Senator Wellars Gasamagera and youth representative Ben Niyonshuti took their oaths of office at a ceremony attended by the president.
Gasamagera joins the Senate after being selected by the Political Parties Forum, replacing Donatille Mukabalisa, who died in July 2026. Niyonshuti, meanwhile, takes over as the youth representative in Parliament following the resignation of Venuste Icyitegetse in June for personal reasons.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame reminded the new lawmakers that their responsibilities extend beyond passing laws and overseeing government activities. He said effective leadership also requires sound judgement, commitment and a willingness to address the needs of the population.
“Those who serve in Parliament have many responsibilities, including overseeing government activities and engaging with other institutions. To fulfil these duties, they need knowledge, insight and the right attitude. It is not just about following the law,” Kagame said.
He called on the lawmakers to take a practical approach to leadership, urging them to identify problems that can be resolved and work together to find lasting solutions to more complex challenges.
Kagame said leaders should not allow issues that can be addressed to remain unresolved, adding that cooperation is essential to improving people’s lives.
“Problems that can be resolved should be removed from the way, while difficult ones should continue to be addressed through the search for solutions, with people working together,” he said.
The president also urged leaders to make the best use of available resources, even when funding is limited, while continuing to seek additional support to address challenges that cannot be resolved immediately.
He said the swearing-in ceremony was also a reminder to other public officials and future leaders of the importance of taking their responsibilities seriously and delivering on their commitments to the country.
Gasamagera brings years of experience in public service, diplomacy and political leadership to the Senate.
He holds a PhD from Monarch Business School in Switzerland and a master’s degree in management from the University of Quebec in Canada.
He served as governor of the former Kigali Ngari Prefecture from 1997 to 2001 before taking up several other leadership roles, including Rwanda’s ambassador to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe.
Gasamagera was also a senator from 2003 to 2011 and later headed the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI), which provides training in management and public administration.
From 2023 to December 2025, he served as secretary-general of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).
