President Paul Kagame has announced a series of cabinet, diplomatic and senior public appointments, naming new ministers for infrastructure, trade and labour, as well as ambassadors and leaders of key state institutions.
The appointments, announced late Wednesday in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, affect three ministries and several strategic government institutions, bringing a mix of experienced public servants, diplomats and private-sector professionals into new leadership roles.
Damien Murwanashyaka was appointed minister of infrastructure, replacing Jimmy Gasore, while Judith Uwizeye was named minister of public service and labour, succeeding Christine Nkulikiyinka. Antoine Marie Kajangwe was appointed minister of trade and industry, succeeding Prudence Sebahizi.
The changes come as Rwanda continues to pursue ambitious infrastructure and economic development programs, with the ministries affected by the reshuffle playing central roles in implementing government policies and investment priorities.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, which oversees major public works projects, including roads, energy systems, water infrastructure, and public buildings, has drawn significant public attention in recent years amid concerns about delays affecting some large-scale projects.
Murwanashyaka, a professional civil engineer with more than 15 years of experience in construction and project management, joins the government from the private sector. Since 2025, he has served as chief executive officer of Preferred Contractors Ltd. Before that, he led Ultimate Developers Ltd, a company known for residential housing developments.
He has also worked for several construction and engineering firms, including Real Contractors Ltd, ROKO Construction Ltd, CIMERWA PPC, Gasabo 3D Design Ltd and Century Engineering Contractors.
A graduate of the University of Rwanda, where he earned First Class Honours in Civil Engineering, Murwanashyaka is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Kagame also strengthened the Infrastructure Ministry’s leadership by appointing two ministers of state.
Armand Zingiro, who had served as chief executive officer of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) since September 2023, was named minister of state. Before heading REG, he led the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL), Rwanda’s electricity distribution company.
Claudien Bizimungu was also appointed minister of state in the ministry. Since 2022, he has served as deputy commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s engineering unit responsible for infrastructure and construction projects.
At the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kajangwe’s appointment marks the promotion of a longtime ministry official. Since August 2024, he has served as permanent secretary at the ministry, having previously worked as director-general in charge of trade and investment.
Kajangwe’s former position was filled by Chantal Tuyishimire, who was appointed permanent secretary.
Uwizeye, meanwhile, returns to the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, a portfolio she previously led between 2014 and 2017. Since July 2025, she has served as minister in the Office of the President.
A lawyer by training, Uwizeye graduated from the former National University of Rwanda in 2006 before pursuing postgraduate studies in International Economic and Business Law at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She later taught law at her alma mater.
Her predecessor, Christine Nkulikiyinka, was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Spain as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle.
The diplomatic appointments also saw retired Lt. Gen. Karenzi Karake named Rwanda’s ambassador to China, while Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana was appointed ambassador to Israel. Retired Col. Jeannot Ruhunga, the former secretary-general of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, was named ambassador to Poland.
Beyond government and diplomatic appointments, Kagame named Louise Kanyonga as chief executive officer of Zigama CSS and appointed Maximilien Byilingiro as chief executive officer of REG, replacing Zingiro.
Michelle Umurungi was appointed deputy chief executive officer in charge of investments at the Rwanda Social Security Board.
The appointments represent one of the most significant rounds of personnel changes since government was formed in 2025 and continue Kagame’s practice of drawing from both the public and private sectors to fill senior leadership positions across government institutions.
