Rwandan President Paul Kagame has sworn in Senator Wellars Gasamagera and Member of Parliament Ben Niyonshuti, urging them to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and serve the country diligently.
Gasamagera was appointed by the Forum of Political Organizations to replace Donatille Mukabalisa, who died in July 2026.
Niyonshuti was elected to represent the youth, replacing Venuste Icyitegetse, who resigned from the position in June 2026 for personal reasons.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, President Kagame said the oath comes with a responsibility that goes beyond simply making and enforcing laws.
He urged the two legislators to understand the broader role of Parliament, including oversight of government activities and contributing to solutions to challenges facing citizens.
“What can be solved should be removed from the way, while difficult problems should continuously be addressed, with people working together.”
Kagame said leaders should make use of available resources to address national challenges and, where resources are insufficient, begin with what is possible while seeking additional means to tackle remaining problems.
Gasamagera holds a PhD from Monarch Business School in Switzerland and a Master’s degree in governance from the University of Quebec in Canada. He previously served as Prefect of the former Kigali Ngari Prefecture from 1997 to 2001, Rwanda’s ambassador to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, a senator from 2003 to 2011, and head of the Rwanda Management Institute.
He also served as Secretary General of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi) from 2023 until December 2025.
