A glance at notable official transitions in Rwanda in 2025 #rwanda #RwOT

President Paul Kagame appointed Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, replacing Dr. Édouard Ngirente, who had held the position for nearly eight years since 2017.

This change, in accordance with Rwanda's constitutional requirements, necessitated the formation of a new cabinet.The reshuffle, announced around July 24-25, retained most existing ministers while introducing several key adjustments to refresh the administration.

For instance, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, who had served as Minister of Local Government since October 2024, was replaced by Dominique Habimana. Similarly, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the Minister of Environment who had been in the role for about a year, was succeeded by Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye.

In the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, the former Minister of State, was replaced by Dr. Thelesphore Ndabamenye.

Dr. Patrice Mugenzi had served as Minister of Local Government since October 2024.

Short-lived appointments

The year 2025 saw the arrival of new leadership in the Ministry of Local Government, with Dr. Patrice Mugenzi assuming office on October 18, 2024, replacing Musabyimana Jean Claude. However, just nine months later, Mugenzi was replaced by Dominique Habimana on July 24, 2025, when the new government was formed.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, remained in the new government formed in July 2025.

However, after just four months, he was replaced by Dr. Thelesphore Ndabamenye, who had previously served as State Minister in the same ministry. On December 1, 2025, Dr. Ndabamenye was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who had stayed on in the new government, was replaced by Dr. Usta Kaitesi, who had served a year in the Rwandan Senate. On December 1, 2025, Kabarebe Senior Defense and Security Advisor in the Office of the President.

Dr. Semakula's tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health lasted only a few months.

Permanent secretaries

Several permanent secretaries across different ministries were replaced during various reshuffles in 2025. Some of these officials had very short tenures, making it challenging to assess their impact during their brief time in office.

For instance, Dr. Muhammed Semakula, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health on July 16, 2025, was replaced by Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney on November 28, 2025, after just four months in office. Dr. Semakula's tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health lasted only a few months.

Another notable change involved Gisèle Umuhumuza, who had spent several years leading Wasac Utility Ltd. She was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure on July 16, 2025, but her time in office was short-lived.

She was soon arrested and faced legal charges related to her actions during her time at Wasac Group Ltd. Umuhumuza was replaced by Canoth Manishimwe, who took over as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure on September 18, 2025. Shortly after her replacement, Umuhumuza faced legal proceedings and was incarcerated.

Additionally, Uwayezu Jean François Regis, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, was replaced on July 16, 2025, by Candy Basomingera.

The year 2025 also witnessed high-profile arrests of leaders, including Prof. Omar Munyaneza, the former CEO of Wasac Group Ltd.

He was arrested in August 2025 and charged with corruption, abuse of power, and sexual harassment.

In September, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court ordered the release of Prof. Munyaneza, Gisèle Umuhumuza, and Dominique Murekezi from Wasac Development on bail, allowing them to face trial outside of prison.