In the just concluded National Leadership Retreat President Kagame cautioned government officials against losing sight of their common goal after it emerged that some of them had become bigger than the institutions they serve.

Such leaders lack integrity and should therefore not be leaders.

Integrity is among the key attributes of leaders. Civil servants with this trait posses a deep commitment to do what is right regardless of the circumstances.

Leaders of integrity are true patriots, incorruptible and always cautious that they do not break the trust of those they represent.

While the retreat resolved to initiate legal action against officials involved in corruption and embezzlement, the government should go a step further and craft a leadership and integrity act.

The act will help remind the officials that leaders with integrity walk the talk. They are honest and morally upright.

Rwanda does not need leaders whose actions do not match their words.

Leaders without integrity can’t be trusted – by their superiors, their colleagues or the public – and inevitably making them a liability to the country.