Twenty-one Ministers and nine State Ministers were last week appointed with new faces including Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka (Public Service and Labor), Prudence Sebahizi (Trade and Industry), and Richard Nyirishema (Sports).
Several existing ministers were also reappointed to continue heading their respective ministries.
Additionally, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard was appointed as the CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) succeeding Dr. Usta Kayitesi.
During Monday's swearing-in ceremony, Kagame reminded both the newly appointed and returning leaders of the significant responsibility they bear in their roles.
He emphasized that the cabinet's renewal is not merely a routine change but an opportunity for self-evaluation and a commitment to greater achievements.
"The way I see it, there are things we did well in the past, and things that did not go as well. It's our duty to put everything together, analyze, and ask ourselves, 'What can we do better moving forward?' If you don't see it this way, then there is a problem. What you did well before means you should do even better, and what was not done well needs to be corrected as we move on," he advised.
Kagame also stressed the importance of appreciating public criticism and using it as a tool for correction to maintain the right direction when things are going well. However, he emphasized that self-evaluation should be a constant practice.
The Head of State urged the leaders to utilize available resources and their respective capacities efficiently to fulfil their responsibilities to the Rwandan people. He cautioned against prioritizing personal interests over the common good, stating, "This means that what you do for others should also be beneficial to you, but not something you do solely for your own benefit."
President Kagame highlighted the significant progress Rwanda has made in recent years but warned against complacency, urging the leaders to strive for even greater accomplishments.
"We have achieved many things in the past, without a doubt. But when you do good things, it is not a time to relax. It is not a time to get carried away with joy to the point that what people have been working on could regress because you are no longer paying attention or following up. You should ask yourself, even though we have achieved a lot, couldn't we have achieved even more?" he challenged.
He also encouraged the leaders to foster collaboration among institutions to ensure they complement each other in advancing the country's development.
Addressing the absence of some officials from the recently formed cabinet, President Kagame clarified that it was not indicative of dismissal but rather a reassignment of duties.
He acknowledged that dismissals could occur due to accountability issues but assured those who did not retain their roles that future appointments would be announced in due course.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kagame-cautions-new-cabinet-members-against-complacency
