Ex-combatants advised to form cooperatives

RULINDO – The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has advised ex-combatants in Rulindo district to form cooperative societies and join Umurenge SACCO in order to boost their economic status. RDRC’s commissioner for the Northern Province, Fred Nyamurangwa made the call on Tuesday, while meeting the former fighters at Rulindo district. He said RDRC is committed to supporting ex-combatants’ economic projects. “You should actively participate in the formation of agriculture and livestock farming or business cooperative societies to boost your incomes. You need to work closely with district and sector authorities to steer economic development in the entire district,” said Nyamurangwa. He further called on the ex-combatants to maintain their military discipline by cooperating with residents in their localities to guarantee security. “The discipline acquired during your military service should enable you to fight divisionism and the spread of harmful rumours aimed at creating insecurity in your respective localities.” The district official in-charge of cooperatives, Theodore Hatanyimbabazi, assured the ex-combatants of the district’s support to promote their economic ventures. “The district will provide you with technical training because putting your resources together is the only way to boost your economic ventures,” he said. Hatanyimbabazi named agriculture and livestock farming as some of the viable businesses. At the meeting, the ex combatants set up a three-member committee to coordinate their socio-economic activities. They include Maj. Felecien Ngirabatware as their chairman, Capt. Wilson Mugisha as the vice chairman and Sgt. Pelegie Uzamukunda as the secretary. Ends