Kagame Challenges Newly Sworn-in Ministers to Deliver Results

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Village Urugwiro, brought together three officials: Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of Defence; Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion; and Yves Iradukunda, Minister of State in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.

Marizamunda and Uwimana had missed the July 25 swearing-in of the new cabinet due to official duties abroad, while Iradukunda was appointed to his post on September 18.

President Kagame reminded the officials that taking an oath marks the beginning of accountability, not an end in itself.

“Taking an oath is not just a ritual that ends the moment it happens,” Kagame said. “It must be followed by actions that show dedication to what you have sworn to do. We know where we come from, where we are, and where we want to go.”

He noted that while mistakes are part of human nature, repeating the same errors undermines leadership credibility and national progress.

“People make mistakes as human beings, but repeating the same mistakes becomes another problem—a disease that needs treatment,” Kagame said. “We must learn from our errors and improve continuously.”

The president emphasized that true leadership lies in serving citizens rather than personal gain.

“The most important thing is to understand the weight of responsibility,” he said. “We work for Rwandans and for our country, not for ourselves. When the country does well, everyone benefits.”

Kagame also urged leaders to confront internal weaknesses that hinder effective governance.

“Many challenges do not come from outside—they come from us,” he said. “If you don’t fight and overcome your inner weaknesses, you create problems not only for yourself but for the whole country.”

He praised the newly sworn-in officials and urged them to collaborate with colleagues to achieve shared national goals.

Kagame further noted that the ministries represented—Defence, ICT and Innovation, and Gender and Family Promotion—embody key pillars of Rwanda’s progress: security, technology, and social welfare.

“These ministries reflect essential aspects of what drives our nation forward,” Kagame said. “Security, innovation, and family welfare are at the heart of our progress.”

The president concluded by urging all government officials to translate their oaths into action that strengthens Rwanda’s development and public trust.