On June 19, 2026, a team of staff and students from the Africa Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reflect on Rwanda’s history, resilience, and journey toward reconciliation and development.

During the visit, the team toured the memorial grounds, learned about the history surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi, and reflected on the devastating consequences of hatred, division, and discrimination.

As a gesture of remembrance and respect, the ACEIoT delegation laid a wreath in honor of the victims, joining the nation and the global community in keeping alive the memory of those who lost their lives.

The team also reflected on the importance of remembrance as a way of ensuring that such atrocities never happen again and of promoting values of unity, peace, and human dignity.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial provide an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s past and the efforts undertaken by the country toward healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding.

Through exhibitions and testimonies preserved at the memorial, visitors were able to appreciate the historical events that shaped Rwanda and the importance of learning from history to build a better future.

Speaking after the visit, ACEIoT PhD student from Kenya, Dickson Tuwei Kipketer, shared his reflections on the experience, highlighting how the visit expanded his understanding of Rwanda’s history and transformation journey.

“Based on that specific visit to the memorial, I now understand how Rwanda’s history, particularly its governance since the colonial era, came to be. It also helps me understand how the ancient government was run. This visit dispels all of my doubts and viewpoints regarding how the genocide occurred and what caused it,” he said.

He added that the visit offered valuable lessons about Rwanda’s recovery and development efforts.

“I think that Rwanda has already healed and is in the process of reconstructing the country, which is a positive sign for socio-economic development based on harmony, love, and peace,” Dickson noted.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of preserving historical memory and promoting awareness among future generations. For ACEIoT staff and students, the experience served as a reminder that technological advancement and innovation must go hand in hand with values that promote peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Through initiatives that combine academic excellence with social responsibility, ACEIoT continues to encourage its community to contribute positively to society while embracing lessons from history to shape a peaceful and prosperous future