Kagame challenges electorate to emulate lions #rwanda #RwOT

'Be lions, not dogs. A lion cannot become a dog. You have the responsibility and obligation to step in and uphold the legacy that your fathers have established,' he said in reference to the youths, comprising the majority of those who turned up for the rally

The Head of State was addressing hundreds of thousands of fans from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts while canvasing votes for RPF-Inkotanyi, a political Party for which he is the flag bearer.

Lions are fascinating creatures that inspire awe and admiration for several reasons. They are thought to be strong and courageous. Their social bonds and beauty, are of substantial ecological significance.

It is in this spirit that Kagame implored the people to be fearless, vigilant, and hardworking â€" traits synonymous with lions in various cultures and contexts.

He gave a rhetoric of how coincidentally, his family fled to neighboring Uganda through Nyagatare district in the 1950s and it's the same route he used while leading RPA in the liberation struggle.

'I was a young kid when we became refugees in the neighbouring country. Ironically, the route we used to escape is the same route we came through during the liberation struggle in 1990,' he recalled.

'As we fled for our lives, most people left behind were uncertain about tomorrow. Upon return, we have ensured that every Rwandan has hope of living beyond just today.'

Kagame underscored that having fled and returned alive to contribute to Rwanda's development has made him appreciate how lucky he is.

'I feel like the luckiest person on earth. Going through all those hard times but still survive is not because of my hard work, it's just a blessing to keep serving my people.

'I don't take this for granted, I always strive to use this opportunity to extend support to those who need my help while ensuring that those who lost their lives along this journey did not die in vain,' he remarked.

Kagame also addressed residents of Kayonza, Ngoma and Rwamagana districts who pledged to do anything in his reach to accelerate the continuous development strategies put in place by his government.

'Bringing development to your area is not a favour we do for you. It's our obligation and we have to be held accountable,' he said

The president concluded by thanking other political parties that have merged with RPF in a coalition to extend constructive ideas with a major focus on building the nation.

'We can achieve a lot together despite our differences in beliefs and ideology. Let us all be proud to be Rwandans because the country is also proud to have us together,' he remarked.

Eight political parties in the forthcoming election have formed a coalition with the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). They are the Liberal Party (PL), Social Democratic Party (PSD), Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), Democratic Union of the Rwandan People's Party (UDPR), Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP) and Rwandan Socialist Party (PSR).

The Head of State was addressing hundreds of thousands of fans from Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts while canvasing votes for RPF-Inkotanyi, a political Party for which he is the flag bearer.