New Ruhango Mayor takes oath

SOUTHERN PROVINCE RUHANGO — Céléstin Twagirumukiza was on Wednesday November 26 sworn in as the new Mayor of Ruhango district. Twagirumukiza was elected in a by-election organised by the National Electoral Commission on November 21. He secured a landslide victory to replace François Byabarumwanzi- who was elected to Parliament on a Liberal Party ticket in the September polls. The swearing in ceremony was presided over by judge Chantal Werabe, the President of Gitarama Upper Instance Court at the district cultural centre. The law governing local government stipulates that a Mayor should be replaced within a period of 90 days after the post falls vacant. In his inaugural speech, Twagirumukiza pledged to work hand-in-hand with all district leaders in order to deliver residents out of poverty. “My goal is to see residents implementing all government programmes and this calls for cooperation, teamwork and commitment so as to improve people’s welfare and complete the tasks ahead,” he said. He also pledged to work hard on issues such as completion of 3rd grade Gacaca cases, HIV/Aids prevention, family planning, education and empowering youth and women among other things. Twagirumukiza, is also joined by Théogene Rusangwa, the newly elected district council chairman and the latter said that their team was committed to making Ruhango the first district in implementing performance contracts. At the function, the Provincial Executive Secretary, Jeanne Izabiliza challenged the new team to exhibit high profile leadership qualities. The outgoing Mayor, MP Byabarumwanzi wished the newly elected Mayor success, and observed that the secret to success was hard work, commitment and love for the people. Twagirumukiza has previously exhibited outstanding leadership skills and received approval of residents in the Nyabinoni and Rugendabari Sectors in Muhanga. The function was attended by various dignitaries including provincial, district, opinion leaders, family, friends, and well-wishers. Ends