NORTHERN PROVINCE

RULINDO —  The members undergoing traditional informal education training-Itorero-of Rulindo district have been asked to maintain the Rwandan culture of respect for  the elders and listening to their advice.

Speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of Itorero this Wednesday, Gen. James Kabarebe, the chief of general staff, urged the participants christened "Abadahigwa” to restore the Rwandan culture in order to instill discipline among the young generation. There are 653 participants at APAPEC secondary school, drawn from 17 Sectors of the district.

"Amatorero-informal traditional schools- were used by our ancestors to instill discipline and self respect within the Rwandan society,” said the General.

He further said that the Rwandan culture was eroded by past bad leaders who divided Rwandans along ethnic lines and denied others the right to live in their country.

Citing his own example, Gen. Kabarebe told the participants that the former regime of the late President Juvenal Habyarimana denied him entry into his country at the time Rwandan refugees were expelled from Uganda by the late President Milton Obote in 1982.

"I was stranded in Muvumba River together with my other colleagues and our cattle for days because the Rwandan soldiers stationed at the border then refused us entry into our own country,” he added.

Governor Boniface Rucagu urged the group to preach the gospel of Unity and Reconciliation saying "Economic and political revolution is needed to realize Unity, Development and Reconciliation.”

Senator Elly Mpayimana also echoed similar remarks. He said that the former regimes in Rwanda were responsible for violation of human rights by denying other Rwandans the right to live in their country.

"We must accept to share this country because we all belong here,” said Mpayimana.

Mayor Justus Kangwaje thanked the participants for their dedication in adhering to government programs of fighting poverty, Genocide ideology and diseases. He boasted that his district registered second position countrywide of people registered for medical insurance. 

Other guests who graced the ceremony were the second division Commander Brig. General Alex Kagame and the Commander of 503 Brigade Brig. General Augustine Kashaija among others.

Ends