The cabinet changes follow the appointment of Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as Rwanda's new Prime Minister on Wednesday. In line with constitutional provisions, his appointment necessitated the formation of a new Cabinet, with Dr. Nsengiyumva also taking the oath of office during Friday's ceremony.
The reshuffle introduced two new ministers and two new state ministers. Dominique Habimana has assumed the position of Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye was appointed Minister of Environment, both joining the Cabinet for the first time.
Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye was named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye became the State Minister for Infrastructure.
Additionally, Jean-Guy Afrika was sworn in as Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), holding the rank of Minister, alongside Juliana Muganza, who took oath as Deputy CEO with the rank of Minister of State.
The newly composed Cabinet includes 21 ministers and 10 state ministers. Most have retained their portfolios from the administration of outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
Two ministersâ€"Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of Defence, and Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotionâ€"were unable to attend the swearing-in due to official duties abroad. President Kagame is expected to receive their oaths in due course.
Following the swearing-in, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva expressed deep appreciation for the President's confidence in him. 'This trust will not be taken lightly,' he affirmed.
'I assure you that I will do everything possibleâ€"and moreâ€"to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me, so that our country benefits in a way that is evident to all,' added Dr. Nsengiyumva.
In his remarks, President Kagame extended his appreciation to outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, praising his dedicated service.
He also addressed those who had not yet been reappointed, reassuring them that they remain part of an ongoing process of consideration and national service.
The President highlighted the aspirations of many Rwandans to contribute to national development, noting that the recent cabinet reshuffle reflects a deliberate and dynamic response to that national ambition.
To the newly appointed officials, he emphasized the weight and responsibility of public service. While roles may differ in scope, he noted, they all require a strong capacity, relevant expertise, and a clear willingness to serve the country.
Kagame remarked that delivering results requires dedication, the right mindset, and an understanding that these roles exist to serve the public good, not personal interests.
He stressed that while leaders can be guided and reminded, effective service ultimately depends on personal conviction and commitment.
Kagame also reminded the appointees that the Rwandan people are watching with high expectations. He urged them to earn and maintain public trust by addressing the day-to-day challenges faced by citizens and demonstrating unwavering dedication to national service.
List of appointments
I. Ministers
1. Judith Uwizeye â€" Minister in the Office of the President
2. Inès Mpambara â€" Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
3. Yusuf Murangwa â€" Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
4. Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe â€" Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja â€" Minister of Justice / Attorney General
6. Juvenal Marizamunda â€" Minister of Defense
7. Consolée Uwimana â€" Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
8. Dr. Vincent Biruta â€" Minister of Interior
9. Dominique Habimana â€" Minister of Local Government
10. Dr. Jimmy Gasore â€" Minister of Infrastructure
11. Paula Ingabire â€" Minister of ICT and Innovation
12. Joseph Nsengimana â€" Minister of Education
13. Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye â€" Minister of Environment
14. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe â€" Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
15. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana â€" Minister of Health
16. Prudence Sebahizi â€" Minister of Trade and Industry
17. Nelly Mukazayire â€" Minister of Sports
18. Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana â€" Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement
19. Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka â€" Minister of Public Service and Labor
20. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira â€" Minister in Charge of Emergency Management
21. Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumutwishima â€" Minister of Youth and Arts
II. Ministers of State
1. Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe â€" Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation
2. Mutesi Linda Rusagara â€" Minister of State for Resource Mobilisation and Public Investment
3. Godfrey Kabera â€" Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury
4. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye â€" Minister of State for Infrastructure
5. Marie Solange Kayisire â€" Minister of State for Local Government
6. Claudette Irere â€" Minister of State for Education
7. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye â€" Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources
8. Dr. Yvan Butera â€" Minister of State for Health
9. Sandrine Umutoni â€" Minister of State for Youth and Arts
10. Rwego Ngarambe â€" Minister of State for Sports
III. Other senior officials
1. Jean-Guy Afrika â€" Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with the rank of Minister
2. Juliana Muganza â€" Deputy CEO of RDB, with the rank of Minister of State
3. Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard â€" Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with the rank of Minister
Théophile Niyitegeka
