Prisoners have a role to play in the country’s journey to development by joining hands with other Rwandans, Muhanga District vice mayor for economic affairs Francois Uhagaze has said.

Uhagaze, who was addressing inmates, on Tuesday, during the official launch of the Prisons Week in the district, said, "You have to know that before being a prisoner, you are a Rwandan and your role in development is important.”

Activities to mark the week kicked off with the renovation of a six-kilometre feeder road that connects the rural Ruhina Cell, in Shyogwe Sector, to the Muhanga-Kigali highway.

Other activities to be carried out during the campaign include building a house for one vulnerable family, setting up kitchen gardens and anti-erosion activities. 

The Director of Muhanga Prison, Eugene Bisengimana, said Prisons Week was established to involve prisoners in the country’s quest toward self-reliance.

The campaign will be concluded on July 20.