Incumbent President Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi Chairman and flagbearer in upcoming elections, reminded supporters in Nyagatare District that Rwandans should no longer worry about making it to another day, as was the case when most people had been exiled in neighbouring countries.

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He was addressing 300,000 residents from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts gathered to show support and hear more from the flagbearer as RPF and its allied political parties moved to canvass votes on July 7, the last day in the Eastern Province.

In the presidential and parliamentary elections set for July 14-15, Kagame is competing with former lawmaker Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.

Kagame said that it is through Nyagatare District that the RPA – the armed wing of RPF-Inkotanyi –entered to liberate Rwanda from the genocidal regime in 1990, but it was also used as an exit by some Rwandans who had fled the country, exiling in the neighbouring Uganda.

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"We became refugees when we were still so young, we went through this District to become refugees in the neighboring country. That is our history, where we exited from was the same place for our entry.”

He noted that when they went into exile, there was a certain condition people lived in of constantly wondering whether they would make it to the next day.

"When we came back, it was about emphasizing that we would make it to the next day no matter what. Until this day, to every Rwandan, the dawn has to come,” he said.

With all the good things people thank Kagame for, he said he counts himself lucky firstly because he survived throughout all the many years when the fear of tomorrow grappled every exiled Rwandan, adding that it wasn’t due to heroism or anything but luck.

"However, it also means that when you get that chance to wake up, you have to do everything possible to ensure you make it even to the following day and help others as well.”

He noted that whenever Rwandans wake up, it is because they are bodies and works of the fallen people, those who lost their lives in the liberation struggle.

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To this, he said, he has a chance to be among those who will ensure that their actions were not in vain. "That is what gives us strength, no war can scare us, whether from inside or outside.”

What electing RPF means

Kagame added that electing RPF means that every Rwandan in this country has to see another day by all means, noting that the development that has to come in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts, is not about someone doing good for them, but a must.

"It is a must to do everything possible, and when it can’t be done at that moment, resources are sought to have it done as soon as possible. Electing RPF is choosing development and unity but that act is democracy.”

The RPF flagbearer told the youth that they are responsible for continuing the journey started by elders, including those who exited and came back through this place.

"The future is about development, no more exiling because someone has deprived you of living a life that looks forward to tomorrow. You should be able to go outside the country on your own choice, according to your plan because you have things to do there and come back whenever you want.”

In the upcoming elections, you should make a choice while remembering that history and the responsibility you hold, especially the young people, Kagame added.

"For the hotels, industries, roads, parks, farms, among others, be aligned in the development path. Become wealthy and enrich your country.”

Felicien Naengimana, 42-year-old resident in Nyagatare District, said how thanks to good governance that provides opportunities to young people, he was able to rise from a poor background and got access to education, learned vocational skills and is now a businessperson.

He now has a carpentry and mechanic workshop worth Rwf25 million, employing 18 people and providing carpentry and mechanics skills to over 200 people.

According to him, this is thanks to good leadership that empowers young people and puts in place enabling policies that promote them.