{The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnson Busingye has lauded achievements of genocide orphans since they have concentrated their efforts on resilience through running activities developing themselves and the country other than elegiac lament of the past. }
Busingye commended their achievements during a visit of employees from the ministry of justice to genocide orphans in Ngoma sector, Huye district as to share with them Christmas feast. The visit was held on Thursday before Christmas to 31 female and male young genocide orphans.
A total of 18 girls and 13 boys left as orphans during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi currently reside in houses built in Ngoma sector of Huye district, supported by the ministry of justice in collaboration with Huye district since 2009.
The genocide orphans are united under a group called “Club Urumuri.” They discussed their livelihoods with the visitors as well as challenges followed by sharing a luncheon as part of Christmas celebrations.
Busingye said that much as genocide robbed them of their childhood, it is delightful to see them growing and becoming individuals capable of solving their own problems and having a bright future.
“Another thing we should be proud of is that you are alive, you are mature. I have heard that current problems are far different from those of the past ten years. When it reaches that level, it brings joy for us since it is a great step for 67 people to grow living together for 10 years,” he said.
After lauding government support, genocide orphans requested concerned parties to follow up with the issue of court cases that involve their squandered property by relatives and neighbours.
Other challenges raised by the orphans were lack of health care services and inability to pay school fees in case they do not qualify for government sponsorship. Young men also said some of their peers lack bride price when they want to get married.
The minister of justice promised to address the identified challenges but requested them to be exemplary and have good and constructive behaviours.
“Club Urumuri”, was established in 2003 and comprises of genocide orphans who had no residence.
Even though the club had 67 children at the beginning, some of them have built their homes and attained independence while 31 remaining are youth. This demonstrates hope for the future.
Among 31 orphans, one of them has completed Masters degree while 10 others have completed their Bachelors degrees, 15 orphans are studying at the University of Rwanda, three of them are secondary school students while two others study in vocational training schools.
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