Senator Evode Uwizeyimana has urged Rwandans living in Canada and other countries to protect themselves and their children from misinformation about Rwanda and help correct false narratives about the country.
He made the remarks during a two-day gathering of Rwandans in Ottawa, Canada, held on October 10–11, 2026, known as the Rwanda Convention, which attracted more than 1,000 participants.
Uwizeyimana, who led the Rwandan delegation at the event, commended the unity among Rwandans living in Canada. He also reflected on Rwanda’s history, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, urging them to guard against misinformation and distortion of historical facts.
“Genocide denial and minimisation should not be treated as ordinary debate or differences of opinion. History teaches us that words can build, but they can also destroy,” he said.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect the truth, teach it to younger generations and reject anything that could revive division, wherever we may be. We also urge Rwandans living in Canada and elsewhere to contribute to the development of their country. Contributing to Rwanda’s development does not require you to be physically present in Rwanda.”
The senator also encouraged Rwandans travelling abroad in search of opportunities to remember that their country expected them to bring back the knowledge, skills and financial resources they acquired to support national development through ideas and investment.
He said he had decided to return to Rwanda after attending Rwanda Day in Toronto, Canada, in 2013, where President Paul Kagame called on Rwandans abroad with expertise and financial resources to return home and contribute to the country’s development.
“During his speech, the President said there were people who had gone abroad to acquire knowledge and others who had gone to earn money. He said we needed both groups and invited them to come back so that we could work together,” Uwizeyimana said.
The 2026 Rwanda Convention was organised by the Rwandan Community Abroad in Canada (RCA-Canada), in partnership with the Rwandan Embassy. It brought together more than 1,200 Rwandans from Canada, the United States, Rwanda and Europe.
Alain Patrick Ndengera, president of the Rwandan community in Canada, said the convention was held under a theme focused on preserving Rwanda’s heritage.
“When we talk about heritage, we are not referring only to past history, but also to the fundamental values that define us: dignity, integrity and unity. This is not a heritage that we should only seek in museums; it is part of who we are, lives within us and accompanies us every day,” he said.
“For those of us living in the diaspora in Canada and the United States, we have committed ourselves to preserving this heritage so that it takes root in us and in future generations,” he added.
Prosper Higiro, Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada, said the convention was important in helping Rwandans preserve their values and strengthen their ties with their home country.
“One of the objectives of this gathering is to continue building the Rwandan community in Canada by helping its members get to know one another better, preserve Rwandan culture and values, and, particularly, ensure that young people grow up aware of their strong connection to our country,” he said.
