This is one of the fond memories that those who know President Kagame have of him from his childhood. From the Southern Province of Rwanda, where he was born, to the refugee camps in Uganda, including Rukinga, Nshungerezi, and Gahunge, Kagame stood out as a model of excellence, a characteristic that has stayed with him to this day.
Born in 1957, President Kagame entered the world in a family of integrity. His mother, Asteria Bisinda, and his father, Deogratias Rutagambwa, were individuals of principle. Rutagambwa, an entrepreneur who founded Trafipro, was also known for his ethical conduct. Even during their time in exile, he was often chosen to lead the community in the camps.
Kagame was baptized as an infant in November 1957, with Mutembe Ildephonse serving as his godfather, just one month after his birth.
In 1959, as political unrest escalated in Rwanda during the Revolution, which targeted the Tutsi population, Kagame’s family fled their home.
They initially sought refuge in the Mutara region of Rwanda, before eventually crossing into Uganda on November 6, 1961.
During their journey, Kagame and his mother were separated from his father, who passed through Burundi and eventually made his way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and then to Uganda.
While life in exile was undoubtedly difficult, Kagame continued his education in the refugee camps. One of the individuals who knew him from Gahunge camp, recalls that Kagame was a disciplined, neat child, maintaining a level of cleanliness that was rare for many as he studied at Rwengoro School.
Another former colleague remembers Kagame as someone who, despite his youth, would approach older students to inquire about their duties or to remind them of their responsibilities.
“He had a mature demeanor,” said one former peer. “He would often play football with the older boys, but he would also ask us why we weren’t studying.”
Kagame excelled in school, standing out as one of the brightest students. A teacher from that time remembers a foreign visitor who encouraged the students to work hard, promising that those who performed well would be offered a chance to study at Ntare School, a prestigious secondary school. Kagame was among the first to achieve this goal.
Throughout his early life, Kagame exhibited a deep curiosity about Rwanda’s history, often seeking out the stories of older individuals who had fought in the Inyenzi movement. He and his close childhood friend Fred Rwigema spent hours learning from veterans including Maliko, reflecting Kagame’s early passion for his country and its history.
After completing his studies at Ntare School, Kagame attended Old Kampala School before eventually joining the Ugandan liberation struggle. While others pursued university education, Kagame chose to fight for Uganda’s freedom, believing it would provide him with the opportunity to return to his homeland.
Those familiar with Kagame’s early military history note that he joined Uganda’s armed forces by hitching a ride in a truck driven by General Lutaaya, one of Uganda’s top military officers.
He began his military journey by participating in the 1981 attack on the Kabamba Military Training School, which marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
During the war, Kagame held important military roles, focusing on discipline within the ranks and intelligence operations. He was known for his professionalism and dedication, and his soldiers respected him greatly for his integrity and leadership.
Those who served with Kagame during his time in the military recall how he was admired. “He was a man of integrity, and everyone respected him,” said one comrade. “He never tolerated injustice and always acted with fairness.”
Kagame’s early life, from his childhood in the refugee camps to his military service, laid the foundation for the values he continues to uphold as the president of Rwanda today. His commitment to fairness, integrity, cleanliness, and a deep love for his country has been consistent throughout his life.
Today, as Rwanda’s president, Kagame is celebrated for his role in leading the country to freedom, stopping the genocide against the Tutsi, and rebuilding Rwanda into a nation with international stature. He is credited with improving the lives of Rwandans in all aspects, ensuring no one is left behind and fostering national unity.
Kagame has never accepted the colonial idea of dividing Rwandans based on ethnicity, and he continues to reject any notion of division. He once spoke of how a Stanford University expert suggested a scientific method to measure the “genealogies” of Rwandans to justify colonial divisions. Kagame responded by dismissing such ideas, stating that such notions were a form of foolishness.
He emphasized that despite differences in appearance or background, all Rwandans are united as human beings, and the government should focus on unity.
As Rwanda continues to thrive under his leadership, Kagame’s childhood experiences and the values he developed during those formative years remain a testament to his integrity and vision for the future of the nation.
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