RUTSIRO- The Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), Lt Gen  Charles Kayonga affirmed the force’s commitment to contribute towards uplifting the economic status of Rwandans.

Lt Gen Kayonga made the remarks last Friday during a function to distribute 41 cows to support the Girinka program (One cow per poor Family) in Rutsiro District.

In a brief address to residents in Ruhango Sector, Kayonga revealed that the cows had been solicited from RDF officers to uplift the lives of vulnerable and poor residents in the area.
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"We decided to collect the donation in support of the President’s initiative of enabling each Rwandan to own a cow. We will do it until every individual possesses one,” Kayonga vowed.

Yves Muhayimana, one of the beneficiaries, could not hide his joy after receiving the cow.

"This cow will help me and my family improve on our feeding habits but most importantly, it will help us to rise out of poverty,” he said.

The father of four pledged to take good care of the cow and encouraged other residents who have already acquired cows to distribute their offspring to other poor people.

In Rutsiro District, 46,000 cows have so far been distributed since the program started in 2006. It is estimated that about 1,050 will be distributed this year.

Clarisse Ingabire, the country coordinator of Girinka program, warned the beneficiaries against selling the cows.

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