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No one should be denied services at the local government level simply because they are not part of Ejo Heza program,head of advocacy says
Uwajeneza Donatha
Aug 19, 2024 - 14:03
Some citizens are complaining about being denied services at local government levels due to not participating in the Ejo Heza program. However, the Ejo Heza administration, under the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), states that participation in the program is voluntary and emphasizes that no one should be deprived of services for not being part of it.
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Ejo Heza long-term savings program helps support the elderly who can no longer work. To encourage more Rwandans to join and participate in the program, it is included in the performance targets of local government institutions.
Some citizens who have not yet joined the program report that they are being denied services from certain government offices, which discourages them from participating, as they perceive it as coercion.
One person said, “They tell you that if you are not part of Ejo Heza, they won’t provide services, but often if you insist, they eventually assist you because you lack the means. It would be better if they provided the service and also explained the benefits of joining Ejo Heza.”
Another person commented, “When you go to the administration, they say that if you are not part of Ejo Heza, it is difficult for them to provide you with services.”
Despite these issues, Kayumba Bernard, the head of advocacy for Ejo Heza, says that participation in the program is voluntary and that officials who discriminate against citizens for not joining should be held accountable.
He stated, "Ejo Heza is voluntary. What we ask from local leaders is to put more effort into advocacy so that Rwandans understand the benefits of the program and join it willingly for its advantages, rather than being coerced with threats of service denial. Such practices are inappropriate, and those responsible should be held accountable."
So far, the Ejo Heza program has been joined by over 3,200,000 people, who have saved over 43 billion Rwandan francs. The program is intended for everyone, regardless of their financial capacity or other savings. Additionally, the Ejo Heza fund holds over 57 billion Rwandan francs, including all savings and interest.
Written by: Donatha UWAJENEZA; Story by Yassini Tuyishimire
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