President Paul Kagame received the oaths of office of Senator Wellars Gasamagera and Deputy Ben Niyonshuti as they formally joined Rwanda’s Parliament, using the ceremony to remind them of the responsibilities that come with public leadership.
Kagame told Senator Gasamagera and Deputy Niyonshuti that their responsibilities in Parliament extended beyond legislation, noting that the institution also oversees government activities and other public institutions..
“In Parliament, leaders have a lot to oversee, including government activities and other institutions. To carry out those responsibilities properly, they need knowledge, awareness and the right conduct. It is not only about complying with the law,” Kagame said.
He said leadership should also be reflected in how officials respond to problems affecting citizens, particularly those that can be addressed without unnecessary delay.
“Problems that can be solved should be cleared away, while difficult ones should continuously be worked on, with people cooperating,” he said.
Kagame added that while resources were not always sufficient to address every challenge immediately, leaders should make use of what was available while continuing to seek solutions to issues requiring greater capacity.
He said the swearing-in provided an opportunity not only to address the two new lawmakers but also to remind other officials, and those who may assume public responsibilities in future, about the standards expected in leadership.
Gasamagera entered the Senate after being selected by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Donatille Mukabalisa.
Niyonshuti joined the Chamber of Deputies as the representative of the youth after winning the election held to replace Venuste Icyitegetse, who had resigned from Parliament for personal reasons. The National Electoral Commission later confirmed Niyonshuti as the winner of the youth representative seat.
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