OAG, RRA donate 35 cows to genocide survivors in Karongi District

The Office of the Auditor General of State Finances (OAG) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) donated 30 cows to 1994 Genocide Against the survivors and five more to the “Protectors of the Friendship Pact” commonly known as Abarinzi b’Igihango in Karongi District as a gesture of solidarity and continued support for survivors rebuilding their lives.

The donation was handed over to beneficiaries on Friday, May 22,2026 when staff from the two entities paid tributes to the 15,000 victims laid at Gatwaro Genocide Memorial in Karongi District, Western Rwanda.

The victims, memorial records say were killed at Gatwaro Stadium on April 18, 1994, after seeking refuge there from four surrounding former communes(districts).

Among them were Tutsi from Mabanza Commune who were killed after a long journey, having been deceived by Kibuye Prefect Dr. Clément Kayishema into believing they would find protection at the prefecture offices.

As part of the support extended to survivors, 11 cows were given to beneficiaries in Gashali Sector, 10 in Bwishyura Sector, 8 in Bisesero Sector, and 6 in Gitesi Sector.

On behalf of the OAG and RRA, The Secretary General of OAG, Muligo Olive said “This indicates that we will never forget the history our country went through, and that continuing to build unity and resilience is the responsibility of every Rwandan.”

“Cows are valuable assets in Rwandan culture and in family livelihoods. We believe they will help you obtain milk and manure, while also opening up other opportunities for self-development. We therefore hope that the cows you have received will multiply, and that the beneficiaries will also share them with others through pass-on arrangements.” SG Muligo added

She thanked Abarinzi b’Igihango who demonstrated bravery by attempting to save Tutsi who were being killed. He said that their role holds great value in Rwanda’s history and will always be remembered as a symbol of humanity and courage.

She expressed his sympathy to the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and assured them that they are not alone, as the country and Rwandans in general will continue to stand by them and support them in their journey of rebuilding their lives and contributing to the reconstruction of the nation as a whole.

Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources at RRA, Emery Batayika, said that visiting the memorial and supporting survivors of the Genocide is a strong reminder of the responsibility to reflect, remember, and stand in solidarity with survivors.

“What can we do to ensure what happened never happens again? How can future generations continue to remember? How can we preserve this history so that such atrocities never occur again? This is the spirit we must uphold,” Batayika said.

IBUKA President in Karongi District, Vedaste Ngarambe, said they greatly appreciated the initiative as soon as they learned about it, especially because it came at a difficult time when several other bodies of genocide victims were being discovered in a garden located in the middle of the town.

“You came at the right time. We were exhausted and needed people to stand with us. The flame you have lit, we promise it will never go out. These cows will multiply, and we too will pass them on to our fellow survivors,” he added.

He also praised the “Protectors of the Friendship Pact,” who risked their lives to save the Tutsi who were being hunted.

Among them is Jean Pierre Bahutu (a Protectors of the Friendship Pact) commonly known as Umurinzi w’Igihango, and one of the five beneficiaries, who worked as a nurse at Kibuye Referral Hospital in 1994, where he rescued 17 Tutsi while others were being massacred at Gatwaro Stadium.

Anastase Ujyakuvuga, a survivor of the genocide in Karongi District, thanked the RPA-Inkotanyi soldiers who rescued them during difficult times, when manyTutsi had no hope.

He also thanked the leadership and staff of RRA and OAG for organizing the initiative to support vulnerable survivors.

“True encouragement is when someone tells you to stay strong and does not come empty-handed,” he added.

As one of the beneficiaries, he expressed gratitude to those who supported them, pledging to take good care of the cows and eventually pass on the calves to other families in need.

The Vice-Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Social Affairs, Pascasie Umuhoza, thanked the institutions for supporting genocide survivors in such difficult times, demonstrating that Rwanda continues to be built on compassion and solidarity.

“Your presence here today is a strong symbol of solidarity and Rwandan values. It reflects a continued commitment to standing with genocide survivors as they rebuild their lives with hope for the future,” she said.

By also recognizing people who have long supported survivors in their recovery journey, she said it was an act of love, humanity, and resilience.

“It also demonstrates cooperation in building better lives. Donating cows means giving hope and helping genocide survivors rebuild and embrace life again. It helps heal wounds and improve livelihoods,” she added.

The Vice-Mayor urged the beneficiaries to care for the cows and use them productively, noting that a well-cared-for cow benefits not just one family, but many people through its productivity.