Rwamagana - The former Governor of Eastern Province, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija, yesterday officially handed over to incoming Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira.

The Minister of Local Government, James Musoni was among senior government officials who witnessed the ceremony.

He called upon local leaders who attended the function, to embrace the new leadership.

"Work with clear targets, so that you evaluate yourselves in terms of how the welfare of the people has improved. People’s progress should be your benchmark,” he counselled.

Musoni challenged the new leadership to take advantage of the province’s geographic location to drive it to prosperity.
The Eastern Province shares borders with Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.

The Minister advised the new Governor to copy some of the ways her predecessor fought crime.

"Egoistic and corrupt leaders don’t have room in our politics...Kabaija never accepted such, which makes him a good cadre...you should emulate his character,” Musoni added.

Kabaija said that the province generally developed during his tenure, especially in areas of agriculture and infrastructure.

He, however, noted a lot more needed to be done to achieve the country’s Vision 2020.

"My work and that of my successor as Governor, is to meet the challenges faced by our people. This is what I will continue to do wherever I go,” he said.

Kirabo, who was Mayor of Kigali City, before her new appointment, said she was humbled by the new posting.

"I am a resident of this province, and will definitely do my best to serve its people. We shall work with stakeholders to foster transparency and delivery good service,” she said.

Ends