Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana’s illustrious journey through the academic landscape of Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) is marked by over a decade of dedicated service and scholarly excellence.
Having recently been appointed as the New Vice-Chancellor of ICK by Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa, Father Prof. Dushimimana’s ascension to this esteemed position crowns his long-standing commitment to academic leadership.
With over twelve years of invaluable experience as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, Father Prof. Dushimimana’s tenure promises to uphold the institution’s tradition of academic rigor and spiritual growth. As he reached his thirteenth year at ICK, his unwavering dedication continues to shape the educational ethos of the institution and inspire generations of students and scholars alike.
His extended tenure within ICK’s academic landscape piqued the curiosity of ICK News, prompting them to delve deeper into the extensive profile of Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana and his life in general.
To learn more about him, ICK News conducted an exclusive interview with Father Prof. Dushimimana on September 21, 2023.
Father Prof. Dushimimana, who is now 52 years old, was born on April 8, 1971, in the former Runda Commune, Ruyenzi Sector, which is now part of Runda Sector located in Kamonyi District.
He is the child of the late François Uzabakiriho and Esperance Mukankubito, who is still alive. Father Prof. Dushimimana was born into a family of eleven children ‘only six of them still alive’, and he was the fifth child in that middle-income family.
According to Father Prof. Dushimimana, the family in which he was born taught children love, respect, and courtesy, while also providing a degree of independence to allow individuals to choose their future paths accordingly.
Father, Professor Dushimimana, was inspired to become a priest even before he started primary school at the tender age of five.
He grew up with an extraordinary memory, which allowed him to assist adults in finding relaxation.
He recounted, “I remember my father used to invite his neighbors to banquets. During those occasions, my father would call upon me to recite the memorized recitations of Matin d’Afrique in front of the guests, helping them unwind and find relaxation.”
Father Prof. Dushimimana began his primary education, like other children, at the age of seven, from 1978 to 1986, at Ecole Primaire de Gihara.
He pursued his education through various levels, culminating in the attainment of a PhD in Psychology from Rome, Italy.
From 1986 to 1992, Dushimimana furthered his education at the Minor Seminary Saint Léon Kabgayi, specializing in Latin and Modern languages.
In the academic year 1992/1993, he enrolled in the Major Seminary Saint-Joseph de Rutongo, where young men aspiring to join the priesthood underwent initiation for one year, known as the “propaedeutic year.”
Continuing his studies, in September 1993, Dushimimana attended the Major Seminary Philosophicum de Kabgayi.
Due to the effects and remnants of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Major Seminary Philosophicum de Kabgayi relocated its academic services to the Major Seminary Théologicum de Nyakibanda in September 1994.
Fratri Dushimimana furthered his philosophy studies at Nyakibanda for the remaining year and a half. He then continued the theology course at Major Seminary Théologicum de Nyakibanda, which he completed in 1999.
On July 24, 1999, Deacon Fidèle Dushimimana was ordained to the priesthood at Gihara Parish.
After his ordination, Father Dushimimana was immediately appointed as the Vicar Priest in Kinazi Parish from 1999 to 2000.
Following that, he continued at Minor Seminary Saint Léon de Kabgayi, where he served as the Deputy of Studies from 2000 to 2003.
In 2003, he pursued higher studies at The Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, Italy.
He spent seven years at The Salesian Pontifical University, working towards his Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and PhD in Developmental Psychology.
After obtaining these degrees, Dushimimana immediately returned to Rwanda, where he was appointed as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research at ICK.
He served in this role from 2010 to August 2023.
On June 1st, 2023, Father Dushimimana was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.
As mentioned at the beginning, Father Dushimimana was appointed as the leader of the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi on August 3, 2023.
I joined Karate to defend myself
Father Prof. Dushimimana, when discussing his hobbies and interests, mentioned that he enjoys playing Karate, Volleyball, Chess, Scrabble, and playing the piano.
When asked why he chose to take up Karate, Father Prof. Dushimimana explained that he began practicing Karate during his secondary school years, at the age of 16.
He decided to do so because of a formidable Karate player who used to intimidate him, especially since Dushimimana was not physically imposing. He started his Karate journey in the 2nd year of secondary school, in 1987, at the age of 16.
“Actually, I used to only play volleyball. However, because I wasn’t physically imposing, there was a young man who practiced Karate. After his training sessions, he would come out and threaten us, making us feel powerless,” he said, adding, “That’s why I began secretly practicing Karate. After six months, I went to a dōjō, and they were all surprised by what I had learned.”
He went on to explain that the reason he joined the dōjō after six months was to confront the person who used to intimidate them. “In my first fight, I faced the person who used to intimidate us,” he said with a smile.
Apart from that, he ended up developing a deep love for Karate, even though he didn’t pass the exams to earn a belt.
“After arriving in Nyakibanda in 1996, I passed my first test, administered by Maître Tharcisse Sinzi, who awarded me a blue belt because he figured out that I knew a lot of things,” he said.
In 2000, while he was the Deputy of Studies at the Minor Seminary Saint Léon Kabgayi, Dushimimana earned his brown belt, and by the end of 2000, he achieved a black belt, 1st Dan. Due to academic reasons, Father Dushimimana did not continue to take exams until 2009 when he was awarded a 2nd Dan black belt.
Since then, due to many responsibilities, he has been practicing Karate for fun and to stay fit.
He said, “Sometimes, we meet as seniors and remind ourselves, but it’s not on a regular basis.”
My weakness is my strength-Fr. Prof. Dushimimana
“My weakness is my strength,” explained Father Prof. Dushimimana, emphasizing that to achieve success in life, he consistently seeks perfection with the aid of God.
He is enthusiastic about various domains and has a deep passion for learning.
He stated, “I am a person who always strives to acquire skills and knowledge in many different areas. Additionally, I am passionate, so when I engage in something, I dedicate my full effort, heart, and mind to it because I don’t like to do anything half-heartedly. I firmly believe that with God’s help, as He is the El-Shaddai, I can achieve my goals.”
Based on this, Father Prof. Dushimimana advises the youth to set big goals in life, persevere, and not give up.
“Actually, when you have a good goal to achieve that is useful for you and others, there are other forces that will guide you,” he said, adding, “But achieving that also requires patience and not giving up because in life, there are many challenges.”
He added that one should keep the dream they have and pursue it as far as possible.
“The youth of today often get excited about the little things they achieve. But not being satisfied with what you have already done and always having the desire to do more is what helps you reach your dreams,” he said.
So far, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana is leading the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi, which was founded in 2002 by the Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi.
Note: This article is for ICK News only, and should not be published anywhere else.
