University of Goma to Build Peace Hall in Honour of Congolese Martyr Beatified in Rome

She invited all University of Goma alumni to “support this meaningful project that embodies the cherished values of the Blessed.”

“Holiness, leadership, and commitment can be born on the benches of the University of Goma. It is also a call to all UNIGOM alumni around the world to reconnect with their alma mater, remember it with pride, and contribute to its continued growth,” Mrs. Njabuka said.

She continued, “In the spirit of Blessed Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, who remained steadfast in his commitment to truth and justice, all former students and friends of UNIGOM are invited to respond to this call. In doing so, we will continue to carry the torch of our university high, wherever we may be in life.”

On 25 November 2024, the late Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of Bwana Chui and authorized the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to publish the decree announcing his beatification.

Born on 13 June 1981 in the city of Goma, the Blessed Floribert Bwana Chui was reportedly abducted and martyred in the same Congolese city on 8 July 2007 for standing up against corruption. 

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He hailed from a wealthy family and studied law and economics. As a student, Bwana Chui joined the Community of Sant’Egidio, the Rome-based lay Catholic association dedicated to the provision of social services and arbitrating conflicts. He volunteered to reach out to street children.

He started his professional life in DRC’s capital city, Kinshasa, as a Claims Officer at the customs and goods control agency, the Congolese Control Office (OCC). His duty was to evaluate products crossing the DRC Eastern border.

Blessed Bwana Chui had to handle a moral dilemma, that of allowing contaminated food imported from neighboring Rwanda and without proper documentation and authorization for sale entry into DRC.

The June 15 Beatification of Bwana Chui made him the fourth Blessed in DRC after Sr. Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta from the Diocese of Wamba, and layman Isidore Bakanja from Mbandaka-Bikoro Archdiocese.

DRC also has Fr. Albert Joubert from the Diocese of Uvira, who was beatified in August 2024 alongside three Xaverian missionaries in eastern part of the country.