NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — Former leaders in various capacities hailing from Gicumbi District, last week held a bonding party with their successors.

The function was held at Eglise Episcopal Au Rwanda (EER) Centre, located on the shores of Lake Muhazi of Bukure Sector in Gicumbi district.

The function attracted former members of parliament, the then Prefecture leaders, former mayors (Bourgmestre) among others.

Speaking as chief guest at the ceremony, the Minister for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Charles Murigande called upon all former and current leaders to work as a team for the common interest of fostering unity and development of the district.

He cautioned them against acts that fuel wrangles among them, saying it undermines efforts of achieving the country’s development goals. "Former leaders should act as advisers to the present ones because nobody is perfect," said Dr. Murigande.

On his part the Governor of Northern Province Boniface Rucagu, observed that conflict among former and present leaders arises when the former conspire with their supporters within the local community to undermine and reject development programmes set up by their successors.

He cautioned present leaders against getting embroiled in wrangles with former leaders, saying it was time wasting and hampers development. "Conflict between former and present leaders can be ironed out by creating committees of former leaders to act as advisors to the present leaders at all levels," said Rucagu.

Bonane Nyangezi, the district mayor advised those present to act as ambassadors of development in their respective localities. He called upon grass root leaders to encourage residents to engage in income generating activities such as rearing of rabbits, growing marakuja fruits and vegetable farming; because they have ready market and generate quick income.

Citing his own example, mayor Nyangezi boasted of a high income generated venture by just rearing rabbits. "Besides rabbits being consumed by my family, they also generate income for me on daily basis," said Nyangezi.

Also speaking at the function was the former Prefect of then Byumba Prefecture Gregoire Abdulrahaman. In his remarks, Abdulrahaman said leadership at all levels should not be used as a tool to fan conflict in society.

"Leadership is a service for the welfare of society," said Abdulrahaman. He said the former leaders were ready to always offer constructive advice to their successors.

Also present at the party was Senator Jean Baptiste Bizimana, Deputies Edward Sebushumba and Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi, former Rwanda’s Ambassador to France Emmanuel Ndagijimana, RDF 408 Brigade officer Lt. Col. Willy Bagabe and police officials among others.

Ends