RUHANGO - The Governor of the Southern Province, Fidele Ndayisaba on Thursday officiated at the handover ceremony of an exotic cow donated by President Paul Kagame to a local resident of Kamonyi village, Byimana Sector in Ruhango district.

The cow was given to the President by a local model livestock farmer; Alphonsine Mwubahamana, whose model household he visited during his tour of the province last month.

According to Ndayisaba, "the President could have decided to take this exotic cow to his farm,” but he opted to give it to another resident Ariyeri Wuguziga because he wants the residents to own their own cows and get out of poverty.”

Wuguziga, 32, a casual labourer, was selected by the village members based on his level of need and ability to look after the cow. He expressed his gratitude to the President for the donation.

"I have got great hope to get out of poverty through this support,” said the visibly excited Wuguziga, "I will take good care for it so that one day I will also be able to extend support to another resident as we continue enlarging the support chain.” 

The Governor urged residents to borrow the example of Mwubahaman who started from a humble level but with determination has gone on to become a model livestock farmer in the district.

Mwubahamana started livestock farming in 2001 with one local breed but has since gone on to increase her stock to 15 exotic breeds. She also donated 10 cows to her neighbours so that they can improve their livelihood.

"I am happy to be able to give support to others around me,” Mwubahamana said. 

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