Kigali residents have urged newly elected grassroots leaders to strengthen community security, intervene early in family disputes and help households resolve administrative challenges, saying timely action could prevent minor problems from escalating into serious incidents.
Speaking at EP Muhima polling site on Saturday, October 24, as local government elections began, residents said domestic violence could escalate when neighbours and grassroots leaders failed to intervene in time.
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"Domestic violence often starts with small disagreements that can eventually lead to people killing each other if neighbours and local leaders fail to intervene early and help resolve the problems,” said Madeline Nyiramajyambere, a resident of Abeza Village, Nyabugogo Cell in Muhima Sector, Nyarugenge District.
She further pointed out that the leaders should prioritise security, maintain close contact with households and address emerging conflicts before they become more serious.
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She recalled an incident in which local officials arrived within minutes after a family started fighting and neighbours raised the alarm.
"We appreciate the outgoing leaders for that response, and we want the incoming committee to maintain and strengthen it,” she said.
At a polling site in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, Naftal Dusabimana, a resident of Nyabisindu Cell in Remera Sector, said effective leadership should help communities make progress while addressing problems affecting residents.
"A good leader is someone who takes people from one step to another,” he said.
Dusabimana cited efforts by the outgoing leadership to combat drug abuse, including cannabis use and the consumption of illicit alcoholic beverages, as achievements the incoming committee should build on.
Vincent Hakorimana, a resident of Urugwiro Village, similarly called on the new leaders to sustain the fight against substance abuse.
He said the outgoing leaders had helped address the problem and urged their successors to continue those efforts.
Helping residents access public services
Beyond security and family welfare, Nyiramajyambere said grassroots leaders also had a role in helping residents resolve problems affecting access to public services.
She cited cases involving the Imibereho Dynamic Social Registry system, in which inaccurate information reportedly resulted in some people being assigned incorrect categories for community-based health insurance contributions.
According to Nyiramajyambere, some residents were placed in higher contribution categories they could not afford, but local leaders helped them address the discrepancies through the relevant systems.
She said the experience demonstrated the importance of leaders who understand residents' circumstances and help them navigate administrative procedures.
Village Executive Committees comprise the village head and officers responsible for security and population movements, social welfare and community cohesion, information and public education, and development.