President Paul Kagame has urged newly appointed Cabinet members and other officials to put the interests of citizens before their personal gain, saying leadership in public institutions is first and foremost about serving citizens and improving their well-being.
He said this while presiding over the swearing-in of newly appointed ministers and other officials at Village Urugwiro on Wednesday, June 17.
ALSO READ: Kagame appoints new ministers, ambassadors
The officials who took the oath of office include Damien Murwanashyaka as Minister of Infrastructure, Antoine-Marie Kajangwe as Minister of Trade and Industry, Armand Zingiro as Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Col Claudien Bizimungu as Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Others are James Wizeye, Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Judith Mbabazi, Deputy Ombudsperson in charge of Preventing and Fighting Injustice, and CP Theos Badege, Deputy Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
"Always remember the weight of that oath and the responsibility it carries to serve our country. When we serve Rwanda well, the benefits that come from that service will ultimately reach all of us as well," Kagame said.
"More often than not, the difference is not simply about ability or effort. It is largely about understanding the responsibility entrusted to you and viewing it from the perspective of serving the country rather than serving your own individual interests."
ALSO READ: Cabinet makes key appointments in public institutions
He reminded them that they had been selected from many capable Rwandans and they should use that opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to national development.
"Poor performance creates serious problems. While those responsible eventually face the consequences of their actions, citizens often suffer first, paying the price for failures they did not cause.
"Leaders must understand they come after the people, not before them. The benefits of good leadership should reach citizens first, while leaders benefit afterwards."
The President also called on government officials to work together to solve challenges instead of making excuses, stressing that no problem should be allowed to persist because of poor coordination or lack of commitment.
He also addressed concerns over frequent leadership changes, saying they are often the result of repeated failure to deliver.
Leaders are given opportunities to correct mistakes, but action becomes necessary when the same shortcomings continue despite repeated chances, he said.