Rwamagana: Genocide survivor welcomes new home

RWAMAGANA— Mukakananura Lawrencia, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, has received a new home after years of living in a dilapidated mud house whose leaking roof offered little protection from rain.

Comfort My People Ministry handed over the house to Mukakananura on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Akubugingo Village, Akinyambo Cell, Muyumbu Sector, in Rwamagana District, Eastern Province.

Mukakananura said she feared the old house could collapse on her. When it rained, she placed basins around the house to collect water that leaked through the roof.

“The house I was living in was in very poor condition, and I could see that it might collapse on me. But thank God, I will now be able to sleep peacefully,” she said.

She said water would leak into the house whenever it rained, forcing her to place basins near her bed and in the room where her children had lived.

Mukakananura also lost her four children and husband during the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The new house has metal doors and a cement floor, giving her a safer and more secure place to live.

Pastor Willy Ntayoberwa Rumenera, founder and leader of Comfort My People Ministry, said the house was built to provide Mukakananura with shelter and to remind her that she has people who care about her.

“She has gone through difficult and painful experiences, but we wanted to tell her that she has a family, that there are people who think about her, and that she has a country that loves her because of the peace we enjoy and the good leadership we have,” Rumenera said.

He said the gesture reflected the importance of putting love into action and encouraged people to support one another.

“When you have the willingness to help, God supports you and opens a way for you to help many other people,” he said.

Rumenera also urged people to work together to improve their communities.

“Let us all love one another, hold each other’s hands, and leave the world better than we found it. If we work together, we can achieve this,” he said.

Muhamya Amani, executive secretary of Muyumbu Sector, welcomed the initiative and thanked the ministry for supporting Mukakananura.

He said Comfort My People Ministry had previously undertaken projects to support vulnerable residents, including building homes for people in need.

“Comfort My People has carried out many activities aimed at supporting vulnerable residents. This is not the first time we have come to inaugurate houses they have built for residents. They are also doing well in their other activities, and we appreciate their contribution,” Muhamya said.

He urged Mukakananura to maintain the new home and use it as a safe and comfortable place to live.