KARONGI- Beneficiaries of Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) in Karongi District are satisfied with the achievements registered in the past financial year.

VUP is a development scheme supported by the Community Development Fund (CDF) that seeks to improve both the economic and social status of residents in the neediest sectors countrywide.

During an event to mark the achievements yesterday, one of the beneficiaries, Laurence Mukabaruta, noted that her economic status had significantly improved.

"The program has greatly helped me to develop and I am able to look after my family,” she said.

Despite the disappearance of her mentally ill husband seven years ago, Mukabaruta, 30, is determined to lead a brighter future along with her four children.

49-year old Alphonse Mugabonake, a father of two, has also greatly benefited from the development scheme.

"I have been able to buy livestock and the future seems even brighter,” he said.

Some of the achievements under VUP include the preparation of 100 hectares of terraces and building a health centre, a school dormitory, six classroom blocks and 17 modern latrines.

Most residents now possess livestock while others have invested in agriculture through the program. Thousands of poor residents have also been able to acquire household items to uplift their lives.

In Karongi, the program operates in three Sectors; Murundi, Ruganda and Rwankuba.  About Rwf 555 million was invested last year to help improve the welfare of the residents.

This year, a fourth Sector, Rugabano, is set to join the program with over Rwf 700 million earmarked in the budget. The road network in the district will be among the major priorities.

District Mayor, Bernard Kayumba, said that more efforts are underway to boost the district’s development agenda even further.

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