WESTERN PROVINCE

RUTSIRO - District leaders have pledged to maintain a cordial relationship with the Catholic Church.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment on Wednesday, after playing football and volley ball matches between the district officials and 20 clerics-that head different Catholic churches operating under the Nyundo Diocese.

The games were organised partly to demonstrate the current role of the Catholic Church in the development of Rutsiro district.

Presiding over the function, the district Mayor, Jean Ndimubahire thanked the Church for its vital role in promoting government programmes.

The Mayor pointed out that the Catholic Church has historically played a key role in governance, and that this long experience is vital in attaining sustainable development.

He asked the men of God, to always sensitise their followers to embrace various government programmes, like the health insurance schemes (Mituell de Sante), family planning and formation of cooperatives.

To develop the district, he said, it calls for partnership among all residents. The event which was described as the ‘highlight’ of the year, started with a volleyball match, at the district play ground. Rutsiro beat the clerics with three sets to zero.

It was followed by football match, which ended two goals to zero in favour of the priests.

Ends