Daisabled, politically enabled, elect reps

EASTERN PROVINCE NGOMA—For the first time since Ngoma became a district, people with disabilities yesterday held elections for their president and a whole cabinet representing them to the government and rest of the country. Assistant district electoral commissioner Felix Ufitinkidi called upon the elected leaders to work together with the people who elected them and know why they were in power. “You should know why you are elected and why the government wanted you to represent the people,” Ufitinkindi said. Constituents like anybody else. Newly-elected president Silas Ruberandinda, also a Rukira health centre medical assistant, promised to work hand-in-hand with other leaders in order to “iron out” the problems of the people with disabilities that have elected them. “I will most especially fight for our rights as people with disabilities,” Ruberandinda said. Jonathan Mudidi was elected vice-president whereas Jean Pierre Bahizi and Abel Muhayemungu were elected secretary and treasurer respectively. Alphonse Hakizayesu, one voters, says he’s happy to have representatives who will be taking their problems to the higher people concerned. He says that at least they will come near them and know how they live. “We want them to help us start cooperative societies so that we can stop being beggars.” Theresa Mukarugwiza says this will help them in solving the problem of poverty since they expect the elected leaders to help them get income-generating activities. The elected president will also be part of the district cabinet committee. Ends