Huye District Residents Urged to Safeguard Cooperative Achievements and Take Active Role in Sustainable Development

The Huye District leadership has once again called on members of various cooperatives operating in the district to protect the achievements they have made and to take an active role in maintaining and repairing cooperative infrastructure and assets. Authorities say this collective responsibility is essential to ensuring that the progress already achieved remains sustainable and continues to benefit all members.

The call was made on Friday during the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives, an event that coincided with the closure of the Cooperative Week organized by the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). The gathering brought together district officials, cooperative leaders, and community members to reflect on the role of cooperatives in improving livelihoods and driving local economic development.

Addressing participants, Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege emphasized that cooperatives belong to their members and should be cared for accordingly. He urged residents to take ownership of cooperative facilities and resources, rather than relying solely on external support when challenges arise. “Cooperatives belong to you as citizens. When something is damaged at your workplace or within your cooperative’s assets, it is your responsibility to work together and repair it. These achievements were built through your own efforts, and safeguarding them is key to long-term success,”

The mayor further highlighted that cooperatives are a critical pillar of Huye District’s development, particularly in job creation, increased productivity, and improved household incomes. He noted that strong cooperation among members is vital to strengthening local economies and reducing poverty.

Members of cooperatives from different sectors and administrative areas across Huye District echoed this message, acknowledging the tangible benefits cooperatives have brought to their daily lives. While praising the opportunities created through collective action, they also recognized their responsibility to preserve and strengthen these gains.

Mukamana Béatrice, a member of an agricultural cooperative based in Ngoma Sector, said joining a cooperative transformed her farming activities by increasing production and providing reliable market access. “Before joining the cooperative, I farmed on my own and much of my produce went to waste. Working together has increased our yields and income, allowing us to improve our living conditions. That is why we feel responsible for protecting and repairing anything that may be damaged within our cooperative,” she explained.

Similarly, Nshimiyimana Jean Claude, a member of a construction cooperative operating in Tumba Sector, said shared responsibility strengthens unity among members and reinforces a sense of ownership. “If we wait for external support all the time, we will not move forward. When we commit ourselves to maintaining what we have, we realize that the cooperative truly belongs to all of us, and this helps ensure its sustainability,” he said.

On the institutional side, Hamisi Yohani Damasceni, Head of the RCA Unit responsible for monitoring cooperative performance in the Southern Province, noted that capacity building remains a priority. He stressed that cooperative members must continuously receive training to improve governance, leadership, and financial management. “During our engagements with cooperative members, we observed persistent challenges related to governance and management. However, when members actively participate in addressing these issues, it becomes easier to find lasting solutions,” Damasceni stated.

He added that the Rwanda Cooperative Agency will continue working closely with local authorities and cooperative members to strengthen institutional capacity and address operational challenges that hinder growth.

As of the International Cooperative Day celebrations, Huye District counts 185 registered cooperatives with a combined membership exceeding 25,000 people, the majority of whom are local residents directly involved in cooperative activities.

According to figures from Huye District authorities, more than 50 percent of the district’s population over 200,000 residents depend on cooperatives for their livelihoods. This underscores the central role cooperatives play as a cornerstone of socio-economic development in Huye District and Rwanda at large.