Paul Kagame Rallies Support in Rubavu for Upcoming Elections #rwanda #RwOT

Paul Kagame, Chairman and flagbearer of the RPF-Inkotanyi and allied parties, has called for support from members in Rubavu and neighboring districts. He invoked a Rwandan saying, 'Uwakugabiye uramwitura,' meaning that one should return good deeds to those who have helped them.

Campaign Event in Rubavu District

Kagame made these remarks on the second day of his campaign at Gisa site in Rubavu District. Members of RPF and those from Rutsiro and Nyabihu districts gathered as early as 1:00 a.m. on June 23, cheerfully singing campaign songs until Kagame's arrival.

RPF-Led Coalition Campaign

The RPF-led coalition, comprising eight parties, is embarking on a three-week campaign trail across 19 venues nationwide to canvass for votes in the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for July 14-15.

Message of Gratitude and Call for Continued Collaboration

After engaging with the crowd and hearing a development testimony from an RPF-Inkotanyi member, Kagame thanked the attendees and urged them to continue their collaboration during the campaign and beyond. He highlighted the cultural significance of gifting a cow, symbolizing love and wishes for development, paralleling the party's efforts to uplift the people. He emphasized the expectation that the people will reciprocate by voting for him and his party's candidates.

Emphasis on Unity, Democracy, and Development

Kagame stressed that the upcoming elections on July 15 are about choosing unity, democracy, and development, emphasizing the importance of actions over mere words. He urged all Rwandans, both domestic and abroad, to take action, underscoring the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving national goals.

Shared Responsibility in Security

Kagame highlighted the crucial role of security in creating a conducive environment for development. He noted that the collaboration between citizens and security organs ensures sustained stability, which is vital for ongoing development. He reiterated that the goal for the July polls is continued development with the right mindset, sacrifice, and commitment.

Recognition of Political Allies

Kagame also expressed gratitude to the heads of political parties allied with RPF-Inkotanyi, acknowledging their support during the electoral campaign.

RPF Manifesto for 2024-2029

Under its manifesto for the next five years, RPF aims to:

Increase agricultural and livestock productivity by 8 percent annually
Boost manufacturing productivity by 13 percent annually
Create 250,000 new jobs annually
Construct and rehabilitate 1,091 kilometers of roads and 1,626 kilometers of feeder roads
Build three ports on Kivu Lake in Rusizi, Karongi, and Rutsiro districts
Advance technology adoption, particularly Artificial Intelligence
Position Rwanda as an investment destination and financial hub
Increase tourism revenue to $1.1 billion by 2029
Spur mineral revenue growth to $1.8 billion by 2029
Improve green financing

Upcoming Election and Challengers

In the current electoral cycle, which has transitioned from a seven-year to a five-year presidency, Kagame faces two challengers: Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.