President Paul Kagame has urged newly sworn-in members of parliament to take their responsibilities seriously and do everything possible to serve citizens and address the challenges they face. He was speaking on Friday, October 2, during the swearing-in ceremony of Senator Wellars Gasamagera and MP Benjamin Niyonshuti as members of Parliament. “This is a regular ceremony, but it is a serious one because it comes with responsibilities of leadership, as well as the responsibility to serve the country,” Kagame said. ALSO READ: Gasamagera picked to replace late Senator Mukabalisa “To those who have been sworn in, I thank you for accepting these responsibilities, and I hope you will fulfil them as you are expected to.” Kagame said the responsibilities of lawmakers were already clear, noting that those entering Parliament for the first time had also previously served the country in other capacities. “These responsibilities are about working for the citizens. We hope that the responsibilities you have taken on today will be fulfilled as they should be.” MPs urged to help solve citizens’ problems Kagame said challenges exist everywhere and that people look to their leaders to help find solutions. ALSO READ: Ben Niyonshuti confirmed as Youth MP “There are always challenges everywhere, not only in our country. Wherever people face problems, they need to find solutions, and they look to their leaders for guidance,” he said. “In Parliament, you have a lot to oversee, particularly government activities and how they are linked to other sectors.” ALSO READ: Kagame tasks new MPs to end disorder in churches Kagame also urged MPs to conduct themselves properly. “To fulfil these responsibilities, you must also conduct yourselves properly. It is not only about complying with the law, but also about respecting our culture.” “Those issues that can be addressed should be dealt with and put behind us, while the more complicated ones should continue to be worked on.” Kagame said financial constraints can sometimes affect the pace at which problems are addressed, but leaders should deal with what is possible while continuing to work on other issues as resources become available. “Today, the swearing-in of Gasamagera and Niyonshuti gives us an opportunity to remind those who were sworn in before, as well as those who will take the oath in the future, of this message.” “We wish you well in your work. Do everything possible to ensure that you fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to you.” Who are the newly sworn-in members of the parliament? Senator Wellars Gasamagera was nominated by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO) to replace Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, who died of an illness on July 30. The nomination was announced during the NFPO General Assembly on Thursday, September 24. Gasamagera served as Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi from April 2023 to December 2025. He previously served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Angola and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the President and the Republic of Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. He also served as Director General of the Rwanda Management Institute. Between 2003 and 2011, Gasamagera served as a senator and was a member of the Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance and the ICT Steering Committee. Before that, he served as Prefect of Kigali Rural Province between 1997 and 2001. He has also been a member of several think tanks and chaired the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR). Gasamagera holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Quebec in Canada and a Commonwealth Professional Certificate in Parliamentary Practice and Procedures. MP Benjamin Niyonshuti, 27, was elected to represent youth in the Chamber of Deputies in a September 2 by-election. He secured 47 of the 197 valid votes cast, representing 23.9 per cent, according to results announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). The by-election was held to fill the seat left vacant after Venuste Icyitegetse resigned from Parliament on June 11, citing personal reasons. Niyonshuti hails from Nyamirambo in Nyarugenge District and holds a bachelor's degree in public administration and local governance from the University of Kigali. His professional experience includes governance, community outreach and business, including management roles at Govern Well Rwanda and Influence Africa. He has also served as a commissioner in the National Youth Council and in Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing, both in Nyarugenge District.
