President Paul Kagame on Monday, September 6 called upon leaders to work together to deliver better and faster on the goals set for the development of the country.

He was speaking at the ceremony to swear in the new Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana and other senior officials mainly in the security sector.

Bizimana is the first minister to preside over the new ministry.

During the ceremony that was held at Village Urugwiro, Kagame reminded the leaders that while building the country is every Rwandan’s responsibility, the leaders in their different capacities are tasked with taking the central role in ensuring that everyone is on board.

He reminded the officials to pick lessons from the mistakes that have been made in the past and not only ensure that they are not repeated but advised them to capitalise on them to do better in line with the current evolving times.

"We have achieved a lot and the duties set for each one of you are clear. Your experience should be a strong and unshakeable foundation on which we can base to build something solid,” he said.

Covid-19 reminder

Kagame reminded that although Rwandans have achieved a lot especially through working with their leaders, there was need to continue providing them support, especially during the current challenging Covid-19 times.

He challenged the officials to take the lead in ensuring that the masses are living comfortable lives although clear Covid-19 measures in place on how to control the spread of the virus are in place.

The other officials sworn in include the Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Lieutenant General Mubarak Muganga, the Commissioner-General of Rwanda Correctional Service Juvenal Marizamunda and the Deputy Commissioner General Rwanda National Police Jeanne-Chantal Ujeneza.

Also sworn in was Colonel Jean-Paul Nyirubutama, the Deputy Director-General, National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).