On 28th May, all campuses of UNILAK joined Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, through solemn events held simultaneously across Kigali, Rwamagana, and Nyanza campuses. The commemorations provided a shared moment of remembrance, education, and reflection on the history and lessons of the Genocide against the Tutsi. At the Kigali Campus, the university community gathered for a central ceremony dedicated to honoring the victims and reaffirming its commitment to never again allowing genocide to occur. Speaking at the event, Prof. Emmanuel Hakizimana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating that it is both a duty and a way of honoring those who were killed simply for being Tutsi. He also reflected on the deep wounds left in society, relationships, and the economy, noting their lasting impact on the nation today. Col. Désiré Migambi Mungamba from the Rwanda Defence Forces reminded participants of their responsibility to protect Rwanda and actively reject hate speech, discrimination, and division. He urged unity, inclusion, and love as essential values for sustaining peace and national cohesion. The guest speaker, Senator Prof. Penine Uwimbabazi, encouraged young people to uphold strong moral values, actively participate in remembrance activities, and serve as ambassadors of unity and reconciliation. At Rwamagana Campus, Kwibuka32 began with the laying of flowers at the Kigabiro Memorial Site, followed by testimonies, prayers, and reflections. Participants honored the victims while reaffirming their commitment to unity, peace, and rejecting genocide ideology as a foundation for a brighter future. Similarly, at Nyanza Campus, a solemn ceremony was held featuring candle lighting, prayers, and heartfelt testimonies in memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The gathering reinforced the importance of safeguarding unity and building resilience against divisive ideologies. Across all campuses, the commemoration event served as a powerful reminder of shared history, collective responsibility, and the enduring commitment of UNILAK to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation.  

On 26 May, students from UNILAK visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial Site as part of the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The visit, held at one of Rwanda’s most significant remembrance sites, Murambi Genocide Memorial Site, provided students with an opportunity to engage deeply with the history and realities of the genocide. It served as a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection, and honoring the lives of those who were killed during the tragic events of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. During the guided tour of the memorial, students learned about the history of the site, viewed preserved exhibits, and paid tribute to the victims through moments of silence and reflection. The experience emphasized the importance of unity, reconciliation, and the collective responsibility to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. Through this educational engagement, UNILAK continues to encourage students to understand Rwanda’s history deeply while fostering values of empathy, resilience, and national unity.

On 21st May 2026, UNILAK Nyanza Campus hosted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC Rwanda) for an engaging event on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), organized in collaboration with the Law Students’ Society. The event brought together students, faculty members, and legal scholars to deepen understanding of International Humanitarian Law and its relevance in promoting the protection of human dignity during times of armed conflict. Participants had the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions on humanitarian principles, legal frameworks, and the role of IHL in contemporary society. As part of its commitment to promoting legal education, ICRC Rwanda also donated a collection of International Humanitarian Law books to the university Library. The donated materials will serve as valuable academic resources for students, particularly those pursuing legal studies and research in humanitarian law. UNILAK highly appreciates this meaningful contribution by ICRC Rwanda, which reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing legal education, research, and humanitarian values among students and the wider university community. The university looks forward to continued collaboration aimed at strengthening legal knowledge and fostering a culture of humanity and justice.  

The Rwanda Stock Exchange hosted students from UNILAK Economics and Finance programs in a learning visit aimed at strengthening their understanding of capital markets and investment practices. The academic visit brought students closer to real-world financial market operations, offering them firsthand exposure to how securities are traded, how market information is processed, and how investment decisions are made within Rwanda’s formal financial system. During the engagement, students were introduced to the structure and functioning of the capital market, including the roles of listed companies, brokers, and regulatory frameworks that guide trading activities. The session also highlighted the importance of transparency, investor protection, and financial literacy in building a stable investment environment. Officials at the Rwanda Stock Exchange emphasized the importance of nurturing future professionals who are well-versed in capital market dynamics. They encouraged students to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities in Rwanda’s growing financial sector, particularly in equities and fixed-income instruments. The visiting group from UNILAK showed strong interest in the practical aspects of trading and investment, asking questions about market participation, listing requirements, and career pathways within the financial services industry. The visit is part of ongoing efforts by the university to bridge academic learning with industry practice, ensuring that students gain practical exposure that complements classroom theory. The initiative is expected to enhance students’ readiness for careers in banking, investment analysis, financial planning, and related fields. By the end of the visit, students left with a deeper appreciation of capital market operations and a clearer understanding of the diverse investment opportunities available to them as future finance professionals in Rwanda’s evolving economy.  

On May 7th 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic and Research (DVCAR), Prof. Emmanuel Hakizimana delivered welcome remarks at the official opening of the UPLIFT-AG International Conference held at the UR-CAFF Busogo Campus in Musanze. The three-day international conference brought together approximately 55–60 participants from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Burundi, and Rwanda. The event was dedicated to strengthening university–industry linkages aimed at driving impactful agricultural transformation across regions. In his remarks, Prof. Hakizimana welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges and enhancing sustainable development outcomes. University of Rwanda co-hosted the conference alongside UNILAK, with support from the European Union through its funding initiative that promotes international academic cooperation and applied research partnerships. The conference expected to provide a platform for academics, industry actors, and policymakers to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and build lasting collaborations that support agricultural transformation in Africa and beyond. UNILAK expressed pride in partnering on this strategic initiative aimed at enhancing practical solutions for agricultural development through stronger academia–industry collaboration.