Village leaders in Nyagatare District have been urged to strengthen their efforts in knowing and closely engaging with the citizens they lead, supporting them in their daily livelihoods and continuing to safeguard overall security.
This was highlighted during an expanded district security meeting, where local government and security leaders were briefed on the crucial role of the village as the foundation of national development and security.
The Executive Secretary of the Eastern Province, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, called on local government leaders—especially village leaders—to know their citizens well, care for their welfare, and play a visible role in maintaining security. She reminded them that during this end-of-year period, there is a need to intensify security awareness, as theft and other security threats tend to increase.
She said:
“National success starts in the villages. Village leaders are the closest to the citizens; they know their living conditions, their number, and their challenges better than anyone else. That is why village leaders must be role models. You cannot encourage others to achieve development if you have not achieved it yourself. You cannot encourage citizens to participate in security and report crimes if you do not do the same. You cannot encourage citizens to plan for the future, pay community-based health insurance, or maintain hygiene and sanitation if you do not practice these yourself. We must be role models so that when we mobilize citizens, they understand and respond quickly.”
The Mayor of Nyagatare District, Gasana Stephen, emphasized that the village is the foundation of good governance and grassroots security. He called for the deep and effective implementation of the “Nzi Abo Nyoboye” (Know the Citizens I Lead) initiative, so that leaders clearly understand the living conditions of their citizens, the challenges they face, and how these can be resolved in a timely manner.
He said:
“The village is the foundation of good governance and grassroots security. In Nyagatare District, we have 628 villages and 106 cells, which means that security and development cannot be achieved without the active involvement of village leaders. That is why we call for the thorough implementation of the ‘Nzi Abo Nyoboye’ program, enabling leaders to know well the citizens they lead, their living conditions, their problems, and how to address them in time.”
He added:
“Leadership that is close to citizens helps prevent crime at an early stage, improves social welfare, and ensures families live in peace. That is why the district will continue to support local leaders through training and equipment so that they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively. We want leaders who are close to the people, who listen to them, and who serve them.”
A good example highlighted was Gakoma Village, located in Karangazi Sector, led by Sabiti Jean Bosco. This village is known for being free of crime and has gone eight years without a single case of unintended teenage pregnancy. Sabiti Jean Bosco said that the secret behind these achievements is working closely with citizens, holding frequent discussions with them, caring for the youth, and sharing information on time.
He said:
“When a leader stays close to the citizens and understands both their challenges and their aspirations, it becomes easier to prevent conflicts and crime. We hold meetings with residents, especially engaging the youth, encouraging them to avoid drugs and to engage in activities that help them develop and improve their lives.”
In Nyagatare District, which has 628 villages and 106 cells forming the backbone of local governance, urging village leaders to know the citizens they lead is a major step toward ensuring comprehensive security, improved citizen welfare, and sustainable development.
