Parliament goes into recess

The Chamber of Deputies yesterday ended its second ordinary session as MPs go on a month-long break. Rose Mukantabana, the Speaker, was cheerful as she highlighted achievements in the past few months. She thanked the lawmakers for what had been accomplished and urged them to build on the achievements to attain even more, for the country. The Speaker noted that much was achieved in terms of the House’s responsibility in government oversight as well as playing an advocacy role for the population. She referred fellow legislators to Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza’s, recent presentation of the status of the nation’s economy and urged them to remain vigilant. Among other highlights, Mukantabana noted that it is during the second session that Rwanda was admitted into the Africa Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The country also hosted the 42nd CPA annual conference and during the same meeting, Mukantabana took over as president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association-Africa. On other Commonwealth matters, the Speaker told the House that she recently attended the 57th meeting of the World Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at Westminster, in London. She told the legislators that Rwanda and its leader were frequently referred to as role models for the member-states. She noted that during various sessions, Rwanda’s exemplary course, especially in women liberation, was often highlighted. Apart from passing legislation, the speaker again noted some of the MPs’ development initiatives such as visiting and supporting widows and orphans of Gisagara, in addition to the donation of houses to vulnerable Genocide survivors in Kicukiro district. Before concluding her remarks, and announcements, the Speaker led the House in observing a minute of silence, once again, for the recently departed MP, Aimable Nibishaka. The lawmakers will attend a one-day retreat on Monday in Gashora, Bugesera District, before they start their break. Ends

National

Parliament goes into recess