President Paul Kagame on Monday, February 27, called out senior and local government officials who are constantly pushed to deliver on their duties, describing it as a major bottleneck to the country’s goals.
Addressing participants at the 18th National Dialoague (Umushyikirano), Kagame held leaders to account on continual and deliberately indulging in private affairs other than prioritizing their service to Rwandans yet they are disconnected from projects within their constituencies.
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"When leaders do not follow up on projects meant to uplift people’s lives, you don’t expect those projects to succeed. Where are you as leaders when citizens run after you every day for services?” Kagame challenged a fully packed main hall at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC).
By and large, he added, there will be no tolerance towards absenteeism among leaders, saying that: "We did all we could, you all know what to do and how to do it. It’s not that anyone doesn’t know what they are supposed to do.”
Absenteeism, Kagame pointed out, also goes to government officials who spend hours in the office and can barely present tangible results.
30 years down the lane
It has been nearly 30 years since Rwanda embarked on its transformation journey, after going through a tragic history which as a result led to the loss of over one million lives during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
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He said there has been commendable progress much as there is room to achieve even more.
"Ordinarily, when you are building there are two or three things you must keep in mind including quality, sustainability as well as safety.”
He added, "When you are building a country, you have to ensure all these. This simply means that Rwandans must live long while enjoying the privilege of safety.”
The head of state also touched on Rwanda’s goal of self-sufficiency, warning that while government welcomes support in all forms, it should not put leaders in "comfort.”
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For instance, Kagame highlighted, that there have been cases of assuming vulnerability among some leaders, which should be prevented.
"I don’t think any Rwandan, leave alone a government official, wants to always depend on someone else. We have the means to achieve the most by ourselves.”
Kagame speaks out on chia seeds trade
Last November, thousands of farmers who supplied chia seeds to Akenes and Kernels Ltd in hope to get quick money but they incurred big losses.
Reacting to concerns raised by those that incurred losses and appealed for government intervention, President Kagame likened chia seed business to gambling and shortcut to riches.
Some chia farmers and investors are locked in a legal battle with a local firm over billions of Rwandan francs they say they lost in the scheme.
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This year’s Umushyikirano comes after a three-year due to restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Discussions are expected to focus on issues surrounding the advancement of social development through strengthening community resilience, highlighting the participation and collaboration of all Rwandans for sustainable development.
The dialogue, which is provided for in the constitution, is being followed live by Rwandans in the country and in the diaspora.