Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) rewarded the best ex-combatants’ cooperatives, a move that saw Veteran Cooperative Security Service (VCSS) walk away with a US$ 2,000 cash prize.

This is the second time the commission has rewarded the best cooperatives as a way of encouraging hard work among ex-combatants grouped in cooperatives countrywide.

"Our aim was to seek employment for ourselves, but we have since then employed 120 other people,” said Leonard Ncogoza, the head of VCSS cooperative that emerged the national winner.

He explained that the cooperative started by offering security services but later diversified to other activities including agriculture and animal husbandry.

The first runners-up award of US$1,500 went to Vision Appropriate Technology, which deals in brick and tile-making among other construction materials, while the second runners-up prize of US$ 1,200 was taken by Urugwiro Cooperative.

At the provincial level, the best three cooperatives were rewarded .

In his speech, the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), Gilbert Habyarimana, commended RDRC’s move saying it is a great step towards ensuring the success of the cooperatives.

"Maintain the spirit of hard work and accountability in these cooperatives to avoid situations that may lead to a decline in performance,” Habyarimana said.

The Chairman of the commission, Jean Sayinzoga, promised continued support.

"Working together in cooperatives has created a proper way of supporting our members,” Sayinzoga said.

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