The Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, officially launched the Good Governance Month at the national level in Kaborondo Sector, Kayonza District in the Eastern Province on Friday.

The launch was attended by government officials, residents and various stakeholders.

The month-long campaign is being run under the theme, "Taking accountability to another height; a Legacy to ensure good governance promotion”.

Activities to mark the month in all other districts started on the same day.

Kaboneka said the major aim of the Good Governance Month was to engage the people in the development issues of the country.

"The Government started this month to make further steps in good governance by enhancing citizen participation in policy formulation. We strongly believe that good governance is a pillar for sustainable development,” the minister said.

During this ‘month’, leaders at different levels will traverse all the 30 districts in the country to teach good governance principles.

Kaboneka urged residents to get fully engaged in the campaign, noting that it was a way of promoting principles of good governance as well as benefitting from leaders and citizens’ discussions.

"Issues to do with service delivery will constitute a major concern…they require special attention. We need to know what people appreciate and what they don’t and why. Leaders will get enough time to listen to the population, learn from them, and come up with suggestions and solutions to their challenges,” he said.

The minister said good governance in Rwanda had become an appealing brand, adding it must be embraced by stakeholders at different levels of leadership.

Kaboneka noted that good governance was a product of every citizen’s participation and the basis for sustainable development.

"During this campaign, the citizens will ask any questions of their choice and get instant feedback from the leaders. For the questions and issues that will not get instant solutions, note will be taken of them and a follow-up made thereafter.

The ceremony was followed by an interactive session during which citizens raised several issues, notable among them land conflicts.

The minister also presided over a function to deliver smartphones to cell leaders, saying it was in fulfillment of government’s pledge.

"We are in a modern world where use of technology is inevitable…the smartphones are important instruments as you work towards good governance. They increase efficiency once used well,” he said.

Residents commended the government’s support, but challenged local leaders to step-up service delivery.

"There are certain issues that persist because local leaders are either corrupt or passive. Land conflicts, illicit drugs, etc continue recurring because of laxity in leadership. We are thus optimistic that the ‘month’ will make a change,” said Charles Ndikubwimana, a resident.

The Good Governance Month was initiated in 2011.

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