They paid homage to National Heroes on 1st February 2023 as Rwanda commemorated the 29th National Heroes Day.

This year’s National Heroes Day is observed under the theme ‘Our Heroism, Our Dignity’.

The celebration at national level was held at the National Heroes Mausoleum located in Remera.

The ceremony was also attended by top government officials, diplomats accredited to Rwanda and representatives from heroes’ families among others.

A minute of silence was observed and the national anthem was sung before paying homage and laying wreaths at the National Heroes Mausoleum.

According to the law establishing the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor "a hero is any person who pursues objectives he/she undertakes to obtain a special achievement for the public interest and with high proven integrity, sacrifice and noble courage in his/her acts and who avoids being a coward in his/her actions in very trying situations."

Rwandan heroes are classified into three categories namely:

Imanzi: The unknown soldier and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema.

Imena: Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwagasana Michel, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Niyitegeka Félicité and Nyange students.

Ingenzi: No hero was classified in this category.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have paid homage to national heroes as Rwanda marked the 29th National Heroes Day.