Rwanda's System of Honoring Heroes
Learn about the process and rankin that Rwanda uses to award national Heroes.
Monument for the soldier paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the Campaign Against GenocideRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
In Rwanda, heroism is one of the core values on which the country was built. Dating to pre-colonial times, Rwanda was founded, expanded and developed by heroes who sacrificed themselves in order to make Rwanda a great nation.
Heroism - A Rwandan perspective
Heroism could be defined as the character of exemplifying the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of the country and its citizens. It consists of putting others first, even at your own risk.
Categories of Heroes in pre-colonial times
Through battles of expanding and defending Rwanda to make it a strong nation-state, the admirable value system that nurtured both heroism and patriotism made heroes who were classified into 3 levels according to orders/awards given. They were Umudende, Impotore and Gucana Uruti.
Bell - umudende by RUSANGIZA DamienOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Award 1: The bell - Umudende
This award was given to a soldier who killed 7 enemies. This was given to Kigeli III Ndabarasa when he was a prince, Kigeli IV Rwabugiri and Nyiringango, son of Nyagahinga
Award 2: Impotore
This award was given to a soldier who had killed 14 enemies
Award 3: Gucana Uruti
This was an award that the King, family and relatives attended for a soldier that killed 21 enemies. The soldier's spear, ceremonially burned, marked his shift from warrior to trusted royal messenger, forever serving the king. Karenga, son of Karigata, received this treatment.
Monument for the soldier paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the Campaign Against GenocideRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Colonialism, root cause of a big loss of cultural identity
Colonial divide-and-rule tactics fractured Rwandan unity, the bedrock of heroism and patriotism. Missionaries further undermined cultural identity by discrediting traditional values and practices, including the ritual of Kiliziya yakuye kirazira.
Nyamata Genocide Memorial by Government of RwandaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Divisionism - Death of a nation
Post-independence Rwandan governments perpetuated colonial practices by ignoring their cultural heritage and heroic traditions. This discrimination and division paved the way for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Monument for the Campaign against GenocideRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Stopping the Genocide, re-birth of the nation
In 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front bravely halted the genocide, securing peace for Rwanda. A challenging journey ensued, rebuilding unity, reconciling the people, and establishing lasting security for all.
Heroes by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Reviving and nurturing heroism Culture
Every February 1st, Rwanda honors heroes, living and fallen, through national celebrations.
A Heroes Mausoleum serves as a place of education, inspiration, and encouragement, urging young generations to embrace the spirit of patriotism and heroism for their nation's success.
Categories of Heroes - IMANZI
The unknown soldier and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema are classified as an Imanzi, the hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice.
Category of Heroes - IMENA
King Mutara III RUDAHIGWA, Michel RWAGASANA, Agatha UWIRINGIYIMANA (pictured), Felicite NIYITEGEKA and students of Nyange Secondary School are classified as Imena for their outstanding acts of fighting for unity among Rwandans.
Monument for the Campaign against GenocideRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Categories of heroes - Ingenzi
Ingenzi signifies Rwandan heroes known for brilliant ideas, remarkable achievements, and supreme sacrifice. This esteemed category honors living heroes, but currently remains vacant.
Content contributors: Yvette Tuyishime & Chantal Umuhoza(Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy), Nicolas Rwaka, Etienne Muramutsa and Patrick Byishimo (Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour - CHENO)
Content editing: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
Field study was carried out at Heroes Mausoleum (Remera)
References: Article by: Abel Buhungu, Heroism: A Virtue Modern Rwanda and Rwandans Owe Everything to.
Booklet: Heroism Culture in Rwanda, by Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour - CHENO
