EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE— Provincial local leaders have stepped up a campaign against carrying ‘Inkoni’, the traditional walking sticks throughout Eastern Province.

Local leaders mid this year designed an approach aimed to change traditional attitudes towards the use of walking sticks, saying it was aimed at curbing violent crimes.

Nyagatare District Mayor, Robert Kashemeza, Sunday confirmed that they have enlisted police enforcement officers and stepped up sensitization campaign to reduce the use of the sticks.

Kashemeza said high-profile violent fights in the district are attributed to sticks more than to pangs, spears or other weapons.

"The challenge of reducing violence associated with such traditionally used tools within few years may seem difficult, but authorities are ready to tackle the challenge,” he said.

"As a district that has been experiencing fighting crimes related to sticks use, we need to be bolder, more innovative and less tolerant of such violence.” 

According to authorities, partnership has been developed with all districts authorities in the province where people carrying the sticks are advised to avoid taking them to public places.

However, the elderly people have not welcomed the move. They have challenged the leaders to prove that banning the use of sticks will reduce fights.

Antoine Nvunabanzi, 76, a resident of Nyagatare Sector says the elderly people need the walking sticks for firm walking. 

Kashemeza however, stressed that the move was conceived after genuine consideration of elderly people.

He says it targets mainly strong people who carry the sticks in public places with sinister motives. According to authorities, the ban is part of a wider campaign to  curb traditional way of living in rural areas.

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