A public debate held on Wednesday in Muhanga District on democracy and human rights, concluded on a positive note with legislators commending the steps taken by the district to promote democracy and good governance.

Muhanga, was formerly characterized by political divisionism where Rwandans who protested bad leadership, were labeled anti establishment and got persecuted.

Today, the government believes that democracy and human rights are universal values that must be vigorously promoted and become part and parcel of our society.

The government’s initiative where local leaders sign performance contracts, with specific and clear targets aimed at improving the standards of living of their people, has enabled a transparent system, that has not only ensured accountability, but also nurtured the democratization process and sensitized the people about their rights.

Decision making has been decentralized, with the Rwandan people up to the grass roots level, owning their progress. They have identified and prioritized their needs, something that has enabled Rwandans to enjoy the benefits of good governance.

As various interactive discussions on patriotism take place across the country, lets us all keep at the back of our minds that it is through owning the developments process that, as a country, we can progress even further and completely eliminate challenges such as poverty that still affect us.

Ends