On October 19, 2024, President Paul Kagame officiated the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed leaders, including two ministers who were recently introduced to the Rwandan government, following decisions made by the Cabinet on October 18, 2024.
The new appointees include Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, who has taken over as Minister of Local Government, replacing Jean Claude Musabyimana, and Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro, who now serves as Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, succeeding Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri.
Other officials sworn in were Deputy Prosecutor General Bonaventure Ruberwa and Major General Alex Kagame, who was appointed as the Chief of the Reserve Forces.
In his address, President Kagame reminded the newly sworn-in leaders that their roles are demanding and require careful deliberation and dedication, with a focus on serving all Rwandans without exception.
He stated, “What I would like to emphasize is that such responsibilities, as well as those of others who have come before you, must be approached with prudence and diligence. These roles require serving all Rwandans inclusively, ensuring that no one is left behind. We must deliver on our duties to the best of our abilities, based on the resources available to the country or those we can seek from elsewhere.”
President Kagame also cautioned leaders against the temptation of prioritizing personal interests over the commitment to serve the public, which they have pledged to uphold.
“Often, I take this opportunity to offer guidance. People may take on these responsibilities because they genuinely want them and are capable of fulfilling them. However, we know that, in some instances, individuals may start prioritizing their own interests once in office, rather than focusing on serving the nation as they pledged,” the President remarked.
He acknowledged that this attitude has been an ongoing challenge for Rwanda, one the country has been working to overcome for the past 30 years, even though there are still some who resist change.
“When people engage in such behavior, despite repeated guidance and reminders pointing out their shortcomings, it becomes clear that they are willfully ignoring what is right. However, it is our duty, in collaboration with all institutions, to continuously correct them and steer them back on the right path.”
Dr. Patrice Mugenzi previously served as the Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro, now the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, was formerly the Director General of the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA).
Major General Alex Kagame recently concluded his role as the Joint Task Force Commander in Mozambique, where he was coordinating security operations for Rwandan forces.