Empowering local leaders

Rwamagana–The recently-created Local Government Institute (LGI) has started a long-term capacity building programme at the local government levels.The institute will operate as a special department of the Rwandese Association of Local Government Authorities dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to human resource within local governments.This was revealed by Yves Bernard Ningabire, the institute Manager, while addressing sector executive secretaries at a two day workshop in Rwamagana yesterday.He said that the project would provide short and long term trainings.Ningabire added that the institute’s programmes will target staff and leaders currently serving in Local Governments, but also people wishing to enter into the system, and those that have completed their mandate.He said the institute would initially offer certificates but this will later be modified to offer post graduate diplomas and eventually master’s degrees.“LGI will include the provision of customized local governance studies, coaching, mentoring, trainings, advisory services, support services and consultancies”.“Our aim is to build a pool of experts in local governments that will allow rapid implementation of policies at local level,” he said.The Governor of Eastern Province Odette Uwamariya, who presided over the function, described ongoing workshop for the executive secretaries as fundamental for good governance.“A good leader is one who brings positive changes in their area of operation…remember we are accountable to the public. This should be the bottom line. The training gives you the required tools,” she told the executive secretaries. “There are normally challenges in the execution of court judgments …I am optimistic that the training will bring a positive change in the area,” she said.Among other attributions, the executive secretaries are mandated to execute court decisions in their respective jurisdictions.

National

Empowering local leaders