Kicukiro District, Nobleza Hotel, 18/11/2011- Presidents of District Councils from all over the country met in the context of the forums organized by the Rwandese Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) for its members. The main objective of the forums is to bring together Local Government leaders and staff holding the same positions for experience sharing.

The one day forum meeting started with a welcome message from Mayor Justus KANGWAGYE, RALGA President. He took the opportunity to share with the Councilors his own experience on the collaboration between District Councils and Executive Committees.

The welcome message was followed by presentations on RALGA by Mr. Théogène KARAKE, the Secretary General of the association, and on the Councilors’ role by Mr Alexis AFRICA, Acting Director of the National Decentralization Implementation Secretariat (NDIS).

After summarizing RALGA historical background, mandate, mission and vision, Mr. Théogène presented to participants two key projects currently underway. The first project aims at establishing a Local Government Institute in line with RALGA’s mandate of building the capacity of its members, whereas the second one aims at providing technical assistance to the members in areas where they face most challenges. The two projects were strongly supported by the Councilors.

In his presentation, Mr. Africa reminded to councilors their responsibilities including the one of being advisors to District leaders and staff, but also to the population. Basing on his own experience as a former councilor, he also tried to make an assessment on the challenges facing District councilors, such as interference from various groups of interest in the District. In general however, it was noticed that under the current term, Districts benefited from more qualified and experienced Councilors than the previous years. This, according to many among the participants to the meeting, will allow better performance.

The presentations were followed by an experience sharing session in which more experienced Councilors shared their views on achievements and challenges with their colleagues. Key challenges identified include the fact that most of the Presidents of District Councils are not based in the Districts in which they were elected, but are also fully employed by other institutions. It appeared that this prevents them to fully play their role of Advisors as they are not well informed. Another key challenge identified is the fact that some Councilors want to act as technicians who are involved in the daily management of the District, instead of being advisors who shall provide strategic orientation to the District Executive Committee.

To address the problem the issues identified, participants agreed that they will encourage more delegation of powers to their colleagues, but also efficient communication in the spirit of better team work.