Over the recent couple of months, several mayors and senior district officials have stepped down or have been fired by their advisory councils just months after signing their performance contracts. A few notable high profile resignations are Nyanza mayor Francois Munyankindi and his deputy Charles Munyaneza, Huye district mayor Aimable Twagiramutara and his deputy Ildefonse Gasana, Kicuciro mayor William Ntidendereza and Nyabihu mayor Charles Ngirabatwari. From the Northern districts of Rusizi and Gakenke, mayors Jean Pierre Turastinze and Epaphrodite Mugemangango and their two deputies were fired. For those who have been shown the exit, the reasons are always clear. But the resignations have always sparked a lot of speculation after leaders cite personal reasons for throwing in the towel. According to the governor of the Southern Province, Fidel Ndayisaba, resignations are linked to poor performance after periodic assessments of leaders’ performance contracts. It is an unfortunate scenario not to have stable leadership, but thumbs up to all mayors and their deputies who stuck to the interest of their districts. Despite the challenges, a successor has to be picked from within who should have the ability to face these challenges. But if these challenges are inherited from their predecessors, the new leaders need support if they are to succeed. Take for instance Gakenke district, the new mayor ascended to power at a critical time when genocide ideology was at its high. This was documented in a report compiled by MPs about the existence of genocide ideology in schools. Therefore, rather than being obsessed with the policies of your predecessors that may maintain the status quo, look for inspiration in other successful districts. What is happening in districts like Rutsiro, Nyamagabe and Rulindo which have previously faired well, should act as a lesson for the new district leaders. Avoid bickering as it has been reported in some districts, because the progressive districts are tirelessly working to improve the quality of lives of residents. Implementing government programs in villages must be the priority for district leaders and closely monitoring the implementation of projects in sectors. The district advisory councils should guide the executive. Local leaders need refresher leadership training on governance and how to work as a team. It beats ones’ understanding when you hear that the executive sidelines the council, leading mayors to fall out with the councilors. Apart from the councils, the avenue for consultation with the Ministry of Local Government must remain open so that new leaders do not commit similar mistakes which led to the downfall of their predecessors. To former Burera mayor, Mr. Aime Bosenibamwe who has been elevated to position of governor, you have raised the expectations of people in the Northern Province. You should strive to ensure forward strides to meet their expectations. This should also act as inspiration to other district leaders. You are all capable of being elevated. New leaders must break from the past if they are to firmly put their districts on truck and deal with different challenges. The biggest trap especially for those who have been axed has to do with money. Newly installed leaders should desist from mismanagement of funds that are meant for poverty eradication. After that, then consider key areas on which the performance contracts are assessed - good governance, justice, and economic development and whatever it takes to improve people’s welfare. Once you score poorly on all these, I’m sure you will have to step down or be forced to pack. Know how to balance on all the fronts because you might perform quite well in one area of assessment and score badly over all. You may for example register all residents in health insurance but perform poorly in poverty alleviation; you will be on the losing side. It may not be simple to balance on all these pillars but it is what is expected of you. The working hours have been increased from 40 to 45 hours a week. Learn to balance your time. Yes, you can’t be every where at the same time, but ensure that things can still move on in your absence. That’s what is characteristic of good leaders. jtasamba@gmail.com
