The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda took its campaign trail to Gisagara and Ruhango districts, on June 28, where residents welcomed Frank Habineza, the party’s chairman and presidential candidate, along with 50 candidates canvassing for votes for seats in parliament. In Gisagara, Paul Mwiru, a 51-year-old resident pointed out that he was unaware of the party's existence until that day. However, he was impressed by their plans to remove land tax, enhance land ownership, and increase salaries for workers in the health and education sectors. “My two daughters are nurses and an increase in their salaries would significantly improve our family’s welfare. Removing land taxes would also benefit me greatly, as it is a burden,” Mwiru said. ALSO READ: ‘I will be the President of Rwanda,’ claims Green Party’s Habineza Pauline Uwayezu, a resident of Ruhango, said she was particularly moved by the party's role in the introduction of a school feeding programme that benefits children in addition to reducing land taxes. Blaise Manzi, a first-time voter in Ruhango, expressed interest in learning about the candidates and their manifestos. He was especially impressed with the party’s commitment to creating more jobs for the youth, noting that this would be addressing a significant issue in the country. “Unemployment is still a problem, especially among the youth. Creating more jobs would greatly contribute to the country's development,” Manzi said. ALSO READ: Green Party pledges to initiate six new funds if elected Former lawmaker and now candidate Jean Claude Ntezimana, assured Gisagara and Ruhango district residents that the party will deliver on its promises. He outlined plans to reduce taxes, increase the taxbase, and develop the agriculture sector to improve citizens’ well-being. Habineza addressed the poor road conditions in Musha sector, Gisagara District, promising to push, through legislative efforts, for a budget to improve the infrastructure. “All you need to do is vote for us,” he urged area residents. In both districts, he pledged to increase the availability of clean water to at least 100 litres per day and provide free water to schools and hospitals. Habineza highlighted past efforts to increase teachers’ salaries, noting that he now aims to extend this to university teachers and healthcare workers. He also emphasized the need for improvements in public health insurance, ensuring comprehensive drug coverage even in private sectors. Additionally, he disclosed that the party plans to establish a factory to produce affordable solar energy products to address electricity coverage issues. “With these ambitious plans, the Green Party hopes to secure support and drive meaningful change in Gisagara and Ruhango districts,” he added.
