In the northern province of Rwanda, six buildings sit against the rich tapestry of Rwanda’s terraced hills. Butaro District Hospital can be seen across the valley and, on a clear day, Mt. Muhabura is visible in the distance. The picturesque setting is home to UGHE, where Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and deep-rooted traditions meet state-of-the-art classrooms.

When walking through the campus, visitors are encompassed by geometric designs painted on the outside walls of several buildings. The rich patterns are known as imigongo, a traditional Rwandan art form made of cow dung. Often displayed on walls, pottery, and wooden canvas, the patterns date back to the 18th century, where Prince Kakira commissioned imigongo as interior decoration for his home. Following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a women’s cooperative revived the craft in an effort to preserve culture and promote reconciliation.

More than just an art form, many imigongo patterns also hold special meaning. For UGHE’s campus, designers selected motifs that reflect the University’s mission and celebrate cultural themes of unity and strength.

Click through the gallery below to learn more about the imigongo patterns painted throughout UGHE’s Butaro home.

Umuheha/Ubutwari

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Cluster 4 of student housing is painted with Umuheha/Ubutwari which translates into a straw and heroism. In the past it was common for people to sit in groups around a big calabash with several straws to share a drink after a long day of work. No one was allowed to take a straw unless they had succeeded at whatever they had been working on for that day. Success in the day’s activities is where the word heroism comes from. Students are expected to excel in their classwork and commit to high standards of academic integrity and professionalism. These housing units will also serve as an informal place of gathering and reflection after a long day of class or field work.