BUTANYERERA/GITEGA/BUJUMBURA, August 5 (ABP) – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Burundi, Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, joined the inhabitants of his native commune Matongo in Butanyerera province on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the ceremonies of the national day dedicated to the commune, for its 13th edition.
Presenting the achievements of the past year, Matongo’s communal executive secretary Robert Kanani spoke about the construction of public infrastructure, road rehabilitation, and the establishment of nurseries for fruit, agroforestry, and forest trees, as well as various other public interest activities.
In his speech for the occasion, the Speaker of the National Assembly praised the fact that the Matongo commune is taking the lead in modernizing the agricultural sector, highlighting that it is for this reason that experience-sharing visits are often conducted there. On the same occasion, he called for intensification of development activities, particularly through block farming, land registration, and erosion control. He also urged the people of Matongo to think about decent housing, especially by replacing clay tiles with sheet metal roofing.
In Ngozi commune, the ceremonies were honored by the presence of the Burundian Ombudsman, Aimée Laurentine Kanyana. In her address, she congratulated the newly elected authorities and urged them to serve well the citizens who entrusted them. As for the population, she encouraged them to respect the institutions.
Among the priority projects in Ngozi commune are the continuation of construction work on a five-story communal building, the construction of the multi-story urban high school of Muremera, the rehabilitation of car parks, and others.
In Muramvya, among the infrastructures inaugurated on Saturday, August 2, were nine classrooms at ECOFO Giko located on Rweteto village in the Bukeye zone. These classrooms, built with durable materials, were constructed by the National Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Burundi (FENACOBU).
In his speech, the Deputy Director General of FENACOBU, Onésphore Niyonkuru, explained that this school is the result of a request made to the federation by the former commune administrator and later governor of the former Muramvya province, Euphrèm Ndikumasabo.
Onésphore Niyonkuru emphasized the importance of properly maintaining these facilities so that they can contribute to raising a large number of intellectuals capable of advancing the vision of an emerging and developed Burundi.
The occasion also marked the inauguration of the Christian Health Center of Kibogoye in Bugarama zone. This healthcare facility was established by the Baptist Church of Burundi with financial support from an American evangelist, according to the director of the Christian Health Center.
The inauguration activities concluded at ECOFO Busimba 2 in Bugarama zone, where the Muramvya commune installed six classrooms.
In Mwaro, the ceremonies took place at the Kigutu stadium and were honored by the presence of the Vice President of the Republic, Prosper Bazombanza. In his address, Prosper Bazombanza stressed that having a clear goal is enough to achieve the vision for Burundi. He urged the people of Mwaro to commit to work and fight against idleness. He also revisited the priority sectors, including agriculture and livestock, infrastructure, and the rehabilitation of bridges connecting the villages to facilitate exchange among communities. He concluded his remarks by calling on the population to remain united and strengthen social cohesion, emphasizing that when relations between citizens are good, peace and security naturally follow.
In Gitega commune, Governor Liboire Bigirimana promised to do everything possible to be a good servant for all and to work for the well-being of the population. He took the opportunity to warn those sabotaging the country’s economy, particularly through price speculation. Mr. Bigirimana pointed out that if anyone reports a speculating trader, that trader will be severely punished.
In Gisagara commune, Buhumuza Province, the ceremonies were marked by the sharing of food and traditional drinks.
In his speech, the president of the communal council, Abel Ntakarutimana, called on the population to fight against idleness and engage in self-development activities to achieve the country’s 2040-2060 vision. Edouard Mukoko, representing the local population, asked the newly elected leaders to address the issue of the poor condition of roads.
In Bubanza commune, the festivities were enhanced by the presence of the president of the constitutional court, the provincial secretary of CNDD-FDD in Bujumbura, members of parliament, and other officials native to the commune. In his speech, Bubanza’s communal executive secretary, Joachim Nduwumukama, mentioned development projects planned for the area, including the construction of public infrastructure such as two modern slaughterhouses, 16 classrooms, 6 zone offices, potable water supply systems, irrigation dams, promotion of coffee and tea cultivation, and the protection of arable land. Other priorities raised included the fight against fraud and the safeguarding of peace and security.
In Ntahangwa commune, residents from the 13 zones of the commune gathered at the field of Ecofo Nyabagere in Cibitoke zone.
Masudi Nyandwi, the communal executive secretary, presented the activities of the new commune, notably the preservation of peace and security, and the fight against rising prices of Brarudi and Buceco products. In the education sector, he announced that no student would have to study while sitting on the floor, as 30 classrooms will be built and 17 schools will receive school supplies, while six kindergartens will be inaugurated at the start of the next school year.
Dr. Lyduine Baradahana, president of the communal council, introduced the newly elected candidates from Ntahangwa. She also noted that to support the national development vision, Ntahangwa commune will work to reduce theft, particularly in Kamenge zone, known for a high concentration of thieves. She further pointed out that since several epidemics (cholera, Mpox) frequently occur in Ntahangwa, sanitation and hygiene would be prioritized. Hygiene, therefore, must be taken seriously.
In Mugere commune, the ceremonies took place in Kabezi. In his speech, Lenus Havyarimana, the commune’s executive secretary, appreciated how the four former communes were merged into one and called on locals to take advantage of this union to begin development projects that will allow the commune to become one of the most developed in a few years.
He also added that Mugere commune will be among the most populous communes, noting that this presents a development opportunity if the population is active, but also a risk if deviant behavior increases. Regarding security, he stated that Mugere has always been peaceful, but security must be strengthened through joint security committees. He urged the population to report speculating traders who seek to profit at the expense of consumers.
Regarding planned activities, the executive secretary of Mugere commune stated that the commune intends to digitize the economic sector, develop other sectors such as education and health, train the population on good governance, peace and reconciliation, protect the environment, and educate people on combating climate change. The commune also plans to implement and monitor projects outlined in the communal community development plan.
Rosine Gatoni, spokesperson for the President of the Republic of Burundi, a native of the area and president of the communal council, called on the leaders of Mugere commune to do everything possible for the well-being of the population and, above all, for the development of the commune. Gatoni urged the members of the communal council of Mugere to stay close to the population in order to gather their concerns. She also promised good collaboration between the communal council and the authorities soon to be put in place, adding that they will serve as good advisors, carrying far the voices and opinions of the entire population.
After the speeches, the natives of Mugere commune proceeded to present certificates of merit to the former administrators of the four former communes that now make up the expanded Mugere commune, thanking them for their effective administration.
In Mukaza commune, the executive secretary, Evariste Bucumi, presented the major achievements of the past year and the future outlook. On the social level, Bucumi stated that the commune had identified more than 1,000 vulnerable families and over 100 families affected by natural disasters. The commune provided food and non-food aid to children with disabilities housed at the Akamuri center in Jabe.
As for the future, Bucumi indicated that the commune plans to strengthen peace and security and carry out activities to boost production. Charles Bahizi, representing the governor of Bujumbura province, invited residents to promote positive cultural values and to unite their efforts in executing development projects in their commune in order to achieve comprehensive development for Burundi.