GATSIBO/NYAGATARE - Residents and local leaders in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts welcomed the news of the appointment of Eastern Provincial Governor, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira,  to a United Nations job.

On Tuesday, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed Kirabo as Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General for UN-HABITAT.

Speaking to The New Times, scores of residents lauded the governor for her efforts to bring the province to the limelight.

"Ms Kirabo has been a visionary governor who transformed the province within a short time. She has helped us improve our farming methods especially by improving (cattle) breeds and rising milk prices.

Her successor has big shoes to fill,” said Titus Mugisha, a model farmer in Nyagatare District.

Stephen Gasore, a cell executive secretary in Mukama Sector in the same district said Kirabo had left behind a good legacy.

"I am a newcomer in local government but upon my appointment, I got a chance to attend a local leaders’ meeting chaired by the governor. She challenged us and set leadership guidelines that are making my assignments easier,” Gasore said.

Narcisse Mupenzi, a local resident of Ndatemwa Cell, Kiziguro Sector in Gatsibo District commended Kirabo for her efforts to set up a rice processing factory and connecting the area to the national power grid.

"I had lived in this village since 1995 without electricity. But during the governor’s eight months at the helm, we have electricity and a rice processing factory. We thank her for developing our district,” he said.

Dr. Kirabo was appointed the Governor of the Eastern Province in February, 2011, after serving as the mayor of the City of Kigali.

Under her leadership, Kigali became the first African city to win the prestigious UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honour Award "in recognition of the high level of cleanliness, greenness, safety and the sustainable, affordable housing initiatives combined with pro-poor urban employment opportunities.”

Ends