Gen. Nkubito Rebukes Mugesera’s Past Remarks, Highlights Rwanda’s Progress

Ngororero, July 3, 2026 - Commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s 3rd Division, Maj. Gen. Eugene Nkubito, has criticised past remarks made by Dr. Léon Mugesera, saying the former politician should witness Rwanda’s transformation before describing former Inkotanyi fighters as “fools.” Speaking on July 2 during a ceremony in Kabaya Sector, Ngororero District, where members of the Western Province Private Sector Federation donated cows to 10 families of former soldiers disabled during the liberation struggle, Gen. Nkubito said Mugesera’s statements remained disturbing because of the contempt they expressed toward those who fought to liberate the country. Referring to Mugesera’s controversial 1992 speech delivered in Kabaya, Gen. Nkubito said he wished the former politician could return and see the development achieved since then, including improved infrastructure, better public services and the well-being of citizens. He said the achievements demonstrated that those who fought for Rwanda’s liberation had fulfilled their mission and disproved the insults directed at them. Gen. Nkubito also paid tribute to former soldiers who sustained disabilities during the liberation struggle, saying their sacrifices were recognised by all Rwandans. He thanked the Western Province business community for supporting the veterans’ families, describing the donations as a gesture of appreciation for their contribution to the country's liberation. During the event, the private sector federation donated 10 cows worth a total of Rwf9.685 million to families of former liberation fighters living with disabilities in Ngororero District. On November 22, 1992, Dr. Léon Mugesera delivered a speech at an MRND political rally in Kabaya that later became widely known for its inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.