Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Uganda on Friday joined in commemorating victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi whose bodies were dumped in rivers and later carried into Lake Victoria.
The commemoration event, held on April 10, 2026, took place at the Ggolo Genocide Memorial in Mpigi District, where more than 4,000 victims are buried.
The event brought together Rwandans living in Uganda, Ugandan nationals, diplomats, and a delegation from Rwanda, all gathered to pay tribute and honour the victims.
Among the officials in attendance was Alice Kaboyo, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori regions.
A total of 4,771 victims laid to rest at the Ggolo memorial were retrieved from Lake Victoria and accorded a dignified burial, while others are interred at different memorial sites.
The recovery efforts were significantly supported by Ugandan businessman Mohamood Thobani, who provided land where the memorial now stands—an act recognised by the Government of Rwanda.
In 2023, Thobani was honoured as a member of Abarinzi b’Igihango (Guardians of the Pact) at national level. He later received a certificate of recognition and the Umurinzi w’Igihango medal in April 2024 from Rwanda’s Ambassador to Uganda, Joseph Rutabana, on behalf of Unity Club Intwararumuri.
Beyond Ggolo, a total of 10,983 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried across three memorial sites in Uganda: Ggolo (4,771), Lambu in Masaka District (3,337), and Kasensero in Rakai District (2,875).
The commemoration reflects ongoing regional solidarity in preserving the memory of the victims and honouring their dignity.
