President Paul Kagame has emphasized the importance of accountability and integrity in public service. He said this during the swearing-in ceremony for new ministers yesterday. The ceremony welcomed Dr. Patrice Mugenzi as the Minister of Local Government and Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe as the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.
In his address, President Kagame acknowledged the vital roles these ministries play in the nation’s development. “Often, people take oaths and accept such responsibilities, agreeing to them, believing in them, and even proving capable of fulfilling them. However, we know that it sometimes happens that, despite committing to serve the country and Rwandans, and to do everything possible, some people may end up prioritizing their personal interests over their duty,” he stated.
Kagame expressed confidence in the new ministers’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities but urged them to work collaboratively with their teams. “You cannot be a good leader if you do not have good collaborators,” he said, highlighting the necessity of teamwork for effective governance.
The president commended the appointees for their willingness to serve, reminding them that it is customary for Rwandans to answer the call to serve the nation. “These are actions undertaken according to the resources available to the country or what can be sought from elsewhere,” he added.
Kagame addressed the persistence of self-interest in politics, declaring, “This is a behavior we have been eradicating over the years, a culture that had become deeply rooted in the bad politics of the past, which we have been uprooting for the past 30 years.” He called on the new ministers to remain vigilant against personal gain.
He further encouraged the ministers to maintain high standards of integrity and accountability, stating, “You understand this, and you have the capacity for it; you should not only work alone but should also collaborate with others to fulfill your responsibilities effectively.”
In his closing remarks, Kagame underscored the need for the ministers to monitor their teams and ensure that all members are fulfilling their duties. He remarked, “Failing to act is also a mistake,” stressing the importance of proactive leadership in serving the Rwandan people.
