Today, Chairman Kagame runs the campaign rally in Gicumbi where he was welcomed by thousands of RPF supporters gathered at the Cyumba site.
Recounting the history of RPF in Gicumbi during the liberation struggle, Chairman Kagame said:” We used to have politics of that divided people, impoverished citizens and we were told that is the democracy we deserved. They told us to live on our knees, begging them for our livelihood and accepting crumbs, and called it democracy.” He added: “The battles that were fought here were about changing this history and regaining our dignity. Those who sacrificed their lives did not die in vain, those who had sleepless nights, went without food did not do it so we would be told be told how we should live our lives! How can you tell me how to live when it is you I fought to regain my livelihood? What RPF has fought for, lost people for, we cannot let it go to waste: Do not accept to be dictated to with useless lessons, let us continue to stand up for our dignity, our livelihood, our country”
After Cyumba site, Chairman Kagame proceeded to Rutare site where he held the last rally of his Northern Province tour.
Addressing the residents of Rutare RPF Chairman Kagame said: ” For 23 years we have been working together to build our security, our infrastructure, our country. We have achieved a lot but we still have a long way to go on this journey to transformation. We will not betray the trust you have placed in us with your support. This is about making our own choices; we do not claim to know what is best for others but we choose what is best for us”
Urging RPF supporters to strive for self reliance he added:” We are not looking for people to feed us, we are looking to make our own living and feed ourselves. For too long, Africa has been seen as deserving of charity and not prosperity and self reliance. RPF was small when we started the liberation struggle; we won and today RPF and the nation have grown together.”
With a population of 427,311 the district of Gicumbi has seen improvements in the recent years, becoming one the major suppliers of milk in the country. It has also progressed in terms of access to water , where they stand above national average at 90.6% and access to health insurance where 95% of the population is insured.