{UAH} How Kagame, Mwenda Clashed at Rwanda Leaders’ Retreat

How Kagame, Mwenda Clashed at Rwanda Leaders' Retreat

Kagame and government officials arrive for the 12th National Leaders' Retreat on Monday

Celebrated Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda touched a wrong button a few daysago when he attempted to persuade President Paul Kagame to praise government leaders during a retreat, Chimp Corps report.

The 12th National Leadership Retreat, known also as Umwiherero, was held in Gabiro in Gatsibo District at the Rwanda Defence Forces Combat Training Centre.

The convention was held from 28 February – 2 March 2015 under the theme: "Common Vision, New Momentum".

Government officials started off by praising their achievements, saying they had scored 70 percent of their targets.

Kagame, a perfectionist who is well known for being intolerant to mediocrity, made his mind clear to all and sundry that the corruption in government institutions and egocentric nature of Rwandan leaders were taking the country backwards.

Kagame further vowed to "fight" the leaders if they fell short of rolling up their sleeves.

He expressed shock that some ministers were quiet as corruption and abuse of office continued unabated.

Kagame said such endemic institutional failures would undermine efforts aimed at sustaining the rapid economic growth of the small nation.

As Kagame continued to bash the officials, the charismatic Mwenda, raised his arm to give his views.

"Mwenda, yes, I have heard you voice," said Kagame before allowing him to speak.

"Thanks for giving an old man of my age a chance to say something," said Mwenda.

He recounted his experience of the previous sessions in which, "everyone who spoke, they savaged each other. I think this was too much."

But Kagame interjected: "Not enough."

Mwenda continued: "I have a feeling in me, all indicators – global based, Rwanda a poor country with low skills… has achieved a lot in construction, health, economic growth and consolidation of the state institutions. It has done well, business reforms, etc."

He added, as Kagame listened attentively: "Why are we frustrated with ourselves."

The journalist said looking at what Rwanda has failed to do and what has been achieved, the country is on the right path.

He said more effort should be on fixing weaknesses.

Mwenda also elaborated on Rwanda's fastest economic growth, high expectancy rates, and comprehensive health coverage and that "even US does not have this medical coverage yet Rwanda a poor country does."

Clash

Mwenda went on to say that Kagame had earlier told him that the country was moving on well and things would 'work' before the president shot back: "I cannot tell you 'this will work.' Don't misrepresent me.'"

Mwenda tried to edit his earlier statement but Kagame insisted: "Don't misrepresent me."

The president elaborated that, "You see, you fight with an army you have. If you have a sick army, that's the one you have. It will be reflected in the battle. You can't have a sick army and fight a war as if you have an army that is quick on their feet. The sickness in the army will be reflected in the way you fight battles."

Kagame further said, "Theoretically, how things should and can be done is known but a gap arises."

Realising Kagame was boiling with anger, Mwenda tried to cool him down: "Mr President, don't be frustrated.  You should be motivated. You can fix those 30 percent."

But Kagame said, "I still don't agree with you. That sweetening of things is not my world."

A bold Mwenda said he would want to see government officials leaving the conference "motivated" not "frustrated" that they have not done anything.

But Kagame refused to buy Mwenda's idea, saying, "Some people here need to be fought seriously."

"Weaknesses are terrible. We have to call a spade a spade."

Mwenda tried to argue that he has been covering Rwandan government's progress in spite of the few challenges but Kagame was not willing to listen.

"I completely disagree with you. I leave that approach to you. Write stories, that's fine with me. I am not here to praise good Rwandans for what has been achieved. I am here to discuss what you call 'in spite of'. That's my point. That's important. My time should be spent on this weakness. What we have achieved, we have achieved. Mwenda, the problem is two-fold. It's not about achieving. How do we sustain what we have achieved? How do we deal with 'in spite of' things so as to make progress?"

On Mwenda's arguments, Kagame added: "I really don't like your comments. You can write them in your Independent (news magazine). I am not here to tell people lies. I am going to fight them. I translate my frustrations into a fight. "

Kagame, who led the RPF guerrillas that seized power in 1994 to stop the genocide against the Tutsi, added: "They know their strengths. Why not base on those strengths to do the right things?"

After the function, Kagame and Mwenda walked together for almost a kilometer to the dining hall where they had dinner with the First lady and Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi.

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

"Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building", Jim Hightower

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