Over 800 local leaders start civic education

Eight hundred and seven local leaders elected in the just-concluded grassroots elections on Sunday started a two-week civic education programme (Itorero) at RDF Gabiro Combat Training Centre. Speaking at the opening of the training, the minister for local government Francis Kaboneka reminded the leaders that as they assume the duties for which they were elected, they must bear in mind that they are servants of the electorate. “We must go about our duties with a sense of urgency because of where we are coming from and where we want to be as a country. This country has a vision which we must implement. We need to do more and better and we need to do it fast,” Kaboneka urged local leaders. Francis Kaboneka, minister for local government, urged civil servants to make citizens interests their top priority. (John Mbaraga) He added that all government’s plans are always given to them to implement, and that they should ensure accountability in the process of implementing those programmes and other duties we are entrusted to do. “You must bear in mind that leadership is not about the position, is about actions,” Kaboneka added. Stella Ford Mugabo the minister for cabinet affairs urged local leaders to use the gathering to forge ways of working together at different levels, saying that a system delivers better where there is an articulate plan. “I want you to reflect on your responsibilities, and how you relate with the people you are going to be serving. Make sure there is clear collaboration with private sector, civil society and other stakeholders,” Mugabo said. She also encouraged them to be as innovative as possible by seeking for alternative ways of mobilizing resources to develop their respective constituencies. The local leaders who spoke to The New Times welcomed the training, saying that it was kind of an orientation that will help them in executing their duties. “It is good to be trained immediately after entering office; it gives us good orientation and going forward we shall deliver better for our people,” said François-Xavier Mbabazi, the mayor of Ruhango District. He added that common understanding from district leaders to village is the best strategy to ensure success. The training also attracted national leaders of special interest groups, who were elected same time with the grassroots leaders. Romalis Niyomugabo, the president of the national council for persons with disabilities told The New Times that what he will acquire at the Itorero will greatly benefit the people he represents. Training was attended by advisory councils, executive committees and executive secretaries of all districts and the City of Kigali. It has also attracted representatives of provincial and national councils for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

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Over 800 local leaders start civic education