President Paul Kagame has called on the new Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, and newly appointed cabinet members to lead with integrity, dedication, and a renewed mindset aimed at addressing the concerns of citizens.
While presiding over the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025, President Kagame reminded the officials that they already possess the will and capacity to succeed in their duties.
“The will, ability, and strength to perform the duties and responsibilities you have been given is within you,” Kagame told the newly sworn-in leaders, who include Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye the new Minister of Environment and Dominique Habimana as Local Government Minister, as well as the Ministers of State for Infrastructure and Agriculture.
President Kagame paid heartfelt tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente, who had served in the role since 2017.
The president first thanked the outgoing Prime Minister, saying he appreciated his great work and the years he spent serving. We worked well together, to the point where I would jokingly call him by his name ‘Ngirente’ which in Kinyarwanda means what should I do and he would do the needful, “go and execute it exactly as discussed. “I thank you very much,” Kagame said.
He emphasized that leaders who were not given new roles would still serve in other capacities.
“I want it to be clear that those who have been reassigned or not given new roles, there are still responsibilities waiting for them. There are many Rwandans we want to see play different roles in serving their country, and these things will keep changing—except for me, the only one who you have refused to retire. My time will come as well,” Kagame said with a hint of humor.
In his remarks, Kagame reflected on the need for Africans to challenge long-standing limitations and stereotypes.
“The kind of disrespect that Rwandans and Africans experience on a daily basis is staggering. Our mindset must change. We can’t be the same Rwandans and the same Africans we were 50 years ago,” he said.
He further addressed young leaders, urging them to leverage their education for the greater good of the nation:
“Giving you the right education is one thing; how you use it is another. But education is a foundation—it should be used to do good for the people.”
The newly appointed Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva vowed to serve Rwanda with untiring commitment, promising that the trust placed in him by President Paul Kagame will yield tangible results for every citizen.
After taking his oath, Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Kagame for the trust placed in him and pledged to focus on the concerns of Rwandans. He pledged to lead with transparency, commitment, and a people-centered approach
“My main focus will be on addressing citizens’ concerns,” Nsengiyumva stated.
He succeeds Dr. Ngirente, who led the government for eight years, and brings a strong background in economics, having previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and in key government and international roles.
