Four new senators sworn in on October 24 have expressed their commitment to President Paul Kagame’s call for accountability and citizen-centered solutions in the Senate. The swearing-in ceremony presided over by Kagame marked the official start of the new senators’ parliamentary duties. Except for Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu and Evode Uwizeyimana who are returning for a second five-year term, the four others are new in the Senate: Valentine wamariya, Alfred Gasana, Alphonse Nkubana, and Frank Habineza. ALSO READ: Six senators set to complete their terms next week These senators join the 20 senators who took the oath a year ago, during the commencement of the fourth Senate legislature in September 2024, completing the 26-member Senate of Rwanda. Uwamariya, Gasana, Dusingizemungu, and Uwizeyimana were appointed by Kagame on October 21, while Nkubana and Habineza were nominated by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO) on October 14 and their nominations were approved by the Supreme Court on October 15. Dusingizemungu and Uwizeyimana are now entering their second terms. Uwamariya and Gasana replace Epiphanie Kanziza and André Twahirwa, while Habineza, President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Nkubana, Chairman of the Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP), replace Alexis Mugisha (DGPR) and Clotilde Mukakarangwa (Centrist Democratic Party, PDC), who completed their first terms. ALSO READ: Politicians Habineza, Nkubana nominated for Senate Kagame’s address to new senators In his address, Kagame highlighted the critical role of Parliament, particularly the Senate, in shaping the country’s governance, indicating that it plays a key role in guiding the direction of the country’s institutions, ensuring they remain focused on their objectives. He also underscored the importance of linking the country’s long-term goals to the daily lives of Rwandans, stressing that “decisions made in the Senate should align with the real needs of the people and address their challenges.” “The Senate’s responsibilities should not be underestimated. It must ensure that limited resources reach as many Rwandans as possible, and this should be done as a routine task,” Kagame said, cautioning against wastage. To this end, the President stated, senators must provide clear guidance on priorities, monitor their implementation, and ensure that these are carried out in a timely manner. “Our policies often look good on paper, in documents. But the most essential thing is ensuring that these well-crafted ideas are implemented. They must not remain just written documents. People must constantly ask why actions that were urgent and had resources allocated to them, even if limited, were not implemented as they should have been,” Kagame said. “Our drive and commitment must lead us to act swiftly, do the right things and to hold those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities accountable. Answers must be provided so that mistakes are not repeated,” he said. New senators’ responses to Kagame’s call Senator Valentine Uwamariya Uwamariya underscored the importance of effective oversight to ensure government programmes and policies align with the country’s development goals. She also pointed out the need for creative solutions, given Rwanda’s limited resources. “We must make the most of the resources we have, ensuring they are used efficiently to meet the needs of the people,” she said. Uwamariya also acknowledged the country’s unique history, stating that the Senate’s work must reflect this history and operate in a way that addresses both current and future challenges. “We are committed to providing sound advice and ensuring that resources are utilised wisely to promote the welfare of all Rwandans,” she observed. Senator Alfred Gasana Gasana, who pledged to fulfill the Senate’s responsibilities with diligence, said that Kagame’s call is in line with the Senate’s core functions, including oversight of government programmes, enacting citizen-driven laws, and ensuring that promises to the people are kept. He also said that the call is in line with the Senate’s responsibilities, including monitoring the implementation of “the fundamental principles on which our country is built.” According to Rwanda’s constitution, the fundamental principles include equitable power-sharing, social welfare, and promoting a pluralistic democratic government. “The President trusts us to hold the government accountable, and we will not disappoint,” Gasana said. ALSO READ: Why the Rwandan Senate cannot be dissolved Senator Frank Habineza Habineza, a former member of Rwanda’s Lower House of Parliament, stated that in addition to legislative duties, the Senate plays a unique role in monitoring the implementation of the country’s fundamental principles. He thanked Kagame for his guidance, saying “we are committed to implementing it.” “As part of Parliament, the Senate has a responsibility to advocate for the people—this includes visiting citizens, conducting oversight, and ensuring that the government delivers on its promises. It is our duty to ensure these commitments are met effectively, and we will carry out this responsibility with the utmost dedication,” Habineza said. Senator Alphonse Nkubana Nkubana highlighted the importance of senators’ outreach tours to understand and address citizens’ challenges. “Citizens expect more from us, and we must respond by acting quickly and effectively, using the available resources in the best way possible,” Nkubana said. He added that as new senators, they bring knowledge and willingness to their work. He also underlined the need for collaboration with grassroots institutions to ensure that the Senate’s work truly reflects citizens’ needs.
