President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, stressing that while methods may evolve in response to changing circumstances, the core principle of eradicating corruption must remain steadfast.
President Kagame was addressing more than 2,200 party members at the 17th Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi Congress on Friday, December 2025, at the Intare Arena.
Speaking at the congress, Kagame, who also serves as RPF Chairman, emphasised the enduring values that have defined the party’s governance since its inception.
“In governance, the principles we must uphold are rooted in our history, our words, and the actions we strive for. The RPF has always said we must fight corruption. That principle does not change,” Kagame declared. He elaborated that “the idea of fighting corruption from 31 years ago cannot be abandoned simply because we now live in a world that tolerates corruption, whatever that world may be.
Rather, what changes are the methods we use to f ight it. The principle itself does not change.” Kagame underscored the need for adaptation in the face of progress, while preserving the party’s foundational identity.
“But even as things change and they must change continually not everything changes. There is always something that remains constant: who you are, and the values and aspirations that define how you should live and respond in the midst of change. The core must remain constant,” he said.
Rwanda continues to rank highly in global anti-corruption efforts. According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Rwanda is ranked the 49th least corrupt country globally and the least corrupt in East Africa.
Turning to the importance of unity, the President called for a balance between individual independence and collective action in order to serve the nation effectively.
“You should be thinking independently, individually, but most importantly, act collectively. That is when it becomes meaningful and yields results. Each one of us here has personal concerns and our own lives, but our gathering reminds us that there is so much we share. So it is in our actions that we must be united,” he noted.
“This does not stop anyone from thinking for themselves, or handling their personal matters as they wish. This is where two things meet: what concerns us individually and what concerns all of us collectively. We understand that we must serve Rwandans and everyone who lives in Rwanda,” Kagame added.
President Kagame reflected on the foundations of the RPF’s historic struggle, emphasising that it was driven by a deep-rooted history and an unwavering belief in inherent rights that no individual should have to plead or struggle to obtain. He noted that while approaches and tactics may vary over time, the fundamental principle of demanding and securing one’s rightful entitlements remains non-negotiable.
“Giving me my rights is not something I should have to beg for, kneel for, or f ight you for. We will have a f ight, no question about it. I can’t beg anybody. I do not expect anybody to give me my right as a favour. No,” he stated.
Kagame also praised the resilience of Rwandans in the face of external attempts to sow division. “I do not know of any nation with citizens better than ours. I say this because of where we have come from: divisionist politics, genocide. And yet we have reached a point where our people stand together, even as the world keeps trying to take them back to that history.
“The first place where outsiders who seek to destroy us have failed is with our citizens. They tried to divide Rwandans again, to create conflict among them, but our people resisted and those efforts failed,” he remarked.
New RPF-Inkotanyi leaders The congress, which focused on key priorities for Rwanda’s transformation, also saw members adopt reforms to the party’s leadership structure, including the establishment of a Council of Elders.
In addition, the gathering approved new members of the Executive Committee, with Consolée Uwimana appointed as First Vice Chairperson, Marie Solange Kayisire as Second Vice Chairperson, Bazivamo Christophe as Secretary General, and Stephen Gasana Karasanyi as Deputy Secretary General.
Bazivamo replaces Gasamagera Wellars, who has held the position since 2023. Bazivamo is a seasoned RPF cadre with extensive leadership experience. Most recently, he served as the party’s Vice Chairman, a position he held from 2002 to 2023.
His public service career spans several senior roles, including Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Minister of Local Government, Community Development, Information and Social Affairs, Minister of Internal Security, and Minister of Lands, Environment, Forests, Water, and Mines.
In addition to his leadership roles within the country, Bazivamo has also represented Rwanda internationally, most recently serving as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria before his current appointment.
