The Ministry of Local Government has started a nationwide evaluation of performance contracts better known as Imihigo, at a time when its clear that local residents have owned up the initiative, officials said.

While officiating at the evaluation in Rulindo District of the Northern Province, on Monday, Vincent Munyeshyaka, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said that residents’ understanding of the Imihigo concept has deepened and they are keen to ensure their execution.

He noted that they evaluate what districts committed to doing, including innovations.

"In the performance evaluation, we never look at only what districts have signed with the Head of the State but we look at innovations and how they responded to other recommendations from meetings with the top officials of the country like the national leadership retreat and other significant meetings,” he explained.

Justus Kangwagye, the Mayor of Rulindo, said his district had achieved so much and surpassed targets in other areas due to collaboration with the district partners.

Among the achievements, Kangwagye highlighted construction of a 70 kilometre feeder road with collaboration with the Rwanda Correction Services (RCS) and providing the population with safe water and electricity.

Egide Rugamba, the in charge of planning in the Ministry of Local Government, said they are optimistic to see changes in this year’s performance presentation since districts have got ample time for prepare unlike the previous years where evaluations were done before the end of the fiscal year.

"For Rulindo things were clear since, they got time to finalise their projects in the contract and we expect to see the same in other districts.” Rugamba said.

How evaluation is done

The first day of evaluation assesses set targets against performance reports whereas the second day is a field visit to assess achievements on the ground.

Economic development carries most points than other activities with 65 per cent of the rating during evaluation.

Raphael Murasandonyi, the district agronomist, said they achieved 100 per cent of their targets in agriculture.

"For instance, we cultivated 12,029ha whereas our target was 12,000ha. Coffee plantation was extended on 603 beyond 600ha of our target, Irish potatoes were on 6,582ha where our target was 6,500 ha and on beans, performance was great. However, we have been challenged by drought,” said Murasandonyi.