KIGALI - A total of 26 out of the 30 mayors are seeking a second term in office. Most of the mayors seeking to retain their position became district leaders after by-elections were held following the sacking or resignation of their predecessors on various grounds including corruption and incompetence.

The mayors will be elected on February 25 from a pool of councilors to be voted by the public today. 

The Mayor of Kayonza, Damas Muhororo, one of the few district leaders who served their full term in office, did not stand.

The hot mayoral race is in Muhanga District where the incumbent, Yvonne Mutakwasuku is contesting with Celestin Twagiramukiza and Francois Uhagaze, the outgoing mayors of Ruhango and Huye districts respectively.

Twagiramukiza and Uhagaze are vying for the councillorship for Rugendabari and Cyeza sectors in Muhanga.

Uhagaze said in a telephone interview, that he came to contest in Muhanga because of family connections.
"My home and family is in Muhanga,” Uhagaze said.

"When my term ended I decided to come and contest from home and be near my family,” Uhagaze, who previously served as Muhanga District Executive Secretary added.

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