Kayonza: Brig Gen (Rtd) Ibambasi elected security officer in Nyamiyaga Village

In separate village elections, Dr. Christophe Asaba Muyoboke was entrusted with leading Kiyonza Village in Mwiri Sector, while residents of Nyamiyaga Village in Gahini Sector elected retired Brigadier General Alex Ibambasi to oversee local security.

The two appointments came during Rwanda’s ongoing local government elections, which are giving residents an opportunity to select representatives responsible for leadership and community affairs at the grassroots level.

Dr. Muyoboke, who currently serves as Human Resources Manager at Salt of Akagera, formerly known as Akagera Game Lodge, said he was delighted by the confidence residents had placed in him.

He holds a PhD in leadership and human resource management and has previously worked in different professional capacities, including university teaching.

Explaining why he decided to seek a village leadership position despite his academic and professional achievements, Dr. Muyoboke said his decision was motivated by patriotism and a desire to contribute to the country’s development.

“I was motivated by patriotism and love for our country’s vision. In reality, when someone reaches a high level of education, they may become a lecturer or researcher, but there are many other responsibilities they can undertake. I therefore chose to work alongside others as a village leader, and my fellow residents gave me their trust. I believe there is no reason to disappoint them,” he said.

He emphasised that academic qualifications, financial status or professional recognition should not prevent anyone from participating in community leadership.

According to him, meaningful national development begins at the grassroots, where people with different levels of education and financial capabilities must work together to improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

He added that leadership should not be measured by an individual’s professional status but by their willingness to serve the community and contribute to collective progress.

Dr. Muyoboke also expressed confidence that his responsibilities would be manageable because he would work with other elected members of the village executive committee, as well as officials at cell and sector levels.

Meanwhile, Brig Gen (Rtd) Ibambasi was elected to oversee security in Nyamiyaga Village, an area in Gahini Sector known for having numerous livestock farms and cattle-related activities.

He pledged to work closely with residents to strengthen community security and encourage collective responsibility in protecting people and their property.

Under Rwanda’s grassroots governance structure, village executive committees comprise five members, including the village leader and officials responsible for security, social welfare, information and civic education, and development.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) scheduled village-level elections for October 24, 2026, followed by cell-level polls on October 31 and sector-level elections on November 7. (IGIHE)

Photo

Dr. Christophe Asaba Muyoboke