Good governance is key to ensuring national prosperity and should manifest through reliability and accountability, the Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka has said. The minister made the remarks while addressing local leaders in Nyagatare District on Tuesday during the district’s annual general assembly. The meeting attracted a number of officials, including Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana, and Eastern Province Governor, Odette Uwamariya. Kaboneka urged local leaders to work toward improving people’s livelihoods. He challenged them to listen to the people, so they do not divert from public interest. “Avoid being greedy, solve people’s problems and work toward improving their livelihoods. That is why you are occupying those offices,” he said. The minister also commented on the district’s ranking in last year’s performance contracts (Imihigo), saying there was still a lot to be done. “The 9th position out of 30 is not too bad, but doesn’t reflect the district’s capacity. Nyagatare has a lot of potential with vast arable land that can make it the country’s bread basket,” he said. Nyagatare has registered several socio-economic issues related to land ownership. The District mayor Fred Atuhe Sabiiti, attributed most social issues to the ever increasing migrants to the area. “Our population has increased by 80 per cent over the last five years. Several people move from other districts to settle here. This puts a strain on the available resources,” he said. Meanwhile, IGP Gasana warned local leaders on defilement, cattle theft, and smuggling in the district.
