On Saturday 9th July 2022, The High Commission for Rwanda to the UK alongside the Rwandan Community of Greater Manchester and NARC UK hosted the largest liberation day gathering ever in the UK, which saw over 500 Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and local dignitaries congregate in Stockport, Greater Manchester. 

To celebrate Kwibohora28, the crowd was treated to a packed show which featured speeches, cultural performances, traditional dance and a special performance from Rwandan artist, Kitoko.

During his speech, High Commissioner Johnston Busingye spoke proudly of the Rwanda of today by stating it is defined by “optimism and progress”. “The results of our hard work are that Rwanda is rightfully taking its place on the world stage and hosting regional, continental, and global events,” noted Busingye. He proceeded by encouraging Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda to stay on course so the country achieves her development objectives. "We now see and feel the united and developed Rwanda we have been working for since 1994", he added.

Every 4th July, Rwanda celebrates the liberation anniversary, commemorating the day the Military arm of the Rwanda Patriotic Front liberated Kigali from the the genocidal regime thus bringing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to an end.

The High Commissioner vocalised that whether it be on social media or physical detractors, “Detractors have failed and will always fail because they traffic division, lies, intolerance and hate. Our strength is rooted in unity, democratic governance, equal opportunity, equality before the law, safety, security and consistent progress”. 

The High Commissioner also encouraged the community and especially the youth to exemplify Rwandan cultural values as they go about their daily lives. “We must remind ourselves we are standing on the shoulders of giants. We honour their sacrifice by doing our part, in our communities, to ensure that when people meet anyone of us, they are faced with Ubunyarwanda - pride, dignity and excellence.”

The Mayor of Stockport Councillor David Wilson and the Member of Parliament for Stockport Mr Navendu Mishra attended, with Mr Mishra using his remarks to welcome Rwandans from all over the UK to the North West, and to affirm his commitment to do his utmost, in his role as MP to ensure justice is served on the alleged genocidaires in the UK.

Rwandans from all corners of the UK made the journey to Manchester. Youth advocate and celebrated choreographer Sherrie Silver, who recently performed at CHOGM in Kigali provided an impassioned and encouraging speech to the community. “Rwanda is a perfect story of how a nation can be renewed. If a whole nation can be renewed, why can your dreams not be renewed? Take a chance and take that singing lesson or dance lesson.” 

The party continued late into the night with food, music and dance. The whole room was on their feet as Kitoko, a Rwandan musician now based in the UK took to the stage and delivered a rousing performance of his greatest hits.