Agaciro hits Rwf7 billion

Contributions to the Agaciro Development Fund (AgDF) has so far reached Rwf7 billion, the Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa, disclosed yesterday.Speaking at a news briefing yesterday, the Minister applauded Rwandans for giving selflessly, consequently contributing to the development of the nation.“Agaciro Development Fund is voluntary contribution and it’s for the benefit of all Rwandans. We have been overwhelmed by the massive number of Rwandans willing to contribute to this Fund. We should keep up this good spirit and keep our self worth,” Rwangombwa said.The Agaciro Fund was officially launched two weeks ago by President Paul Kagame during an even that saw initial contributions surpass Rwf1.2 billion.The Fund, set up to supplement the existing sources of revenue, including donor aid, will finance various projects as the country seeks to accelerate its development goals as outlined in Vision 2020.Among the outstanding contributors to the Fund were residents of Huye District in the Southern Province, who raised Rwf 1.1 billion. As part of the drive, the management and staff members of the National University of Rwanda (NUR) raised Rwf 711 million towards the AgDF.Speaking at the fundraising event in Huye, NUR Rector, Prof Silas Lwakabamba, congratulated all staff members and the university community for their commitment towards the country’s development.Dr Charles Karangwa, a lecturer, reaffirmed their commitment towards the country’s development.“As we have been actively engaged in other developmental programmes, we also understand the essence of Agaciro Fund,” Karangwa observed.Authorities in the southern province continue with the drive to collect contributions to support the Fund. On Thursday, at least Rwf 55 million was raised from Ruhango District residents and on Friday, over 240 million was raised from Nyaruguru.On the same day, Nyamagabe district held a fundraising event in which the residents raised Rwf 337 million.Yesterday, staff of the Ministry of Agriculture gave Rwf 420 million while the residents of Kicukiro district, on Sunday, contributed Rwf 501m.Yousuf Mudaheranwa, a resident of Kicukiro, said: “My family had decided to contribute Rwf 5 million, but because I have understood the role of this fund, I raised it to Rwf 7 million.”The Mayor of Kicukiro, Paul Jules Ndamage, thanked the residents for the huge contribution and said it was just the beginning.The Finance Minister yesterday noted that the government wants to find a way of making the fund sustainable since it will have a big impact on the development of the nation, especially in reducing poverty.The minister told journalists yesterday that different modalities were being devised to facilitate Rwandans make their contributions.“Some have even suggested a kind of a voucher that can be availed at all retail shops where someone can just buy it and automatically the money goes to the fund and these are some of the options we are still looking at. Our wish is to ensure that everyone who wants to make a contribution is facilitated to do so,” Rwangombwa said.