Independent presidential candidate Philippe Mpayimana, on Saturday, June 22, began his campaign in Kirehe and Ngoma districts in Eastern Province, pledging to improve education if he is elected in the July 15 elections. Mpayimana, 54, faces incumbent President Paul Kagame of RPF-Inkotanyi and Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda. ALSO READ: A look at Rwanda’s three presidential candidates In Ngoma District, Mpayimana emphasized his commitment to the education sector, promising to ensure every student has access to study loans and to advocate for increased living allowance for students. “I encourage you to vote for my vision for a more sustainable and educated nation as we head to the polls,” Mpayimana told local a crowd in Remera. “We will address the issue of bursaries for university students. Some students are not eligible for study loans and fail to continue their studies even after they have passed with good grades. All students should be equal in obtaining study loans,” he said. Mpayimana expressed his concern about the quantity of food served in secondary schools, saying it doesn’t contain nutrients needed by the students. “Most of the future generation is still in school, but the quantity of food they receive does not match their needs for growth and development. If you vote for me, I will make sure food consumption in schools is properly balanced to meet the nutritional needs of the students,” he said. Mpayimana also highlighted the importance of adding value to Rwanda's mineral sector as a means to boost development. He stated that enhancing the value of mineral products would not only increase the country's revenue but also create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Mpayimana said his manifesto puts emphasis on various sectors, such health, infrastructure, national security, justice, labour, social affairs, youth, technology, arts, sports, and national unity and culture. “My manifesto is covered in 50 articles, summarized in 15 categories, developed based on consultative interactions we held with the citizenry. It also contains ideas developed over time, which reflect both existing policies and new initiatives,” he said. Born in 1970 in Nyaruguru District in Southern Province, Mpayimana is taking his second shot at the Presidency after an unsuccessful bid in 2017. He will continue his campaign in Rwamagana District on June 23. The campaign period will be concluded on July 13. Rwandans will go to the polls on July 14-16.
