{"id":113870,"date":"2025-10-25T18:54:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T18:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/we-will-not-disappoint-say-new-senators"},"modified":"2025-10-25T19:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T19:11:30","slug":"we-will-not-disappoint-say-new-senators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/we-will-not-disappoint-say-new-senators","title":{"rendered":"We will not disappoint, say new senators"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Four new senators sworn in on October 24 have expressed their commitment to President Paul Kagame\u2019s call for accountability and citizen-centered solutions in the Senate.<\/p>\n

The swearing-in ceremony presided over by Kagame marked the official start of the new senators\u2019 parliamentary duties.<\/p>\n

Except for Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana who are returning for a second five-year term, the four others are new in the Senate: Valentine wamariya, Alfred Gasana, Alphonse Nkubana, and Frank Habineza.<\/p>\n

These senators join the 20 senators who took the oath a year ago, during the commencement of the fourth Senate legislature in September 2024, completing the 26-member Senate of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by President Paul Kagame on Friday. Dan Gatsinzi<\/p>\n

Uwamariya, Gasana, Dusingizemungu, and Uwizeyimana were appointed by Kagame on October 21, while Nkubana and Habineza were nominated by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO) on October 14 and their nominations were approved by the Supreme Court on October 15. Dusingizemungu and Uwizeyimana are now entering their second terms.<\/p>\n

Uwamariya and Gasana replace Epiphanie Kanziza and Andre\u0301 Twahirwa, while Habineza, President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Nkubana, Chairman of the Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP), replace Alexis Mugisha (DGPR) and Clotilde Mukakarangwa (Centrist Democratic Party, PDC), who completed their first terms.<\/p>\n

Kagame\u2019s address to new senators<\/p>\n

In his address, Kagame highlighted the critical role of Parliament, particularly the Senate, in shaping the country\u2019s governance, indicating that it plays a key role in guiding the direction of the country\u2019s institutions, ensuring they remain focused on their objectives.<\/p>\n

(L-R) Senators Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, Alfred Gasana, and Frank Habineza take the oath of office during the event.<\/p>\n

He also underscored the importance of linking the country\u2019s long-term goals to the daily lives of Rwandans, stressing that \u201cdecisions made in the Senate should align with the real needs of the people and address their challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Senate\u2019s responsibilities should not be underestimated. It must ensure that limited resources reach as many Rwandans as possible, and this should be done as a routine task,\u201d Kagame said, cautioning against wastage.<\/p>\n

To this end, the President stated, senators must provide clear guidance on priorities, monitor their implementation, and ensure that these are carried out in a timely manner.<\/p>\n

President Paul Kagame addresses new senators during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, October 24. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi<\/p>\n

\u201cOur policies often look good on paper, in documents. But the most essential thing is ensuring that these well-crafted ideas are implemented. They must not remain just written documents. People must constantly ask why actions that were urgent and had resources allocated to them, even if limited, were not implemented as they should have been,\u201d Kagame said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur drive and commitment must lead us to act swiftly, do the right things and to hold those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities accountable. Answers must be provided so that mistakes are not repeated,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

New senators\u2019 responses to Kagame\u2019s call<\/p>\n

Senator Valentine Uwamariya<\/p>\n

Uwamariya underscored the importance of effective oversight to ensure government programmes and policies align with the country\u2019s development goals. She also pointed out the need for creative solutions, given Rwanda\u2019s limited resources.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must make the most of the resources we have, ensuring they are used efficiently to meet the needs of the people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Senator Valentine Uwamariya interacts with Senator Evode Uwizeyimana<\/p>\n

Uwamariya also acknowledged the country\u2019s unique history, stating that the Senate\u2019s work must reflect this history and operate in a way that addresses both current and future challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are committed to providing sound advice and ensuring that resources are utilised wisely to promote the welfare of all Rwandans,\u201d she observed.<\/p>\n

Senator Alfred Gasana<\/p>\n

Gasana, who pledged to fulfill the Senate\u2019s responsibilities with diligence, said that Kagame\u2019s call is in line with the Senate\u2019s core functions, including oversight of government programmes, enacting citizen-driven laws, and ensuring that promises to the people are kept.<\/p>\n

He also said that the call is in line with the Senate\u2019s responsibilities, including monitoring the implementation of \u201cthe fundamental principles on which our country is built.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Rwanda\u2019s constitution, the fundamental principles include equitable power-sharing, social welfare, and promoting a pluralistic democratic government.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President trusts us to hold the government accountable, and we will not disappoint,\u201d Gasana said.<\/p>\n

Senator Frank Habineza<\/p>\n

Habineza, a former member of Rwanda\u2019s Lower House of Parliament, stated that in addition to legislative duties, the Senate plays a unique role in monitoring the implementation of the country\u2019s fundamental principles.<\/p>\n

He thanked Kagame for his guidance, saying \u201cwe are committed to implementing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs part of Parliament, the Senate has a responsibility to advocate for the people\u2014this includes visiting citizens, conducting oversight, and ensuring that the government delivers on its promises. It is our duty to ensure these commitments are met effectively, and we will carry out this responsibility with the utmost dedication,\u201d Habineza said.<\/p>\n

Senator Alphonse Nkubana<\/p>\n

Nkubana highlighted the importance of senators\u2019 outreach tours to understand and address citizens\u2019 challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cCitizens expect more from us, and we must respond by acting quickly and effectively, using the available resources in the best way possible,\u201d Nkubana said. He added that as new senators, they bring knowledge and willingness to their work.<\/p>\n

He also underlined the need for collaboration with grassroots institutions to ensure that the Senate\u2019s work truly reflects citizens\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

Senator Usta Kaitesi chats with other senators at the event.<\/p>\n

RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye and the National Intelligence and Security Service Secretary General, Aimable Havugiyaremye at the event.<\/p>\n

The Minister in charge of Emergency Management Albert Murasira interacts with Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda.<\/p>\n\r\n