1 February 2023 - Rwandans on Wednesday paid tribute to national heroes who defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the country and its citizens.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath at the National Heroes Mausoleum in honor of Rwandan men and women who have displayed exceptional patriotism and sacrifice for the country.

President Kagame said: 

"Today, we honour the Rwandan men and women whose bravery and patriotism laid the foundation for a nation of a people determined to shape their own destiny. As we face challenges of regional and global nature, today is a reminder of our ability to stand up for what is right, to protect our nation and to build a legacy of prosperity for generations. Happy Heroes Day!"  

The celebrated heroes are classified into three categories: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi. 

The first category - Imanzi features a supreme Hero who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example. This category comprises Maj. Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema and the ‘Unknown Soldier’. The latter represents all those fighters who died during the 1990-1994 Liberation Struggle.

The second category, Imena includes the Hero who seconds IMANZI and who is reputed for his/ her extraordinary acts for the country which are characterized by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example. This category includes King Mutara Rudahigwa III, Michel Rwagasana, Agatha Uwiringiyimana, Felicite Niyitegeka and the Nyange Secondary School students. 

The third category, Ingenzi refers to the Hero who seconds IMENA and who is notorious for his/her good ideas or his/her outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, great importance and high example.