On 10th August 2019, Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) held its 24th General Assembly Meeting at Kigali Convention Centre. The meeting was attended by representatives of all RALGA members, that is the City of Kigali and all the 30 Districts of Rwanda. The meeting was also graced by the presence of the Minister of Local Government, Hon Prof Anastase SHYAKA as the Guest of Honour. Various stakeholders were also represented at high level, including the Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), Mrs. Claudine Marie Solange NYINAWAGAGA. The Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) were also represented.
As usual, the General Assembly was an opportunity for accountability to members whereas various reports were presented to them. The reports include the status of implementation of the recommendations by the previous general assembly meeting, the annual activity and budget reports for 2018-2019, as well as the report by the Control Committee. The General Assembly Meeting also assessed and approved the annual activity plan and the budget for 2019-2020. In addition to these items, the findings from the “Members Perception Survey” and from the study on the “Local Government working environment and staff satisfaction and performance : opportunities and challenges” were presented to the General Assembly.
Key recommendations were made with the purpose of improving the services rendered by RALGA to its members. They include the construction of a facility worth 4.5 billion to host the Local Government Institute (LGI). In addition, it was agreed to put more efforts in the organization of induction courses. It was also highly recommended that RALGA shall organize Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to allow more members at lower level to benefit from capacity building opportunities.
In the area of advocacy, the discussions highlighted the fact that, in the context of decentralization, Local Governments are the main implementers of Government programs and decisions. It was also highlighted that the Citizen Centered governance approach requires quick and efficient service delivery to citizens. This implies various pre-requisites such as highly motivated and qualified staff, committed leaders, as well as a good working environment.
Basing on the situation described above, participants to the 24th General Assembly Meeting highly recommended to RALGA to conduct advocacy action for a special Local Government Status which might imply revision of some laws.
In his remarks, The Minister of Local Government commended RALGA for its role in building the capacity of Local Governments, especially the move to strengthen the LGI. He encouraged the association to focus on imparting technical skills to local government staff in their various areas of activity as the best way to ensure performance and service delivery. He also pledged his collaboration.
Members recognized for ownership of their association
One of the recommendations of the 22nd General Assembly Meeting held on 23rd June 2017 was that all members should pay the membership fees not later than 31st October every year. In a bid to encourage them to comply, RALGA awarded those who paid in time. Burera District was awarded a gold certificate and a trophy for consistently meeting the deadline for the last three years ; Gatsibo, Nyamasheke, Rwamagana, Huye, Rubavu and Ruhango were awarded Silver Certificates for meeting the deadline for the last two consecutive years, whereas Rulindo, Gicumbi and Nyagatare were awarded a Bronze Certificate for paying their contribution in time for last year.
