District leaders from Nyanza, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Burera today conducted a study tour in Nyagatare District aimed at exchanging knowledge and experience on performance contract implementation. They assessed the governance systems that have kept Nyagatare in the number one position nationally for more than three consecutive years, focusing on performance contract management, effective planning, inter-agency collaboration, and the implementation of citizen-centered development projects.
The delegation was received by the Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Murekatete Juliet, who explained how Nyagatare built a governance model that consistently drives sustainable success. In her message, Murekatete emphasized that the foundation of Nyagatare’s performance is teamwork and citizen-centered leadership.
She said:
“Performance contracts are the lifeline of the district; they help us know where we are and where we are heading. We reached the top nationally because we work together and prioritize our citizens. We welcome your study tour because the knowledge we share accelerates the development of our country.”
Those who took part in the visit included the Vice Mayors in charge of Economic Affairs from Burera and Rutsiro—Nshimiyimana Jean Baptiste of Burera and Uwizeyimana Emmanuel of Rutsiro—along with district, sector, and cell executive secretaries, among others.
After the study tour, the Burera District Vice Mayor, Nshimiyimana Jean Baptiste, applauded Nyagatare’s daily monitoring of performance contract activities, stating:
“We learned a lot about Nyagatare’s strong planning and consistent follow-up. This lesson will help us improve Burera’s performance.”
On behalf of Rutsiro District, Vice Mayor Uwizeyimana Emmanuel said that Nyagatare’s close collaboration with development partners has given them a new perspective. He added:
“What we have seen here shows that putting the citizen first is the key to achieving development goals. We are leaving with lessons that will strengthen our own projects.”
All the leaders commended Nyagatare for its continued openness in sharing knowledge and collaborating with other districts to promote sustainable national development.
In the 2015/2016 performance cycle, Nyagatare ranked 28th nationally, but in the years that followed, reforms and leadership retreats led to notable improvements, with the district rising to 18th place in 2016/2017 and 14th place in 2017/2018.
In 2018/2019 and 2020/2021, no performance scores were issued. However, in 2019/2020, Nyagatare ranked 13th, a sign of strengthened governance and improved service delivery.
This upward progression culminated in a major achievement in 2021/2022 when Nyagatare ranked first nationally in performance contract execution—the last year in which scores were awarded. This marked an impressive level of commitment and effective leadership from both local authorities and residents.
Currently, in the implementation of the 2025–2026 performance contracts, Nyagatare has reached a 60% completion rate, reflecting a strong and steady governance system rooted in accountability and clear development goals.
