RGB to use sports to entrench governance

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad governance, and to fight genocide ideology, Rwandans must promote principles and values of good governance.The Deputy CEO of Rwanda Governance Board, Fatuma Ndangiza, said this is the best way to achieve a just and free society.Ndangiza was speaking during a news briefing on Wednesday to explain a new initiative by RGB to work closely with different sporting organisations to mark the 19th commemoration of the Genocide, which claimed more than a million people.The commemoration will be marked through a series of games.“Sports interest so many people of different categories including children, the youth and old people. This will be our opportunity to deliver a message of good governance because the Genocide was caused by bad governance,” she said.She said fighting genocide and its ideology is a process and winning the battle requires efforts from everyone.The two-week campaign which kicks off on June 1 will include different competitions and will be held under the theme; “Promoting principles and practices of good governance among students and sporting communities as a way of preventing genocide and deterring its ideology.”Jean de Dieu Mucyo, the executive secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, said there are some teams which used to commemorate their players and fans and others didn’t due to financial constraints, saying that this will be an opportunity for all to do so.Dr Venuste Karambizi who spoke on behalf of universities, said sports will help overcome the legacy of ethnic-based divisions, to build social cohesion, and promote reconciliation, unity and trust as ingredients for sustainable development.