Our public institutions also require leadership continuity

The debate on whether Rwanda should retain or repeal presidential term limits has gone up a gear; after petitions in excess of 3.7 million were received by Parliament to amend Article 101 of the Constitution to allow President Paul Kagame to run for office post 2017, Parliament has just concluded public consultations on the same issue. During the nationwide consultations, the response has been a resounding approval of the proposal – ordinary citizens, clerics, academics, businesses, the youth, to name but a few, have almost in unison blessed the idea to amend Article 101. In equal measure, several commentators including those with past and present close working association with President Kagame have argued, among other things, that today, more than ever before, Rwandans need to retain the services of a man whom they believe has a vast array of experience, exceptional vision, determination, and resilience necessary to see Rwanda arrive safely to where she needs to be, particularly with reference to development and economic independence. In addition, to safely deliver Rwandans to the promised land of sustainable economic development, lasting peace, near-total security, and equal opportunities for all, the veterans have argued that at this moment (read 2017) the incumbent president should be allowed and encouraged to run for another term in office because he has been tried and tested – and every time, he has triumphed exemplary. Likewise, a few months ago, I emphasised the need for Rwandans to not settle for a one-size-fits-all approach whereby the country blindly replicates imported governance policies without regard to Rwanda’s current needs; stability and economic development. In that article, I noted that much like the trigger of this debate, in the future, many more cases may arise for which the legislator has not catered for. Therefore, we must always keep an open mind to judge matters as they arise. Today, however, I wish to emphasise that it is not just ordinary Rwandans who would benefit from current leadership continuity – public institutions alike would greatly benefit and improve at a much quicker pace with Kagame at the helm than not. And here is why. To begin with, it is a fact that public institutions have a unique trait which experts refer to as public legitimacy; that is, the ultimate belief among citizens that institutions serve the public good. Public sector experts also believe that institution building has recently come to encompass a wide variety of goals, grand and minimal, which often are at the forefront of overcoming fragility among other constraints. These goals include enhancing good governance, improving public administrative and regulatory systems, and more efficient and equitable provision of public goods and services. With such functions of public institutions in mind, it is persuasive to see why the majority of those at the top of administration in public institutions desire to see continuity as has been expressed frequently in public debates. To them, President Kagame’s record of decisiveness, pragmatism, and his record in creating strong institution practices including but limited to the revival of traditional problem-solving mechanisms such as Imihigo and Ubudehe, all mark him out from other leaders not just in Africa, but in the world. This is not an opinion by any stretch of imagination; it is a fact that was recently acknowledged at the global level when Rwanda was ranked7thin the world, and first in the most efficient government in the Global Competitive Report 2014-2015. According to the World Economic Forum, Rwanda’s status was secured mainly because of its low level of wastage in government spending. This is by no means a small matter; accountability is paramount in institution building and Kagame is famous for demanding it. The world over, there is a reason why most developed nations and even successful global businesses are all organised with layers of authority and leadership – this is the model which produces the most effective and efficient system for generating productivity in the public sector, and profitability in the private sector. Kagame’s leadership is vital both in building the strength and power of public institutions and in helping to manage scarce resources. Rwanda’s public institutions need Kagame’s leadership qualities post 2017 to show them direction, motivate and inspire them to perform at their best and control, or discourage any actions which may be damaging to the country as a whole. By and large, President Kagame has demonstrated to be a rare and exemplary leader who over the years has built durable new institutions and strengthened the existing ones. This is important because it is strong institutions which are one of the essential pre-requisites for political stability and economic aspirations. At the present moment, our institutions require a proven leader who will ensure policy continuity and coherence. junior.mutabazi@yahoo.co.uk

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Our public institutions also require leadership continuity