Heroes’ Day is a solemn occasion that pays tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed for the greater good of Rwanda, embodying the values of bravery, patriotism, and resilience.
Every year, on February 1, the celebrations of National Heroes Day are held at the Mausoleum in Remera.
In Kigali, the National Heroes Mausoleum, established in 1995, comprises two main parts: the Heroism Museum and the Heroes Mausoleum. It serves as the final resting place for revered figures such as Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema and Agathe Uwiringiyimana.
The mausoleum also houses symbols representing important figures not buried there, including the Unknown Soldier, King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Felicite Niyitegeka, and the brave Nyange students.
President Kagame said that:
“Today, we honour the Rwandan men and women whose bravery and patriotism laid the foundation for a nation of a people determined to shape their own destiny. As we face challenges of regional and global nature, today is a reminder of our ability to stand up for what is right, to protect our nation and to build a legacy of prosperity for generations.”
The celebrated heroes are classified into three categories: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi.
The first category – Imanzi features a supreme Hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example. This category comprises Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema and the ‘Unknown Soldier’. The latter represents all those fighters who died during the 1990-1994 Liberation Struggle.
The second category, Imena includes the Hero who seconds IMANZI and who is reputed for his/ her extraordinary acts for the country which are characterized by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example. This category includes King Mutara Rudahigwa III, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwiringiyimana, Felicite Niyitegeka and the Nyange Secondary School students.
The third category, Ingenzi refers to the Hero who seconds IMENA and who is notorious for his/her good ideas or his/her outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, great importance and high example.
