President Paul Kagame has once again cautioned government officials against repeating past mistakes, urging them to draw lessons from their experiences and always act in the best interests of Rwandans rather than for personal gain.
The Head of State made the remarks on Monday after swearing in three newly appointed officials — Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of Defence; Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion; and Yvès Iradukunda, Minister of State in charge of Technology and Innovation.
Marizamunda and Uwimana had missed the collective swearing-in ceremony of new cabinet members on July 25, 2025, as they were on official duties abroad. Iradukunda, who was recently appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, was also outside the country at the time.
After administering the oath, President Kagame reminded the new ministers that they were joining colleagues already serving in government and emphasised that the positions they hold are meant to serve national interests, not personal ones.
A leader should never put their personal interests before those of the people, President Kagame said.
He reiterated that when one assumes public office, they must honour the oath they take by working diligently and fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them.
It’s one thing to have responsibilities, but performing them well is what truly matters, he said. It depends on how deeply you understand your duties and their weight.
President Kagame stressed that leadership is about serving the country and its citizens, not oneself.
We work for the country, for Rwandans and for ourselves as part of them. But no one is appointed to think of themselves first. The priority must always be the interests of Rwandans, he said.
The President also emphasised that knowledge alone is not sufficient to fulfil one’s duties; dedication and integrity are equally essential.
He noted that the ministries of Defence, Gender and Family Promotion, and ICT play a crucial role in improving citizens’ welfare and driving the country’s development.
Reiterating his long-standing message on accountability, President Kagame warned leaders against repeating past mistakes, saying errors should serve as lessons rather than patterns of failure.
Making a mistake should teach you a lesson. Repeating the same mistake only changes the appearance of the problem, and that is unacceptable for a leader, he cautioned.
Concluding his remarks, President Kagame assured the new ministers of his full cooperation and support, underscoring the importance of teamwork in achieving national goals.
“You can always count on support and collaboration. If you find yourself struggling with something, there will always be someone to assist you,” he said.
