East African Business Week (Kampala)
Stephen Asiimwe
26 March 2007
Bujumbura — Burundi plans to move its capital from Bujumbura in the western part of the country to Gitega, the most central city, the country's president has said.
Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza told Business Week in an exclusive interview recently that this move would greatly enhance the country's service delivery to its nationals because of Gitega's proximity to other Burundi towns.
Bujumbura with a population of close to a million is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, a lake shared by its neighbours the DR Congo to the west and Tanzania to the east.
The relocation to the second largest town will also cut the distance between the capitals of Burundi and Uganda, the country's leading trading partners.
Nkurunziza was speaking to Business Week shortly after receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Latin University of Theology at a state function held at Hotel du la Source du Nil in Bujumbura last week.
The function, which was attended by top government officials including the vice presidents, members of the senate and congress, honored President Nkurunziza for outstanding achievements in bringing peace and unity to a country torn by many years of strife and war.
While giving the 'Doctrate Honor Causa Degree' to the president, the Commissioner for Africa for the Latin University of Theology, Dr. Clyde Rivers commended the president and government for ushering in peace which had produced a catalyst for development and business in the country.
Already the effects are visible. Bujumbura is a hub for business activity.
Investors are coming in fast and taking up strategic alliances for businesses and opportunities.
The country has already accredited banks and is giving vast concessions to intending investors. The University's entourage included the Latin University of Theology president Dr. Manuel Tigerino, Dr Robert Cathers, Dr. Joseph Okia, Dr. C Munzon, Mr. Patrick Wabulya-Kintu,
In his speech the president thanked the university for recognising his efforts but said he dedicated it to God and the people of Burundi, a country of 8 million people.
A born-again soldier and evangelist, the president made a passionate appeal to investors to come to Burundi and take advantage of opportunities in the country. "There are opportunities in micro-finance, water and bus, transport, education and the construction industry," he said.
The country last year introduced Universal Primary Education and recently free health care for all children under the age of five. "We would like assistance in the area of text books and other scholastic materials, furniture and infrastructure," he said.
Another area of mention was the banking sector with specific mention and reference to microfinance.
The president said the banking sector was very ripe both for commercial banks and micro-finance investment. He said at the moment interest rates were very high standing at 17- 20% per annum.
He said the country had curbed corruption, brought down insecurity, brought about reconciliation and implemented a ceasefire agreement with the last of the armed groups the PALIPEHUTU-FNL.
"Last week I released 10,000 political prisoners. Every Saturday, we (together with the former rebel groups) move together and clean the streets in a gesture of reconciliation," said the president who speaks fluent English, Kiswahili and French.
The president a charismatic mobiliser and passionate sportsman, is intent on promoting sport and exercise in the whole country.
A former professional footballer, captain and coach, he cycled a 120km distance for 5 hours up to the capital, a move that gave him accolades in fitness circles.
He personally coaches two teams of youngsters Halleuya FC and Hossana FC.
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