PRESIDENT PAUL KAGAME Monday, May 11, made several high-profile appointments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and in other government departments.
Clémentine Mukeka has been appointed the new Permanent Secretary of the ministry, replacing Urujeni Feza Bakuramutsa, who was earlier this year named the Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President.
Mukeka has been working as a Senior Trade Advisor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Rwanda and the lead for Nguriza Nshore, an access to finance project that supports small and medium businesses in Rwanda.
Mbonera Theophile was appointed Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, replacing Beatrice Mukeshimana. Mbonera was Head of the Department of Legal Services in the Ministry.
Amb. Jacques Kabale, previously Rwanda’s envoy to France, was named the Ambassador-At-Large for African Integration.
Moses Rugema was recalled from Geneva and promoted to the level of ambassador and named the Chief of State Protocol in the Office of the President.
Rugema has been Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
Other appointments in diplomacy include that of Guillaume Kavaruganda as the Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of Europe, Americas and International Organizations.
Kavaruganda was formerly Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Rwanda to Singapore.
Shakilla Umutoni Kazimbaya who formerly served as a Chargé d’Affaires at the Rwandan High Commission in Canada was appointed Director General for Africa, while Phillip Karenzi was appointed Director General for Asia and Pacific.
Karenzi has been posted at the Rwandan permanent mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Sheila Mutavu Mutimbo was given new responsibilities of Principal Officer in charge of Economic diplomacy and partnerships at the Ministry.
Juan Haguma is the new Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Darius Rutaganira is the Division Manager for Corporate Services.
Valery Nyirhabimana who was previously a member of parliament in East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) was appointed the Chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission. She replaces Mukantabana who was removed from her post.
In other positions, Dr Regis Hitimana was appointed Deputy Director General in charge of benefits in Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), a post that has been held by Dr. Solange Hakiba while Juliet Kabera was appointed Director General of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA).
Kabera replaced Coletha Ruhamya who has held the position since 2016.