RWAMAGANA - Grassroots leaders should avoid corruption tendencies if the country is to develop, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija has said.

"You must show love and care for the people you represent. You have to sensitise the people, to embrace development activities set by the government,” he said. 

The Governor reiterated the fact that Government abhors any form of corruption especially within local Government.

He was addressing over 800 grassroots leaders in Rwamagana district on Wednesday. 

The Eastern Region Police Commander (RPC), Chief Superintendent Gilbert Gumira called upon local leaders to utilise the existing structures, set by the Community Policing Committees, to promote security in their communities. 

He blamed the local leaders for reported cases of petty theft that have continued in a number of villages and towns in the district. 

The RPC told local leaders that they cannot develop, unless their communities are secure. 

"We have set stable and friendly security structures in all communities. You should be able to utilise such structures to end such recurring petty crimes. It is your reluctance that is letting us down,” he said. 

Emmanuel Kalisa, one of the local leaders however, told The New Times that they are disappointed whenever the Police release culprits after being arrested supposedly  without being prosecuted. 

"We are discouraged when we struggle to arrest a known criminal in the community only for such elements to be set free by police citing lack of evidence,” he said. 

The meeting was also attended by the RDF 1st Division Commander Brigadier General Dan Gapfizi.

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