BURERA -Sector Executive Secretaries from all 416 sectors in the country, yesterday began a leadership development training program at the Peace and Leadership Centre, Nkumba in Burera District.

The three-week program which is part of the national civic education, Itorero Ry’igihugu, that also involves district officials in charge of Good Governance, was officially opened by the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni.

Musoni said that under the third phase of the 2011-2015 decentralisation process, the local leaders would be empowered in terms of human, material and financial resources to enhance Local Economic Development.

"You will be required to focus on energising local economies, creation of wealth, enhancing economic activity and reducing poverty in your respective sectors. All fundamentals are in place to enable us to move to the next stage of development,’’ Musoni said.

 "What is required of us is mindset change, be innovative, promote people-centred development, stability, human capabilities, social capital, participation and civic engagement”.

The local leaders will use the platform, to share their experiences and how to apply the government’s development programs within their respective sectors.

"To be transformational and revolutionary leaders requires you to have a clear, focused and positive ideological line fetching from our core values of unity, patriotism, selflessness, integrity, responsibility, humility, truth, respect,’’ added Musoni.

The provincial Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, commended the government’s efforts in fostering unity, reconciliation, patriotism among Rwandans.

 "We do not want to see in the future, citizens revolting against you as a result of dissatisfaction, mismanagement, indiscipline and poor services, contrary to their expectations from you. Strive for more innovation and engage all citizens to develop your sectors,’’ he said.

The participants will learn about national development programs, including customer care, principles of governance, and integration of youth and women in local development policies.

Ends