GASABO-The Minister of Defence, Gen. James Kabarebe has said that vulnerable ex-combatants with disabilities deserve better facilities because they sacrificed themselves to liberate the country.

He made the remarks, yesterday, while officiating at the launch of the Army Week that saw the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and Rwanda National Police (RNP) take part in the clearing of bushes and the construction of roads for vulnerable ex-combatants.

They cleared bushes where a cattle kraal for the ex-combatants will be built in Nyarugunga Sector, Kicukiro District.

"We are committed to improve the lives of these ex-combatants with disabilities because they played a big role in liberating our country,” he said.

Gen. Kabarebe stated that the ex-combatants are not disabled at all because they are still contributing to the country’s development adding that those who go out of the country and start to tarnish the country’s image are the ones who are disabled.

He thanked the ex-combatants for taking part in income generating activities and projects that support the country’s development process.

The Defence Minister together with other Senior Army and Police Officers, the Minister of Local Government, and officials for Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, visited the ex-combatants’ homes in Nyarugunga and Rusororo Sectors in Kicukiro and Gasabo Districts respectively.

In Nyarugunga sector, one of the ex-combatants, John Ndekezi, presented several activities they are planning to start which include large scale farming, construction of fish ponds, among others.

Ndekezi requested for support from the army towards implementing their projects.

Speaking on behalf of the ex-combatants, Joseph Sabena, chairman of ex-combatants with disabilities in the estate of Rugende, Rusororo Sector hailed the army for its continued support.

"We are very pleased for these new developments you have availed to us because they are going to improve our lives,” he said.

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