President emphasizes accountability and tangible results during swearing-in ceremony.
President Paul Kagame has called on the newly sworn-in senators to confront challenges directly, whether they are internal or external, and to ensure that their work delivers tangible results for the country. This statement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of six senators at Parliament on Friday.
The newly appointed senators include Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, Evode Uwizeyimana, Valentine Uwamariya, and Alfred Gasana, who were appointed by the President, alongside Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana, who were elected by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO). With this induction, the Senate now comprises 26 members, achieving equal gender representation with 13 men and 13 women.
During the ceremony, President Kagame expressed gratitude to the new senators for accepting their responsibilities. He highlighted the crucial role of the Senate in governance, stating that it guides government institutions on where to focus their efforts and provides necessary oversight to ensure alignment across all institutions.
Kagame emphasized that the work of the Senate should connect long-term legislative goals with the daily lives of Rwandans. He acknowledged that the aspirations of Rwandans often exceed the available resources, but stressed the importance of using those resources wisely to achieve the maximum possible outcomes.
“When you look at it, what Rwandans want is often more than our resources can provide. But this reminds us that even with limited resources, we must use them wisely to achieve the most possible based on what we have,” he stated.
The President pointed out that while policies may appear beneficial on paper, the real challenge lies in their implementation. He asserted that those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities must be held accountable, and solutions should be sought to prevent the repetition of mistakes.
“For us, with the will to act correctly, those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities must be held accountable, and solutions must be provided so that mistakes are not repeated,” Kagame added.
Furthermore, Kagame stressed the importance of understanding both the historical context of the country and its future direction. He acknowledged the various challenges faced by Rwanda, some of which are rooted internally while others arise from external factors. He noted that Rwanda often bears the consequences of problems faced by neighboring countries.
“Many things are challenging. Some problems originate internally; others come from outside. Even when a neighbor has problems, Rwanda bears the consequences. It is up to us to respond,” he said.
Kagame encouraged the senators to take proactive measures rather than waiting for issues to resolve themselves. He remarked on the historical injustices faced by Rwanda, stating, “We did not cause it, but we must confront it without letting it block our path.”
In conclusion, the President reminded the senators of their responsibilities and the importance of clear communication regarding the nation’s accountability. “You must carry out your duties accordingly. That is how you will truly serve our country,” he emphasized.
Key Points
- Kagame calls on senators to confront challenges directly.
- New Senate comprises 26 members with equal gender representation.
- Emphasis on accountability and tangible results in governance.
- Senators urged to connect legislative goals with citizens' daily lives.
- Historical injustices must be confronted without hindering progress.
Sources: Kagame tells senators to confront challenges, deliver results
