting peace begins with respect for human dignity, responsible communication, and the courage to stand against hatred in all its forms.

Together with the Rotary Rwanda Family, we remain committed to preserving the memory of the victims, promoting unity and reconciliation, and building a future where future generations live in peace, justice, and mutual respect.

Kwibuka32 reminds us that remembrance is not only about honoring the past, it is about shaping a better future. Together, we remember. Together, we stand for peace. Together, we say: Never Again.