UMURAGE RWANDA INSTITUTE
Researching the past, preserving the heritage, understanding human identity.
ABOUT URI

Researching heritage. Understanding humanity.

UMURAGE RWANDA INSTITUTE (URI) is a Rwandan research and educational institution dedicated to investigating, documenting, preserving, interpreting, and disseminating knowledge concerning Rwanda's historical, biblical, cultural, geographical, linguistic, spiritual, and ancestral heritage and its possible significance within the wider history of Africa and humanity.

Who we are

UMURAGE RWANDA INSTITUTE begins with Rwanda while examining questions that may connect the Great Lakes region with Africa, the ancient world, biblical history, human origin, ancestry, language, and cultural memory. The Institute is committed to making these questions accessible to researchers, students, heritage practitioners, faith communities, and the wider public.

Foundational intellectual framework

The Institute's central research framework is developed around THE MYSTERY OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN AND THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM IN RWANDA. This foundational work examines questions concerning the possible geographical setting of the Garden of Eden, biblical geography, the descendants of Abraham, ancient peoples and civilizations, and the historical and cultural heritage of Rwanda.

URI treats these subjects as areas of research and investigation. The Institute distinguishes between established evidence, interpretation, working hypotheses, and propositions that require further evidence or independent verification.

Mission

To research, document, preserve, and share the historical, cultural, and biblical heritage of Rwanda, Africa, and the world through scholarly research and education.

Vision

To deepen understanding of the origin of humanity and preserve the heritage of Rwanda, Africa, and the world for future generations.

Our objectives

  1. To investigate the geographical and historical questions surrounding the biblical Garden of Eden.
  2. To research human origin, early human populations, and ancient civilizations, with particular attention to Africa.
  3. To investigate the descendants of Abraham, their historical traditions, migrations, and possible connections with African populations.
  4. To research, document, preserve, and promote Rwanda’s historical, cultural, linguistic, geographical, and ancestral heritage.
  5. To investigate historical relationships between Africa, ancient civilizations, and the biblical world.
  6. To document and preserve oral traditions, genealogies, historical place names, languages, manuscripts, and cultural memories.
  7. To produce research publications and educational resources on Rwanda’s, Africa’s, and humanity’s heritage.
  8. To promote education and public engagement through seminars, conferences, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions.
  9. To establish partnerships with universities, libraries, museums, archives, researchers, and cultural institutions in Rwanda and internationally.
  10. To develop physical and digital archives for the collection, preservation, and sharing of historical and cultural materials.

From Rwanda and Africa to the heritage of humanity

If the Garden of Eden represents the cradle, origin, or an early setting in the history of humanity, then questions about its possible location and historical significance are not limited to Rwanda or Africa. They potentially concern the shared heritage of humanity.

For this reason, URI studies these questions within a wider framework. Rwanda is an important starting point, but the Institute's horizon extends to Africa, the ancient world, human origin, and the global heritage of humankind.

RWANDA→ AFRICA→ ANCIENT WORLD→ HUMAN ORIGIN→ GLOBAL HUMAN HERITAGE
CULTURAL & KNOWLEDGE ACTIVITIES

Preserving heritage through culture, creativity & knowledge

URI promotes cultural, historical, literary, and knowledge-based activities that encourage the preservation and sharing of Rwanda's heritage and its wider African and human heritage.

Historical & cultural clubs

Activities that encourage the study, discussion, documentation, and appreciation of Rwanda's history, culture, traditions, and heritage.

Literature & book activities

Book discussions, literary activities, reading initiatives, writing, poetry, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Film & photography

Visual documentation and creative activities that help preserve historical places, cultural practices, people, stories, and heritage.

Music, arts & creative expression

Cultural and artistic activities that support creativity, cultural expression, learning, and the preservation of heritage.

Heritage documentation

Collection and preservation of oral traditions, historical narratives, photographs, cultural materials, and other forms of inherited knowledge.

Educational & social activities

Public discussions, educational gatherings, exhibitions, cultural events, and other appropriate activities that promote knowledge and community engagement.

Research principles

Evidence and intellectual honesty · Interdisciplinary inquiry · Heritage preservation · Responsible interpretation · Scholarly dialogue · Respect for cultural memory · Education and knowledge sharing · Service to future generations

Institutional approach

URI does not treat every proposition as an established historical fact. Its work seeks to identify sources, compare evidence, clarify interpretations, acknowledge uncertainty, and encourage further research. This approach is intended to strengthen the quality, transparency, and long-term value of the Institute's contribution.

Founder

SEBANANI Christophe is the Founder of UMURAGE RWANDA INSTITUTE and a Rwandan researcher, author, and Theologian whose work focuses on biblical history, human origin, cultural identity, and the historical heritage of Rwanda and Africa.