President Paul Kagame has called for greater accountability and practical implementation of national policies, emphasizing that Rwanda’s development ambitions must move beyond well-written documents to concrete action and measurable results.
Speaking on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of new senators at Parliament, President Kagame said that while Rwanda has developed sound policies and strategies, their impact depends entirely on the discipline and responsibility of those entrusted to execute them.
It is a message he delivered this Friday after receiving the oath of six senators — Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre, Uwizeyimana Evode, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, Gasana Alfred, Frank Habineza, and Nkubana Alphonse.
“Our policies often look good on paper, in documents. But the most essential thing is ensuring that these well-crafted ideas are implemented,” he said. “They must not remain just written documents. People must constantly ask why actions that were urgent and had resources allocated to them, even if limited, were not implemented as they should have been.”
The Head of State urged leaders at all levels to act with urgency and integrity, saying that accountability must be a central value of public service.
“Our drive and commitment must lead us to act swiftly, do the right things and to hold those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities accountable,” Kagame said. “Answers must be provided so that mistakes are not repeated.”
President Kagame also reflected on the complex challenges Rwanda continues to face both internally and externally, noting that the country often bears the cost of actions or mistakes beyond its control.
“Many of the things Rwanda goes through are difficult. Some challenges are internal, others come from outside. Even when a neighbour makes a mistake and causes a problem, Rwanda is the one that pays the price and is held accountable. That is our burden,” he remarked.
He said such realities should inspire resilience and a heightened sense of duty among public servants, reminding them that Rwanda’s leadership operates under unique pressures that demand extraordinary commitment.
“You must be fully aware of this, and let it shape the way you work, not in the ordinary, day-to-day manner of those who are not affected by such challenges,” Kagame told the newly sworn-in senators. “We face a double burden: we are held accountable for our own actions, and also for those of others. That is the reality.”
Rather than yielding to frustration, Kagame urged leaders to draw strength and determination from Rwanda’s experience and identity.
“Rather than sit back and complain, we must draw strength from within ourselves to confront and overcome these challenges,” he said.
The President’s message, delivered in his signature tone of urgency and self-reliance, comes as the country continues to consolidate reforms across governance, justice, and economic sectors, emphasizing discipline, institutional performance, and integrity as the backbone of Rwanda’s progress.
