The Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER) has received 89 new members who swore their oaths at the body’s headquarters on Friday, February 17.

Newly sworn-in professionals include 75 engineers and 14 professional technologists.

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During the ceremony, Engineer Alex Dushime Hategekimana, the body’s registrar, commended the new members and urged them to pursue the opportunities they have as well as engage more with the institution.

"As you get the national recognition, you also get the rights to practice in countries with whom we share mutual agreements, and so far, those are Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya,” he stressed, adding that more countries will be added and revealed that South Sudan is in the process as well.

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Hategekimana encouraged them to work as a team and solve the different issues of the institution as it grows bigger.

In addition, he revealed that there is a plan to start providing Continuous Professional Development Courses (CPDs) for them to keep updated.

On his part, Engineer Gentil Kangaho, the President of the Engineer’s body tasked the sworn-in engineers to work professionally and deliver quality to the people they are serving as they build a better nation.

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"By applying what you studied you have to consider the benefits of the people you are serving to avoid committing professional mistakes, for instance, in the case of Syria and Turkey many engineers were apprehended due to their designs,” he said

In addition, Kangaho reminded the new members that the institution will be there for them and encouraged them to contribute as well as participate in all activities of the body.

Moreover, he called for the young generations to enrol in other faculties’ not only civil engineering for them to fill some gaps instead of having foreigners do such jobs.

During the same event, it was also revealed that there is a plan for an upcoming medical insurance scheme to facilitate private engineers among other initiatives.

Beline Iradukunda, a professional engineer who was also sworn in on Friday, indicated that membership in their regulator opens a door of opportunities to them.

She said: "Working illegally, in isolation, and in hidden conditions won’t allow you to prosper and develop your career. So, this membership will open doors for us, and will create more networking opportunities for its members,”

Moreover, Iradukunda urged her women to join the profession adding that they have are able and have the capability.

Evariste Nsengiyumva also called for technologists to join the body saying that it was hard for them to be on-site before being registered as professional technologists but now they are ready to continue and represent the body.

Established in 2008, the Institute of Engineers Rwanda strives to become a centre of excellence and use best practices in advancing and promoting the Engineering profession in the country.