Kagame Swears In New Cabinet, Urges Leaders to Deliver With Purpose



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25, Jul-2025     Mugisha John


President Paul Kagame on Friday swore in a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, urging the incoming leadership to serve with integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of national purpose.


The new government, composed of 21 ministries and the Office of the Prime Minister, took the oath of office during a ceremony held at the Parliamentary Buildings in Kigali. Kagame emphasized that the appointments reflect trust in the capability and potential of younger Rwandans to drive transformation.

“In this government, I might be the oldest,” Kagame said. “You are in your 30s and 40s, highly educated. That is intentional. We believe in your ability to make a difference where others may not have succeeded.”

The president cautioned against complacency and dependency on external actors, urging the new leaders to take initiative and act in the best interests of the country.

“No one will carry us forward but ourselves,” he said. “We must reject the idea that others will solve our problems. Rwanda’s future depends on how we think, act, and lead.”

Kagame also dismissed entitlement and rivalries over appointments, noting that leadership should be seen as service, not privilege.

“Some people complain about what role they were given—or not given,” he said. “But those who truly understand responsibility don’t wait to be told what to do. They lead with purpose.”

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva pledged to uphold the values of good governance and citizen-centered leadership, thanking President Kagame for the trust placed in him.

“I am fully aware of the weight of this responsibility and its importance in improving the lives of Rwandans,” he said. “I will serve with dedication and go above and beyond to deliver results that benefit all.”

Nsengiyumva replaces Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who served as Prime Minister for eight years. He previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and held senior roles in both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He also worked in the United Kingdom as a senior economic advisor and holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester.

All cabinet members officially assumed their roles during Friday’s ceremony, marking a new chapter in Rwanda’s governance.


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