President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame on Sunday paid tribute to Rwanda’s Heroes by laying wreaths at the Heroes Monument at Heroes Square in Remera, Kigali City, as the country marked the 32nd National Heroes Day.
The annual commemoration, observed on February 1, was held under the theme “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans: Pillars of Development,” highlighting the central role of national values in Rwanda’s progress.
The ceremony crowned a month-long Heroes Campaign that ran from January 4 to 31, 2026, during which Rwandans were encouraged to reflect on the meaning of heroism and to embody its values in their daily lives.
National Heroes Day has been marked every February 1 since 1999, following its separation from the National Liberation Day celebrations held on October 1.
Rwanda recognises its heroes under three categories: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
The Imanzi category honours fallen heroes, including the Unknown Soldier, who represents all soldiers who died on the battlefield, as well as Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the liberation struggle that began on October 1, 1990.
The Imena category includes King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwilingiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange students, whose acts of courage and sacrifice left a lasting mark on the nation’s history. The Ingenzi category remains open, with ongoing research to determine future inductees.
The commemoration featured a range of activities, including public dialogues, sports competitions and cultural performances, all aimed at strengthening patriotism, unity and national identity.
Heroes Day is organised by the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), in accordance with Law No. 65/2024 of June 20, 2024, which governs the institution’s mandate.
Rwanda observes the day to honour sons and daughters who made extraordinary sacrifices to build and defend the nation, liberate it from colonialism and bad governance, stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and uphold Rwandan values by standing against injustice and division.
According to CHENO, the commemoration also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Rwanda’s heroes—past and present—whose courage and unity continue to inspire the country’s development journey.
