Minister of Public Service and Labour Julienne Uwacu has made expanding job opportunities for Rwandans a key priority as she takes office, with plans to strengthen employment programmes across the country.
Uwacu outlined her priorities during an official handover ceremony held on Monday, November 2, 2026, where she took over from Judith Uwizeye, who has been appointed to the Senate.
Her plans include expanding access to employment, improving public services and strengthening labour policies to support a more effective working environment.
The new minister takes office as the government continues implementing its National Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to create 1.25 million productive and decent jobs between 2024 and 2029.
The strategy focuses on helping young people and other jobseekers develop skills that match the needs of employers, while supporting job creation across different sectors of the economy.
In September 2026, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour brought together institutions responsible for implementing the strategy to review progress and identify ways to strengthen employment programmes.
The discussions focused on skills development, connecting jobseekers with employers and improving cooperation between public institutions and private businesses.
The ministry is also working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on an updated National Employment Policy covering 2026 to 2036.
During consultations held in October, government representatives, employers, workers’ organisations and development partners discussed measures to expand employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
The policy places particular attention on digital skills, entrepreneurship and emerging employment opportunities in sectors such as information technology, e-commerce, tourism and financial services.
These areas are expected to play an important role in preparing young people for changing labour market demands and supporting businesses seeking qualified workers.
For university graduates and other jobseekers, the implementation of these programmes could provide clearer pathways from education and training into employment.
Beyond employment, Uwacu has also identified improvements in public service delivery and labour reforms among her priorities.
Her appointment marks a return to the Cabinet after eight years. She previously served as Minister of Sports and Culture from February 2015 to October 2018.
Before her latest appointment, she held leadership positions in institutions involved in cultural development and national unity, including Unity Club Intwararumuri.
President Kagame appointed Uwacu as Minister of Public Service and Labour on October 27, 2026, before she took the oath of office on October 30.
She succeeds Judith Uwizeye, who had held the ministerial position since June 2026.
While expanding employment opportunities is among Uwacu’s stated priorities, no separate job creation target or implementation timetable has been confirmed as part of her new agenda.
Her leadership will now involve overseeing existing employment programmes and coordinating efforts to improve access to jobs, skills development and labour services.
RADIOTV10