GICUMBI/MUHANGA — Senator Jean Baptiste Bizimana has urged residents of Gicumbi district to emulate the country’s heroes as a way of honouring them.

"The Late Fred Rwigema led a struggle to oust dictatorship and bring to an end ethnic division among Rwandans, while King Rudahigwa resisted colonial domination by resisting land grabbing and creating equality among Rwandans. Agathe Uwiligiyimana played a big role in criticising former regimes which preached the gospel of ethnic cleansing,” Bizimana said at celebrations to mark the Heroes Day last Sunday at Cyumba Sector playground in Gicumbi district.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Bizimana outlined honesty, resisting injustice, self integrity and being ready to sacrifice ones’ life for the good of others as some of the virtues of heroes.

David Nkurunziza, who represented Governor Boniface Rucagu, urged residents to utilise the peace ushered in by the country’s heroes to work hard in order to eradicate poverty and strive to attain Rwanda’s millennium goals.

"The legacy left behind by our heroes should be used to cement unity of all Rwandans and working hard should be embraced  by everybody to accelerate development of our country,” said Nkurunziza.

Gicumbi district Vice Mayor for economic Affairs Ildephonse Butera, said Rwandans did heroic acts since pre-colonial days.

"Rwanda is what it is now because of our past heroes,” said Butera, on behalf of the Mayor Bonane Nyangezi.

Others present at the occasion were legislative official  Beatrice Nirere, officials of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF),the  National Police, Religious leaders and representatives of the NGO fratenity. 

Meanwhile, in Muhanga district, within  the Southern Province, the turn up for celebrations which were held at cell levels was low.

Residents of Gahogo and Gitarama cells, in Nyamabuye Sector, convened at the Gitarama stadium but the celebrations were mostly attended by children.

The same case was reported in Remera cell, where the turn out was equally low. In both cases, most adult residents including cell and village leaders turned up late for the celebrations.

A mini survey indicated that business went on normally in the town centre; some residents were reportedly  attending the Sunday sermons, while others simply stayed at home.

An estimated 80 percent of residents in Gitarama are Catholics and a big number of Rwanda’s known heroes originate from the Southern Province.

"The low turn out has been attributed to Church services, but we had asked that the Christians be released on time for the event,” said François Uhagaze, the Nyamabuye Executive Secretary when asked about the low attendance.

Uhagaze also explained that the cell leaders did not do a great job to mobilise residents, pointing out that the event could have more participation if celebrated at district level.

In their address, local leaders asked the residents to emulate heroes and work towards national development through patriotism.

The residents were also urged to uphold national values of speed and respect for time, customer service quality service delivery and self respect in order to realise Vision 2020.

Ends