RDF Spokesperson Tells Students Bravery, Patriotism Won Rwanda’s Liberation

Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga made the remarks at Riviera High School in Kigali’s Gasabo district, where students, teachers, school administrators and parents gathered to reflect on the role of national heroes. Rwanda commemorates Heroes’ Day every year on Feb. 1.

Rwivanga said the values of courage, unity and love for country enabled those who fought to liberate Rwanda to overcome both military enemies and destructive ideology. He added that wars cannot be won through discrimination or language that spreads hatred.

“A hero is someone who puts others before himself,” Rwivanga said, describing heroism as the willingness to make extraordinary sacrifices for the greater good.

He cited Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema as an example, noting that the senior Ugandan army officer left his position as deputy defense minister to join Rwanda’s liberation struggle. Rwigema was killed in the early days of the war in 1990.

Rwivanga said the fighters faced major challenges, including a lack of military equipment, but relied on determination, discipline and a shared belief in their mission.

School officials said Heroes’ Day should serve as more than a celebration. Daniel M. Muthee, head of Riviera High School, said the commemoration helps students better understand the country’s history and the responsibilities of leadership.

Several students said bravery is a value that applies beyond the battlefield. They said it includes making positive choices, resisting drug abuse and avoiding peer pressure that can lead to harmful behavior.

Sixth-year student Melissa Ineza said encouraging friends to abandon drugs is a form of modern heroism. Another student, Mahirwe Aime Prince, said true bravery means serving the country and doing what is right regardless of others’ actions.

Rwanda recognizes its national heroes in three categories — Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi — honoring individuals who made exceptional sacrifices for the nation.