As part of the ongoing Special Army Week activities, on 29 June 2016, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) donated 20 cows to vulnerable Genocide Survivors of Nyaruguru District, in Southern Province.The ceremony was presided over by the Southern Province Governor, Mr Munyantwari Alphonse, who was the Guest of Honor, and the RDF 4 Division Commander, Brig Gen JJ Mupenzi, on behalf of the RDF Leadership.
In his keynote address, Governor Munyentwari Alphonse recalled that the one cow per family policy (‘Gira Inka Munyarwanda’) was initiated by HE Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and RDF Commander-In-Chief, mainly to uplift the livelihood of the most vulnerable people. Mr Munyantwari invited all present to thank a lot HE the President for that policy, which has started paying off, and for having led the liberation struggle that culminated in stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi. Governor Munyentwari further urged the beneficiaries to take care of the donated cows, and always safeguard Rwanda’s security and achievements.
Brig Gen Jean Jacques Mupenzi, RDF Division Commander in Southern Province comforted Genocide Survivors in Nyaruguru District, calling them to always strive for a better and dignified life. “You are not alone, as RDF we are together with you, and this is part of the existing initiatives to improve your social welfare”, Gen Mupenzi said.
Kankindi Esperence, a Genocide survivor and one of the donated cows beneficiaries, could not hide her excitement. She told the media that the cow she had just received would improve tremendously her life deeply affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “I used to have milk before Genocide, and thanks to President Paul Kagame and Rwanda Defence Force, in coming days I will be drinking milk again!”, Kankindi declared.
The ongoing Army week activities constitute the prelude to the 22nd Liberation Day that will be celebrated country wide on 4 July 2016.
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