Habumugisha Samuel Defies Blindness to Top Rwanda’s National Exams in Languages

6 hours ago EDITOR

Gicumbi student scores 93.53% in the 2025–2026 national examinations, inspiring calls for greater support for learners with disabilities

GICUMBI, Rwanda — September 2026 — Habumugisha Samuel, a blind student from Gicumbi District, has emerged as Rwanda’s top performer in the Languages section of the 2025–2026 national secondary school examinations, scoring an impressive 93.53%.

His achievement highlights a remarkable journey of academic excellence and determination, while drawing attention to the importance of educational opportunities for learners with disabilities.

Born in 2006, Habumugisha secured first position nationwide in the Languages combination of English, French and Kinyarwanda (LFK), with Kiswahili as an additional subject.

A Journey Marked by Determination

Habumugisha lost his sight at the age of eight after developing a serious eye condition at the age of four.

According to his parents, he initially began his education at Kigogo Primary School near his home in Gicumbi. He later restarted Primary One at the Educational Institute for Blind Children in Kibeho, Nyaruguru District, Southern Province.

It was at the Kibeho school that he continued his education through secondary school, gradually establishing himself as one of the strongest students in his class.

His academic performance remained consistently strong throughout his education.

“During lower primary, I used to score 90 percent. In Upper Primary, I scored around 80 percent, while in Ordinary Level I scored between 85 and 89 percent. In Advanced Level, the lowest mark I got in a term was 93 percent,” he said.

“I Never Imagined That I Would Be First in the Country”

Although Habumugisha believed he could achieve a score of around 93%, he said he never expected to emerge as the country’s top-performing student.

“I thought I could get 93 percent, but I never imagined that I would be the first in the country. When I heard the news, I was so surprised that I cried and initially doubted it. I checked again and realised it was true. I immediately thanked God,” he said.

His achievement has become a source of pride for his family and community, while highlighting the potential of learners with visual impairments when they receive opportunities and support.

A Message of Confidence and Ambition

For Habumugisha, the examination result represents more than academic success. It has strengthened his belief that disability should not prevent a person from pursuing their ambitions.

“No one should discourage you. You have to live your own life and not base your life on other people,” he said.

He now hopes to pursue university studies in either journalism or education, fields in which he intends to build on the discipline, confidence and determination developed throughout his schooling.

Family Appeals for Continued Support

Habumugisha’s parents and neighbours have welcomed his achievement with pride, describing it as a major source of joy for the family and the wider community.

They say his success demonstrates the potential of learners with disabilities when they are given the opportunity to pursue education.

The family is appealing to the Government and other stakeholders to support Habumugisha as he prepares to continue his education at university and further develop his abilities.

His story also highlights the importance of strengthening inclusive education and support systems that enable talented learners with disabilities to reach their full potential.

A Story of Excellence and Opportunity

Habumugisha Samuel’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that academic excellence can emerge from challenging circumstances.

His journey from a young learner who lost his sight to Rwanda’s reported top performer in Languages underscores the importance of determination, educational support and access to opportunity.

As he looks toward university, his family and community hope that continued support will help him build on his success and pursue his ambitions.

With RBA