The University of Kigali’s Musanze Campus students and staff celebrated a significant milestone on January 21, 2025, with the launch of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Club as the event organized by the Ministry of Justice. The initiative is poised to promote peaceful conflict resolution and foster harmony within the university community.
The launch event featured Mr. Ruboya Antoine from the Ministry of Justice, who shared valuable expertise and insights highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to promoting ADR practices for resolving disputes amicably without litigation. Dr. Hakizimana Leopord, Principal of the Musanze Campus, warmly embraced the initiative, highlighting its significance in fostering a supportive and harmonious academic environment. He also emphasized its role in supporting the local communities surrounding the University of Kigali Musanze Campus.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across various disciplines, including a strong turnout from the Faculty of Law. This collective commitment highlights a shared vision for fostering conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence within the university community.
Student Leadership Elections for ADR Club management
A highlight of the event was the election of the ADR Club’s inaugural leadership. Students actively engaged in a democratic process to elect peers to steer the club’s initiatives. The newly elected leadership team includes:
- President: Mbarushimana Gilbert
- Vice President: Ineza Roxane
- Secretary: Ma-Wiyat Yombi
- Treasurer: Jacques Gentil
- Events Coordinators: Niyonsenga Elaine and Irafasha Hadson
- Advisors: Nisingizwe Honorine, Niyonzima Gaspard, and Nshimiyimana Aime
This diverse team from the Faculty of Law reflects the club’s emphasis on inclusive and representative leadership. The ADR Club aims to provide students with essential negotiation, mediation, and arbitration skills among university students who will become future leaders and professionals. Through interactive workshops, training sessions, and practical simulations, members will gain hands-on experience in resolving conflicts effectively. These activities will enhance their academic journey and equip them with helpful life skills, preparing them to become advocates for peace and harmony in their communities.
Delivering remarks at the event, Mr. Ruboya Antoine, the guest of honor, praised the University of Kigali for integrating ADR into its academic and extracurricular framework. He highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s support for initiatives that encourage peaceful conflict resolution and urged students to champion ADR within and beyond the university.
As the ADR Club begins its journey, the University of Kigali’s Musanze Campus Principal reaffirmed the commitment to fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and conflict resolution. The launch of the ADR Club stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and student engagement in driving positive change. The University looks forward to the ADR Club’s contributions toward building a harmonious academic environment and nurturing the next generation of conflict resolution practitioners.