The Rwandan-German author will attend this year’s ceremony as a guest, a year after receiving the Outstanding Female Writer Award, as she continues to use literature to promote unity, reconciliation and cultural understanding.

Rwandan-German author Judence Kayitesi is set to return to the Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards on November 6, 2026, at Kigali Serena Hotel, one year after being recognised as the Outstanding Female Writer of 2025.

This time, Kayitesi will attend the literary gathering as a guest rather than a nominee, joining fellow authors, publishers and literary enthusiasts to celebrate Rwanda’s growing literary industry and recognise the achievements of other writers.

Her return marks another milestone in a literary journey shaped by storytelling, resilience and a commitment to using literature as a tool for social change.

Reflecting on her previous recognition, Kayitesi described receiving the Outstanding Female Writer Award in 2025 as a great honour. She also expressed excitement about returning to celebrate other writers and discover this year's award recipients.

“Receiving the Outstanding Female Writer Award last year was a great honour. I am happy to return to Radiate Rwanda, not as a competitor this year, but to celebrate the achievements of other writers,” she said.

She added that recognition can have a meaningful impact on writers and wished all this year's nominees success.

Literature as a Bridge to Unity and Reconciliation

Beyond her literary achievements, Kayitesi continues to use her writing to encourage unity, reconciliation, historical awareness and peaceful coexistence.

One of her notable publications is Unity Quest, which received approval from Rwanda’s Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) in January 2025.

The book explores the importance of unity and reconciliation, encouraging readers to reflect on history and consider how peaceful relationships can be built across generations and cultures.

To reach a wider international audience, the publication is available in three languages: Kinyarwanda, under the title Guharanira Ubumwe; English, as Unity Quest; and German, as Die Suche nach Einheit.

“I believe stories have the power to bring people together, especially across generations and cultures,” Kayitesi said.

The book remains available to interested readers, who can contact the author directly to obtain a copy.

Taking Rwandan Stories Beyond Borders

As an author, educator and survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Kayitesi draws on personal experiences and historical reflection to encourage understanding, resilience and hope.

Her literary journey also includes works such as A Broken Life, Choosing Resilience and A Bridge Between Worlds, reflecting her continued interest in identity, memory, resilience and connections between cultures.

Through Inzozi Publisher, her publishing house based in Germany, Kayitesi is committed to bringing Rwandan stories to international audiences while creating opportunities for literature to connect people from different backgrounds.

Her work reflects the belief that storytelling can preserve important historical conversations while opening space for dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.

Her involvement in Rwanda's literary community also extends beyond publishing. Having previously received recognition at the Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards, her return this year as a guest demonstrates her continued support for fellow writers and the development of the country's literary landscape.

As the November 6 ceremony approaches, Kayitesi's story offers another example of how Rwandan voices can reach beyond national borders, using literature to connect people, preserve memory and inspire future generations.

A little more informed. A little more connected.