Kagame Kicks Off Campaign in Musanze with RPF-Led Coalition

Elias Hakizimana Jun 22, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

On Saturday, June 22, thousands of residents from Rwanda’s Northern Province gathered at the University of Rwanda’s campus in Busogo, Musanze District, to welcome President Paul Kagame, the presidential candidate of the RPF-Inkotanyi and its allied parties.

Residents from Musanze, Burera, Gicumbi, Nyabihu, and Rulindo districts began arriving early to secure their spots and show support for Kagame.

This event marks the start of a three-week campaign as the RPF-led coalition tours 19 venues across the country, canvassing for votes in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Kagame, the RPF Chairman and flagbearer, is set to unveil the party’s manifesto, starting with the Musanze crowd.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has scheduled July 14-15 as the voting dates for Rwandans to elect their next Head of State and members of the Chamber of Deputies. Six coalition parties have submitted candidates for the 80 parliamentary seats, with a significant number being RPF members.

Jeanne Mujawamariya, a 35-year-old resident of Musanze District, expressed her excitement to The New Times. She emphasized her commitment to arriving early to support the party and hear about future development plans.

“We have seen significant improvements in our livelihoods over the past years. Our children are no longer malnourished, we have schools, access to healthcare, and new roads. We are here to support and listen to what more he [Kagame] will deliver for us,” she said.

Callixte Hitimana, a 46-year-old resident of Rulindo District, highlighted the enhanced infrastructure that has connected different parts of the Northern Province, facilitating various activities.

“The people are here to decide who will lead us into an even brighter era of the country’s development. Everyone has a role to play,” Hitimana stated.

In the 2017 elections, the RPF secured 98.84 percent of the vote in Musanze District.

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