President Paul Kagame has applauded Muhanga residents for making significant gains in the efforts to transform their lives but urged them to work even harder. 

"We may not have enough resources but we have no excuse not to use what we have to its full potential,” President Kagane said.

The President was yesterday addressing thousands of residents at Kanyanza grounds as part of his outreach tour of Ndiza in Kiyumba Sector, Muhanga District. 

The President called on the area residents to work together to achieve more. 

"Working together delivers increased productivity. Everything that we have achieved is a result of working together across different platforms, be private sector, civil society or government,” Kagame said. 

Ndiza was regarded as a hotbed of the genocide ideology under post-independence regimes, which culminated into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

But residents expressed their commitment to a nation committed to unity and development with many yesterday speaking highly of the post-Genocide leadership, particularly on its people-centred approach to unity and reconciliation among Rwandans and economic development. 

They shared the benefits they have experienced from the government policies on universal healthcare, education and women empowerment, which they said had given Rwandans equal opportunity to prosper. 

Marie Aimée Uwayo, a model entrepreneur in transport and retail in the district, told the President that his government’s focus on gender equality had delivered tangible results on the ground.

"As women we are not shy anymore, you have truly empowered us,” Uwayo said.

Wellars Dusabumuremyi, a resident of Kiyumba Sector, thanked President Kagame for bringing the country back from the brink, steer it to a stable and business friendly nation. 

Kagame also toured a mini expo which featured products that are mainly produced in the district, including foodstuff, handcrafts, and precious stones. 

Innovation and efficiency

The Head of State encouraged the residents to stay the course and seek innovation and efficiency in whatever they do to better their livelihoods. 

He called on the area residents to consolidate their gains, especially in the area of peace and security, and production. 

"We have reaped dividends from our stability but security and development activities need to be sustained,” he said, reiterating government’s commitment to ensuring security for all.

The 2012 Population and Housing Census indicated that Muhanga was inhabited by 319,965 people, with a population density of 493 inhabitants per square kilometre. 

Its main economic activities are agriculture and trade. 

Muhanga mayor Yvonne Mutakwasuku said the district residents were determined to play their rightful role in the greater quest to take the country forward. 

Kagame said government will continue to support the area in development matters and promised that construction of a new hospital in the area – Nyabikenke Hospital – will be fast-tracked, and a road linking Mbuga to Nyabinoni villages, and new technical and vocational schools constructed.