President Kagame rebukes officials over repeated mistakes, poor accountability



News

23, Mar-2026     Mugisha R. John


President Paul Kagame on Monday rebuked government officials for failing to meet their responsibilities, criticizing what he described as repeated mistakes and a tendency to excuse them as forgetfulness.


Speaking at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera District, where he closed a meeting of national and local leaders, Kagame said the pattern reflects poor accountability and leadership.

“You have bad habits, including arrogance, and even take pride in them,” he said, warning that such behavior could undermine the country’s progress.

Kagame questioned why officials continue to make the same mistakes despite acknowledging them and apologizing. He said while errors are inevitable, repeating them points to deeper systemic problems.

He cited shortcomings in the planning of the Muvumba dam project in Nyagatare District, saying key components were overlooked. The 121.5 million euro project, initially set for completion in 2026, is now expected to be finished in 2027.

Eastern Province Gov. Pudence Rubingisa acknowledged the issue, attributing it to poor planning.

Kagame also criticized what he described as a broader culture of negligence, including failure to follow through on responsibilities and coordinate effectively.

He urged officials who feel unable to meet expectations to step aside.


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