BUGESERA - THERE could not have been more excitement for the people of Bugesera District than when the RPF candidate, Paul Kagame, set foot in their district to campaign for another seven-year term.

Bugesera, is a district that literally owes its existence to the RPF government under the leadership of President Kagame.

Once a place designated for victims of ethnic cleansing by the past regimes, Bugesera, with a near-arid desert environment, had the majority of its residents wiped out during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Kagame oversaw a plan that turned the dry district green, a tarmac road linking the district to the capital and the Burundian border was built. Schools, running water, hospitals and government institutions in the district, have all continuously sprung up, bringing life back to the district.
When the candidate and his family arrived in Ruhuha Sector, the thunderous welcoming applause reflected just how much support RPF has in the district.

Kagame had earlier held a campaign rally in Nyabugogo, Nyarugenge district.

Shortly after Kagame had greeted the mammoth crowd, Melchiades Mugaba, a resident of Bugesera, highlighted the developments the district has registered under the RPF leadership, including infrastructure development, agriculture, environment conservation, as well as the overall improvement of the social welfare.

Kagame’s Campaign Manager, Fidele Ndayisaba, told the over 90,000 supporters that the time for tears and pain is over because the party (RPF) and Kagame, its leader who championed change in the district, if voted, will stay around and spur even more development in the district.

The candidate, while addressing his supporters, took a swipe at the detractors who say that there is no democracy in the country, just because most Rwandans support RPF. Kagame noted that the reason why Rwandans choose the RPF is because they are pro-development and detest those who promote divisionism.

He went on to challenge the critics, saying that they should come and witness the massive support RPF has. Kagame added that democracy means that the citizens have the right to choose good from bad and that those who don’t want to see that happen should go and hang.

The candidate strongly pointed out that Rwandans retain the right to block criminals and individuals who promote divisionism, from ruling this country again. 

Kagame noted that Bugesera District had a sad history and was forgotten as if it was not part of the country, but today, it is part of the overall progress the country has registered.

He emphasised the need for the country to continue on the development path, urging residents to remain as hardworking as ever, and to engage in modern agriculture and embrace ICT. He called upon the residents to ensure food security for all Rwandans, as well as surplus for the markets in neighbouring countries.

Kagame noted that Rwanda will continue working with whoever wants to see development, but strongly warned that those who seek to destabilize the country will be confronted with all the necessary means.

Kagame, who later held a rally in Kicukiro District, continues his campaign trail continues today in the Eastern Province.

Ends