President Paul Kagame yesterday appointed Julienne Uwacu as the Minister for Sports and Culture, replacing Joseph Habineza. The appointment was announced in a brief communique signed by the Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi.
President Paul Kagame yesterday appointed Julienne Uwacu as the Minister for Sports and Culture, replacing Joseph Habineza.
The appointment was announced in a brief communiqué signed by the Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi.
Minister Uwacu has been a member of Parliament.
Speaking to The New Times, last evening, Uwacu thanked the appointing authority and welcomed the new responsibilities.
"I am very thankful to President Kagame for entrusting me with this new task. I am absolutely committed to serving my country,” she said.
The minister added that she is looking forward to promoting the Rwandan culture and taking sports in Rwanda to the next level.
While Uwacu has been a Member of Parliament since 2008, she had not featured prominently in the media, but has held vital positions in the House, including serving as the deputy chairperson of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.
Before joining the Chamber of Deputies, Uwacu served as the Vice Mayor of Nyabihu District in charge of economy and development.
In a brief phone interview with Habineza, the former minister told The New Times that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve as minister.
He later tweeted congratulating the new minister.
"Thanks to HE@PaulKagame. I will remain loyal and dedicated to your vision of developing our Rwanda. Congratulations to Julienne (Uwacu),” the tweet read.
The appointment of Uwacu increases the percentage of women in Cabinet from 36 to 40 per cent.