Among them are two appointed by President Paul Kagame: Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Gasana Alfred, as well as two elected by political parties; Dr. Frank Habineza, president of the Green Party, and Nkubana Alphonse, president of the PSP party focused on social welfare and development. They join Evode Uwizeyimana and Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre who are beginning their second term after reappointment.
After the swearing-in of the six senators, the Senate of Rwanda now comprises 26 senators, including 13 women and 13 men, which represents 50% women, reinforcing the principle of gender equality.
President Kagame reminded them of their heavy responsibilities where Rwandans expect much greater than the country's resources, emphasizing the need to strive for excellence in their work.
'The Senate allows government institutions to direct their efforts appropriately and conducts necessary evaluations to ensure that all institutions remain aligned. It is your duty to align the country's long-term goals with the daily lives of Rwandans,' he said.
He continued, 'It is crucial that decisions made reflect the needs of Rwandans and provide solutions to the problems they face.'
Pledge to serve citizens' interests
Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, who has been appointed as a senator, has held various positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Environment, among other roles.
In an interview with IGIHE, she expressed her gratitude for President Kagame's continued trust in her, which reinforces the expectation of positive results.
She said, 'I am very grateful because the Head of State has placed his trust in me more times than I can count. I would say he still expects a lot from me. I was very happy when he appointed me, but once everything settles down, you sit and think, 'What is expected of me?' You feel grateful and immediately think about what you are going to do for Rwandans and Rwanda. To repay that trust is to work well.'
She mentioned that she is ready to implement the duties of the legislative body, including overseeing government activities, passing laws to address citizens' problems, engaging in debates, and attending consultations.
Dr. Uwamariya said, 'It's about working together. From where I come from, I believe it won't be hard to oversee because you are aware of the challenges. We have a unique country, with a unique history, and our approach must be distinct. There is oversight and consultations, and the President has asked us to work in an extraordinary way, focusing on the country's development and the progress of its people.'
She emphasized the readiness to collaborate with her colleagues, working towards a common goal and following the country's vision.
Amb. Alfred Gasana, who has previously served as Minister of Internal Security and as Rwanda's Ambassador to the Netherlands, also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Kagame.
He said, 'I deeply thank the President for trusting me once again by appointing me as a senator. It's a great honor. To repay him is to work with all my intelligence, heart, and strength. The President reminded us to implement the duties entrusted to us. I promise not to disappoint him, and I assure Rwandans the same.'
Amb. Gasana stated that, regarding the responsibilities they are about to undertake, they will focus on the welfare of the citizens.
Alphonse Nkubana, who was appointed a senator, said, 'We are happy to have been given these new responsibilities, and the President has made it clear that we must work according to the wishes of the people. We are here, with strength and wisdom.'
Dr. Frank Habineza, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, expressed that he would continue his duties of overseeing government activities, assuring that he would continue to advocate for the people.
He said, 'I am happy to continue serving in the legislative body. We deeply appreciate the President for the trust he has placed in us, and the legislature's role is to represent the people of Rwanda.'
He added, 'I believe you will see me as I was in Parliament. It depends on the duties of the Senate, but it still has the responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, visit them, and when they raise concerns to us, we must find solutions. We will continue to advocate for them even more effectively.'
The new senators' term will end in October 2030, while 20 others will finish theirs in 2029.
A senator's term usually lasts for five years, renewable once.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/new-senators-pledge-to-serve-rwandans-interests
