‘Umushyikirano’ 2013: Why citizens should play a more proactive role

Editor,I wish to comment on the article, “What do you want addressed by National Dialogue Council?” published in The New Times issue of December 6. First of all, let me thank the Government of Rwanda for availing such a great platform where citizens can sit down with and engage their leaders to collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country and take measures to fast-track development.I have noticed that we’ve some challenges that go unreported. These are mainly caused by some local leaders who have no commitment to serving the people.Recently, a friend of mine told me about a certain sector where local leaders manipulated Ubudehe categories in order to create the impression that their people were no longer poor.During the process to determine income levels of the area households, the leaders were so keen not to have many families in categories one and two (whose children would be eligible for full bursary loans from government) and then decided to manipulate the figures and submitted misleading information.After being caught red-handed, the officials explained that they engaged themselves in that mischievous act so that their bosses (the district mayor and Ministry of Local Government) could have a positive opinion about them – that they had helped residents to escape the poverty trap.We have also heard about cases related to public health insurance scheme whereby a few local leaders have practically forced citizens to pay for Mutuelle de Santé, threatening them that they would be prevented from accessing markets, and that their livestock would be sold, if they don’t comply.I am glad that the Prime Minister warned such leaders and adequately addressed the matter during his presentation on the opening day of Umushyikirano 2013. I hope these cases will cease once and for all.That’s why I’m deeply grateful to the Government of Rwanda for leading by example and walking the talk for the good of all citizens.There are also some leaders who pledge Imihigo (performance contracts) targets they know will never come into reality. This kind of behaviour should stop because it doesn’t resonate with the direction this country is taking.Identifying the local leaders who are tarnishing the otherwise positive image of the country could also help. We are the eyes of the Government, and should help expose such leaders as we work hard to develop ourselves and country.Otherwise, I believe that the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) contributes a lot to national development, particularly in our quest for self-reliance. Let’s keep working together and deliver our country where we want it to be.Mugisha, Kigali

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‘Umushyikirano’ 2013: Why citizens should play a more proactive role