Know your southern senate candidates

The southern province has the largest number of candidates running for senate, with six female candidates in the trail. Only three candidates will be elected to represent the province in the senate. We take a close look at each of the senatorial candidates in the southern province. François Xavier Mpayimana, is an educationalist with vast experience as a teacher in various schools. Mpayimana is currently in charge of a Mass education program for youth, women and vulnerable groups in Nyaruguru district. His plan is to advocate for Rwandans in and outside the country and to promote good education for all basing on his own good education background. “I have the desire to serve my people with love, to promote and teach patriotism to others basing on our culture and vision of the country.” Jean Fidéle Uwayezu, 45, holds a Masters degree in law and served in the military courts and is a holder of a liberation medal -recognized for his role in the liberation struggle. Uwayezu who is a demobilized soldier, founded his own security company (RGL guards) after many years of serving with Intersec security, KK security. He plans on using this background and love for his country if elected. “I will continue my love for the country which I put my life for on the line of duty during the liberation struggle. I will work to promote peace, unity and good governance as a means of attaining prosperity” he says. Fidéle Uwizeye, 63, a retired former government servant with 33 years of service. He is an engineer in geology and holds masters degree in sciences and is known for particularly serving as the Prefect of ex- Gitarama province.Uwizeye says that he played a big role in preventing the killings during the genocide. “My focus will be to work for the unity of Rwandans towards development. I can be trusted with the job as an old wise and committed person” Uwizeye says. He also worked in the ministry of local government and played a major role in designing the decentralization policy. Jean François Munyakayanza, 61, who holds a Masters degree (Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne University). He is also an educationalist with a 40 years teaching experience. He has represented the country in various international meetings in China, Senegal, Tunisia and USA among others. Munyakayanza plans to focus on advocacy and working with residents and other public and private institutions to improve the welfare of Rwandans. “I will promote Love for the country as the path that we should take in order to attain development. I will also stress unity and reconciliation as a way of fighting genocide ideology,” he says.