Preps for RPF’s Silver Jubilee in high gear

THE vice chairman of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) has said that preparations for the party’s 25th anniversary are on track.Christophe Bazivamo made the remarks, yesterday, at a news briefing at the ruling party’s secretariat in Kimihurura. The main celebrations are slated for December 15 at Amahoro National Stadium and will be presided over by the party chairman, President Paul Kagame.“We have come a long way and have achieved a lot. But as we celebrate, we are aware of the fact that all Rwandans have a right to prosperity and that is why we have put in place several initiatives to uplift our people from poverty,” said Bazivamo.He emphasised that the anniversary will not be limited to festivities but will also be a moment for party members to reflect on the country’s future.Established in 1987, the party has succeeded in implementing an all-inclusive doctrine and has largely been shaped by a struggle of building the unity of Rwandans, restoring democratic values and putting the country on a path of social economic transformation, said Bazivamo, also a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).According to Bazivamo, every RPF member has an obligation to make Rwanda a better place. “So far, preparations are going on well at the grassroots level. We are celebrating under the theme, ‘Governance, Prosperity and Dignity of our People”.A series of activities to mark the 25th anniversary were launched on August 11 at the grassroots level. They will be extended to the district level next month just weeks ahead of the national celebrations.“As we celebrate, we are also keeping in mind that the struggle is still on, only that this time we are fighting a developmental battle and our victory will be the dignity and welfare of Rwandans,” said Bazivamo.He added that the party members living abroad are also involved in the events leading up to the historical event. RPF is planning an exhibition that will run from November 30 through December 16. On the eve of the anniversary the party will hold an international conference.The party Secretary General, François Ngarambe, said a big number of party members have offered selfless service to consolidate the party and national achievements.“Being a member of RPF creates a bond. That is why we have members who are committed to building this nation without pay,” noted Ngarambe.He said the party has grown bigger and stronger today.RPF Commissioner Sheikh Abdul Karim Harerimana ,who is also the vice chair of the committee charged with the preparations for the anniversary fete, talked about the party’s source of funding, and said that Rwf300 million is expected to be spent on the anniversary.“The law does not allow any political party to receive foreign funding and, in this case, every party has to find sources of income locally. This is how the RPF ends up owning businesses but these businesses are directly managed by individuals who are members of the party, not the party secretariat,” he clarified.RPF was established out of a desire to satisfy collective interests that are shared by the citizens, he added. Its birth came as a call to end injustices and according to the vice chairperson of the party, since its establishment, the RPF has ensured that all its operations are within the confines of the law.