Fredrick Habarugira, 42, submitted his candidature as an independent aspirant for a seat in parliament to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Tuesday, May 27, and shortly after, told reporters that “my blindness does not hinder the clarity or creativeness of ideas.” ALSO READ: Kananga keen on promoting inclusive education, well-being of persons with disability Habarugira who is a social worker at Seeing Hands Rwanda, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering persons with disabilities through employment, said that despite the existence in parliament of a special category for individuals with disabilities, he wanted to explore candidacy opportunities in other categories. “I wanted to pursue my opportunity as a candidate in other categories as well. Submitting my file as an independent candidate felt like my best chance to travel across the country and gather the necessary signatures. ALSO READ: When will the Chamber of Deputies be dissolved? Habarugira who lives in Bumbogo Sector, Gasabo District, in Kigali, drew inspiration from his impactful work during his time at University of Rwanda, from 2019 to 2022, when he served as minister of persons with disabilities. “Reflecting on my leading journey, I expressed gratitude for the encouragement and confidence instilled in me by my peers and mentors and my passion for serving the community and advocating for the needy.” ALSO READ: More independent candidates eye seats in parliament Despite facing challenges, support from friends across Rwanda helped him to collect the required 600 signatures. Though it's typically challenging, I managed to collect all 600 signatures thanks to my friends from school and different work places across the country,” he said. “We coordinated beforehand, and they helped me connect with people. I explained my intentions and what I would offer once I am elected, and they graciously signed in support. Getting all the 600 signatures and all the support from friends was a confidence boost, he said. “I cannot say that during campaigns there will be challenges because even though I am visually impaired all other parts of my body function properly. I do not see any problem when it comes to getting to other parts of Rwanda for campaigning.” Habarugira emphasized the importance of representation in parliament beyond just the category of people with disabilities, asserting that his candidacy seeks to address broader societal issues. Elections for Rwanda’s next President and Members of Parliament are scheduled to take place on the same dates, in July. The Chamber of Deputies has 80 members: 53 elected from a fixed list of names of candidates proposed by political organisations or independent candidates elected by direct universal suffrage based on proportional representation; 24 women elected by specific electoral colleges from national administrative entities; two elected by the National Youth Council; and one elected by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. ALSO READ: Electoral commission releases elections calendar July 16 will be election day for 24 female MPs elected by electoral colleges in accordance with national administrative entities; two MPs elected by the National Youth Council; and one MP elected by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, according to the December 2023 Presidential Order relating to elections of the President and MPs. On May 17, NEC begun receiving candidacies for the presidency and parliamentary seats for the July general elections. The polling date for the President and 53 MPs elected from a final list of names of candidates proposed by political organisations, or for independent candidates, is July 15. The diaspora will vote on July 14. The deadline for submitting candidatures is May 30.
