KIGALI - President Paul Kagame has appointed the outgoing Mayor of Nyamagabe District, Alphonse Munyentwari, the new Governor of the Southern Province.

Munyentwari, who was consecutively selected as the best-performing Mayor during his tenure at the helm of Nyamagabe, replaces Fidele Ndayisaba.

According to the Minister of Local Government, Munyentwari’s new promotion from Mayor to Governor is a reward for the hard work and efforts to transform Nyamagabe District into one of the best-performing district during his time as Mayor.

"It is certainly a promotion. His district has been the best performing district for a number of years. He has been doing his work with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness,” said Musoni of the youthful Munyentwari.

According to Musoni, Munyentwari’s appointment came after the expiry of his mayoral term as the country heads into local government elections.

"Just like all mayors and other elected leaders, his mandate had come to an end. All districts will be headed by Executive Secretaries,” Musoni told The New Times.

In an interview, Munyentwari who is yet to be approved by the Senate, said that he is ready to take on the new challenge and will focus on implementing government programmes.

"I am delighted by this new challenge. It is much bigger than my previous one, but I am ready to take it on. It will be business as usual. I will embark on my job which is supervising the work of districts.”

"I will also ensure efficiency    and   effectiveness in the implementation of government programmes and service delivery. As soon as I am approved and the handover takes place, that will be my priority,” Munyentwari said.

During his time as Mayor of Nyamagabe, Munyentwari was credited for transforming the district from one of the most impoverished and food insecure to a model and leading, productive, and food secure district.

Infrastructure development has also developed in the district and he is also credited for increasing household incomes.

Nyamagabe has also been emerging the best performing district in the performance contracts for the last 3 years.

Meanwhile reports indicate that the outgoing Governor of the Southern Province Fidele Ndayisaba is lined up to replace Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira as the Mayor of Kigali.

"I understand he deposited his candidature and that he made it to the final list of candidates in Gasabo district. But whether he becomes Mayor or not will depend on whether he contests for the post and what the electorate will decide, Musoni said.

Ndayisaba, who is equally lauded for his good service in the Southern Province, has also worked as an Executive Secretary of Kigali City.

Ends