Gasamagera takes over the seat previously held by Mukabalisa, who died after an illness.

A veteran public servant and political figure, Gasamagera has held several senior positions in government and the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).

He served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Angola from July 2019 until 2023 before being appointed secretary-general of the RPF in May 2023, replacing Francois Ngarambe.

Gasamagera previously headed the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI), where he was involved in building the skills and capacity of public-sector employees.

He holds a PhD from Monarch Business School Switzerland, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Quebec in Canada, as well as a Commonwealth certificate in parliamentary studies.

His appointment brings to the Senate a politician with experience in diplomacy, public administration and the leadership of Rwanda’s ruling party.