President Paul Kagame has reminded leaders that holding public office comes with responsibilities, stressing that citizens should not have to beg for services that are their right.

He made the remarks on Friday, December 19 while addressing the 17th Congress of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF). The Congress which took place at its headquarters in Rusororo, Kigali attracted more than 2,200 members and invited guests.

ALSO READ: Kagame urges RPF members to sustain fight against corruption

"As leaders we should remember that we have responsibilities. People shouldn’t beg us for services; everybody has a right to demand,” Kagame said.

He told leaders that the positions they hold often make them turn a blind eye to citizens’ problems, warning that failure to fulfil their duties should have consequences.

Kagame cited common complaints from citizens, noting that in some institutions, people seeking services are ignored, while officials focus on their phones. In some cases, he said, citizens are even insulted when they ask for assistance.

ALSO READ: Local leaders recommit to citizen-centered service delivery

"Why should it be that way?” he asked.

As an example, Kagame referred to the dismissal of Kayonza Mayor John Bosco Nyemazi over poor service delivery. Nyemazi was relieved of his duties on Sunday, November 7, alongside the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Hope Munganyinka, and Jean Damascene Harelimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, following a decision by the Kayonza District Council.

Their dismissal was also linked to failure to adequately address challenges facing citizens, particularly those caused by prolonged drought.

ALSO READ: Kayonza mayor, two officials dismissed

The president questioned why it often takes leaders too long to resolve citizens’ problems, suggesting that some fail to listen because they are not personally affected.

He noted that the issue is not limited to Kayonza, citing other districts, including concerns over the Rusizi–Bugarama road. Kagame said residents have been raising complaints about the road since 2017, when he had previously instructed authorities to address the issue.

In response, Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore said the project had not been prioritised first.

"Priorities aren’t personal; they’re for the country. Decisions should be made for the whole country,” Kagame said.