President Paul Kagame has called on newly sworn-in lawmakers to help address problems facing citizens, saying issues that can be resolved should not be left unattended.
Kagame made the remarks Friday, Oct. 2, after receiving the oaths of Senator Wellars Gasamagera and Member of Parliament Benjamin Niyonshuti, who have joined the two chambers of Parliament.
He said lawmakers have a responsibility to oversee government activities and other areas of public administration, but that carrying out those duties requires more than simply following the law.
“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,” Kagame said.
He urged the new lawmakers to distinguish between problems that can be addressed with available resources and those that require further efforts to find solutions.
“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,” he said.
Kagame said financial limitations could affect how quickly some problems are addressed, but leaders should begin with what is possible while continuing to look for resources to deal with more difficult challenges.
The president said the swearing-in ceremony was also an opportunity to remind lawmakers already in office, as well as those who will take up public responsibilities in the future, of the duties attached to leadership.
“We wish you well in your work. Do everything possible to ensure that you fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to you,” he said.
Gasamagera was selected by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations to fill the Senate seat left vacant after Senator Donatille Mukabalisa died on July 30. The selection was announced on Sept. 24.
He previously served as a senator from 2003 to 2011 and has held several public and diplomatic positions, including ambassador to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe and director general of the Rwanda Management Institute. He also served as secretary general of the Rwandan Patriotic Front from April 2023 to December 2025.
Niyonshuti, 27, was elected as the youth representative in the Chamber of Deputies in a Sept. 2 by-election. He received 47 of the 197 valid votes cast, according to final results published by the National Electoral Commission.
He replaced Venuste Icyitegetse, who resigned from Parliament in June, citing personal reasons. Niyonshuti holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and local governance from the University of Kigali.
