President Paul Kagame on Friday, March 19, 2021, urged the newly appointed leaders to fully commit to their duties, saying that they owed Rwandans quality service.
The head of state was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of two new ministers and three provincial governors who were appointed on Monday.
During the ceremony, Kagame thanked the new cabinet members for committing to work with their colleagues to deliver the country's development goals and improve the lives of the Rwandan people.
"The work we do is to serve Rwandans and our country. We have to remind ourselves that we are working to transform people's lives for the better. We are not doing this for our own gain,” the President said.
Kagame pointed out that, previously, leaders have fallen short in two ways; working for their own benefit and based on their individual understanding of issues.
"The work of leaders should be based on what we agree on as a nation, the goals we have set, and the policies we have agreed on.”
Tough times require tough leaders
The head of state further urged the leaders to double their efforts as the country looks to recover from the effects of Covid-19.
"You are swearing-in during a difficult time with this pandemic. We are facing many challenges that have impacted the lives of our people and the economy.”
The President called on the leaders to remain dedicated to their work, cautioning that with the pandemic, it will be harder to achieve the country's goals. However, he added, by working closer together, solutions will be found.
Kagame ended his remarks by eulogizing John Pombe Magufuli the deceased Tanzanian president who died on March 17, 2021.
"On my own behalf and on behalf of the government and people of Rwanda, my deepest condolences to the family of the late President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, and to the entire Tanzanian nation,” he said.
"President Magufuli was a steadfast pan-African, and a friend to our country. Rwanda stands in solidarity with Tanzania and with President Samia Suluhu Hassan at this difficult moment,” Kagame said.