Dusengiyumva first assumed the role of Mayor on December 15, 2023, after his predecessor, Pudence Rubingisa, was appointed as the Governor of the Eastern Province. In the recent election on August 22, 2024, Dusengiyumva was the sole candidate, receiving strong backing from six councilors representing Kigali City's three districts.
Having led Rwanda's capital for nine months, Dusengiyumva was sworn in as a member of the Kigali City Council on the same day. He emphasized that his five-year term will focus on resolving infrastructure challenges, including roads and water supply, particularly in underserved areas.
Fulgence Dusabimana was elected as the Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, receiving 258 votes (68%), defeating Frank Gatera, who garnered 123 votes (32%). Urujeni Martine was re-elected as the Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs with 360 votes.
Urujeni, who has served in this role for two and a half years, reflected on the challenges they have faced, including domestic conflicts, street children, and over 3,000 street vendors who were provided with proper working spaces. She confirmed that in this term, they will focus on uplifting the underprivileged and supporting persons with disabilities by increasing their allocated budget and advancing youth development.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Minister of Local Government, commended Kigali City's leadership for its role in various initiatives, particularly the successful management of the July 2024 elections and maintaining a clean, secure capital that welcomes all.
He urged the newly elected councilors and leaders to address the challenges faced by residents, especially those with limited means. "Those elected should remember that we have the responsibility to help the citizens we represent, particularly vulnerable groups, so that everyone can contribute to the development of the country, especially Kigali City," he said.
Musabyimana highlighted the importance of supporting those with limited means to advance themselves. "Fortunately, we have a program to help citizens sustainably develop, not just to survive, but to lift them out of poverty. You have the responsibility to advocate for them and educate them so that everyone can take advantage of available opportunities available as the country continues to rebuild," he added.
Before his election as Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) from November 2019.
He holds a law degree from the former National University of Rwanda, where he studied from 2001 to 2005. His career includes roles such as legal advisor in the National Service for Gacaca Courts, Country Manager of the One Laptop Per Child program, and legal advisor at the Regional Center on Small Arms, among others.
The Kigali City Council, now comprising 12 councilors, includes Rose Baguma, Frank Gatera, Liliose Larisse Nyinawinkindi, Aimé Tsinda, Muhammed Semakula, Urujeni Martine, Samuel Dusengiyumva, Flavia Gwiza, Christian Mugenzi Kajeneri, Marie Grace Nishimwe, and Jack Ngarambe.
Historically, Kigali's roots date back between 8000 and 3000 BC, evolving from the creation of the country of Gasabo, which later expanded to form present-day Rwanda. The city itself, founded in 1907 by German Richard Kandt, has a 116-year history marked by gradual infrastructure development.
Since 1975, Kigali City has been led by 12 mayors, including Francois Karera (1975-1990), Col Renzaho Tharcisse (1990-1994), Rose Kabuye (post-Genocide), Protais Musoni (1997-1999), Marc Kabandana (1999-2001), Théoneste Mutsindashyaka (2001-2006), Aissa Kirabo Kacyira (2006-2011), Fidèle Ndayisaba (2011-2016), Monique Mukaruliza (2016), Pascal Nyamulinda (2017-2018), Marie Chantal Rwakazina (2018-2019), and Pudence Rubingisa (2019-2023).
Dusengiyumva became the 11th mayor of Kigali City after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/samuel-dusengiyumva-re-elected-as-kigali-city-mayor
