Inauguration ceremonies upcountry in high gear - Officials

GATSIBO/ Nyagatare - Preparations for tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect, Paul Kagame, in the districts of Gatsibo and Nyagatare are in high gear, officials have said. According to the mayor of Gatsibo, Anselme Rurangwa Majoro, his district is more than prepared for the historical event. “We are well prepared…the government has facilitated us with some funds to help residents prepare for the event and those funds are being distributed to villages,” he said.According to sources in the district, the government has provided Rwf 50, 000 to each village (Umudugudu) for the colourful event. The Mayor added that the preparations were handed over to sector executive secretaries who will coordinate the distribution of the funds. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Emmanuel Mwunvaneza, Kiyombe, the Executive Secretary of Nyagatare, said his residents had prepared a wedding-like inauguration ceremony. “We have organized this event as if it were a wedding for our President and the Nation as a whole,” a jubilant local leader said. According to Mvunvaneza, radios have been distributed in each village so that residents may follow the event live from Amahoro National stadium. 74-year old Claver Gakwaya, a blind resident of Kiziguro Sector in Gatsibo District, told The Sunday Times that despite his blindness, he will not miss the event. “What matters is to have my ears normal so that I can hear and observe how this gifted president of ours will be swearing in for his second term. He is a man of integrity…who has obviously brought us a long way. My grandson will lead me to the venue of the ceremony where I will join others for the celebrations,” he said. Ends