On Friday, May 15, 2026, residents and leaders in Katabagemu Sector, in Nyagatare District, gathered to celebrate Labour Day, which is officially observed on May 1 every year and Village Leader Top-Performers donated cows.
Outstanding Village Leaders Receive Cows as Rewards
Among the rewarded leaders were the head of Gisasa Village, NTIRIZABA Flecien, and the head of Burera Village, MUKESHIMANA Petronille, who were given cows as a prize for emerging as top performers in their duties. They expressed happiness over their achievement and promised to continue working hard to maintain top performance.
“Working Together with Citizens Is the Key” – NTIRIZABA Flecien
NTIRIZABA Flecien said: “I would first like to thank our sector leadership, which constantly thinks about us and supports us every day. I am happy to have emerged first, and this cow will greatly help me in development. The issue of fertilizer is now solved, and milk is also available. I would also advise other village leaders that the secret is working together with citizens because it helps us achieve the performance targets we commit ourselves to.”
Community Mobilization Behind Success – MUKESHIMANA Petronille
MUKESHIMANA Petronille said she was very happy and thanked the leadership of Katabagemu Sector for always supporting them.
She said: “In order for me to succeed, especially in cleanliness and community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), I used awareness campaigns and group mobilization so that we could pay for health insurance. Regarding cleanliness, we carried out enough sensitization campaigns, advised citizens, and showed them the benefits of living in a clean environment.”
She added: “In order for us all to achieve our targets, we must work together with citizens because they are the foundation, and they help us implement what we plan.”
Sector Leadership Praises Performers and Criticizes Underperformance
The Executive Secretary of Katabagemu Sector, MUTESI Hope, appreciated leaders who performed well and criticized those who fail to respect their performance commitments and instead focus on personal interests.
She said: “I sincerely thank the leaders who managed to work well and emerge first. Continue putting in more effort because through working together we will go far, and it is possible.”
Plans to Achieve Mutuelle Coverage Targets
She further stated that the sector is committed to achieving community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) targets in the upcoming months.
She said: “Honorable guest of honor, please inform the Mayor that regarding Mutuelle here in Katabagemu, we are committed to fulfilling that target in the months of May and June.” She also added that sports competitions had been introduced at cell level to encourage Mutuelle payments.
DPC NKURUNZIZA Calls for Discipline and Anti-Drug Campaigns
The guest of honor, SP Evode NKURUNZIZA, urged village leaders to remain vigilant, protect achievements, and take the lead in fighting drug abuse.
He said: “First of all, I thank you for the dedication you continue to demonstrate and also for participating in Labour Day celebrations usually held on May 1, especially here in Katabagemu where you decided to meet again and hold discussions.”
He emphasized key priorities including service delivery, security, citizen welfare, and implementation of government programs. He added: “Every worker is required to provide citizens with good and timely services, while also safeguarding the security and welfare of the people.” He further warned against drug abuse, saying it destroys lives and slows development.
Call for Unity and Improved Service Delivery
The Executive Secretary concluded by thanking participants and encouraging leaders to strengthen cooperation and improve service delivery to citizens.
She said: “I thank village and cell leaders who continue conducting awareness campaigns among citizens and teaching them to work together because that is the foundation of development.”
She added: “Working together and dedicating ourselves to our country will help us achieve sustainable development, improve our well being, and continue safeguarding our security and property.”
