Edouard Bamporiki, a former Minister of State for Culture, has been appointed executive secretary of Unity Club Intwararumuri, the organisation that brings together current and former Rwandan leaders and their spouses.

The appointment was announced on Tuesday, October 27, in a statement signed by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva on behalf of President Paul Kagame.

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"In consultation with Unity Club Intwararumuri, the following appointment has also been made: Mr Bamporiki Edouard, Executive Secretary, Unity Club Intwararumuri,” the statement reads.

Bamporiki replaces Julienne Uwacu, who was appointed Minister of Public Service and Labour.

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Bamporiki, an actor and author, was elected as a member of Parliament in 2013.

In 2019, he was appointed Minister of State in charge of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture. Before that, he had served as chairperson of the National Itorero Commission.

He holds a bachelor's degree in law from Kigali Independent University.

Conviction and pardon

Bamporiki was suspended from his government position in May 2022 amid a corruption investigation involving allegations.

In September 2022, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court sentenced Bamporiki to four years in prison, which he and the prosecution appealed.

In January 2023, the Kigali High Court sentenced him to five years in prison for fraudulent acquisition of another person's property and abuse of authority.

Bamporiki was among 32 convicts granted a presidential pardon following a Cabinet meeting held on October 18, 2024.