When a leader of a certain country is visionary, the general public benefits. That is to say both nationals and foreigners benefit from national fruits. When we talk of fruits, automatically, we mean potential national security, stability, Peace, hope and development. All this has been experienced by many in post Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
Rwanda as a country has become a beacon of hope to many because it has transformed the whole society. The initiative has therefore graced each and every body, be it a foreigner living in Rwanda or a national. Potential security and protection is guaranteed to the general public living on the land. Foreign investors throng into the country to invest as a result of national stability and security.
Rwanda which has passed through the carnassial teeth of a wild leopard has turned into paradise. All is attributed to President Paul Kagame, whom many describe as a visionary leader. The world over has seen through his coat the characters of a visionary leader; persistence and bold, strategic, Inspirational, optimism and Innovation which form decent colors of a visionary leader.
The vivid examples of what the country has achieved include; Social economic transformation, progressive structures and Peace Initiatives which have benefited the nation and the World as well. Tonote, the Peace initiatives have graced the globe through sending the army to countries on Peace missions to ensure peace and security where there is civil and political strife.
In addition, the introduction of Social Health Insurance Scheme “Community Based Health Insurance” -Mutuelle de Santé, has graced millions of Rwandans both the poor and the rich. The Health Scheme is unique of its kind because it doesn’t feature anywhere on the continent. This therefore qualifies Rwanda as a unique and strategic country on the continent.
Additionally, the community work (Umuganda) has also taken another positive step to cultivating a path for social bonds and development hence social cohesion. More to this, the construction of shelters for vulnerable Rwandans and reintegration of ex-armed groups in the community has blessed the country the more hence, making a success story. The initiative has therefore attracted many from across the globe to have a glance.
Notably, the Government of Rwanda has voluntary repatriated over one hundred thousand Rwandan Armed Groups and their dependents from the Eastern DR Congo. This has fostered peace and security in the country. It has also ensured peace building and conflict transformation in the society thus, attracting many NGOs, foreign dignitaries and war ravaged countries to throng in the country for case studies.
Importantly, the initiatives have been commended by many across the globe. “I wish all African leaders could emulate Rwanda, Africans would enjoy hope and sanity”, said Justus Wamili a Kenyan journalist, and a social analyst. Mr. Kenneth Bateyo, is a Ugandan legal expert and had this to say: “We all admire what President Paul Kagame has done to the country. He is a visionary leader whom the world should emulate. He has registered tremendous successes in his country. The only thing I admire from him is the way he graced Rwandans with Mutuelle de Sante (Community Based Health Insurance). I would call this a grand opportunity to the Rwandans. I wish my family members would live in Rwanda and benefit from such a wonderful scheme,” he said.
Moreso, Samuel Mupenzi, a Tanzanian national echoed similar sentiment. He says he admires Rwanda than any other African countries because of good governance and zero corruption tolerance. “We all know what has made Rwanda what it is now. It’s because of good governance and anti-corruption measures put in place. I wish the world could follow a suit”, Samuel says.
During 2018, Miss Mary Ochen, an official from South Sudan visited Rwanda to learn from demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants’ program activities. She immediately commended the country for Peace Initiatives. She said it was amazing to reintegrate rebels who were fighting the government. “I would call this a miracle. Let me also take this grand opportunity to thank the Rwandan army for being on our side. It is a strong standing army and highly disciplined. It has protected our country and created conducive environment for our people,” she said.
Last but not least, one American lady by the names of Sunday Harding, an HiV Aids scientist described the achievements registered in the country as a mile stone. “If you move across Rwanda indicators of social transformation talk themselves. “I love Rwanda; it is my second home. When I am in Rwanda I feel at home”, she expressed her feelings, noting that she has traveled to many countries but Rwanda is unique and lovely.
Another witness, Mr. Mwine Geoffrey, a Kigali based Ugandan business man shared his sentiments. “When I am in Rwanda I feel so much comfortable than in Uganda. My business is well protected, unlike in Uganda where individual businesses are at risk. Thieves can easily attack you and lose both your life and business. My applause goes to HE President Paul Kagame who has made Rwanda a home to many Ugandans. Long live Rwanda, and long live President Paul Kagame”, he says.
Notably, visionary leaders are usually anointed by God because they love shepherding well their flock. They orient well the subjects they lead towards a common goal through innovation and collaboration.
Lastly, as we peruse the global history of visionary leaders, Martin Luther Jr. is a renowned visionary leader who stored his hopes and ideas for a just society; the likes of HE President Paul Kagame.
The writer is Mr. Grace Mugabe, a University Lecturer, a researcher and Communications expert Great Lakes Region.
