KICUKIRO - Scythes in hand, UK Conservatives yesterday took to the streets as part of Umuganda-community work in Kicukiro. Forty volunteers from the UK opposition party spent Saturday morning working with locals at Kicukiro Central, Niboye Sector. They are part of a 100 strong delegation of volunteers led by Andrew Mitchell MP, the shadow minister for international development.

Brooks Newmark, MP for Braintree, told Sunday Times that he was particularly impressed by the sense of community he saw being exhibited during Umuganda at Kicukiro.

"Umuganda is a great way to bring the community together and it shows that the country is on the path to recovery and progress,” said Newmark.

The MP, who is also the Assistant Chief Whip for the Conservative Party, said it is amazing how the country has progressed since 1994, adding that Rwandans should be very proud of their achievements. The Conservatives are spending two weeks in Rwanda working on education, health, justice and finance projects.

Also participating in Umuganda was Conservative shadow minister for international trade and development, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. He noted that Umuganda is an indication that Rwanda is moving towards development.

"Prosperity comes from hard work,” said Clifton-Brown energetically cutting grass. He explained that the Conservative delegation is committed to supporting Rwanda in a range of socio-economic development projects.

The MP also paid tribute to President Paul Kagame for bringing stability which has enabled such development programmes.

Desmond Swayne MP, the parliamentary aide to party leader David Cameroon, said that he was greatly impressed with Umuganda and would like to introduce community work in his constituency in Britain.

The Conservatives were accompanied by Kigali’s vice mayor for social welfare, Jean d’arc Gakuba, who hailed their contribution to the city.

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