President Paul Kagame, yesterday, officiated at the swearing-in ceremony of a new government, following the appointment of Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, as Prime Minister.

The new Premier took oath before naming a cabinet with the majority of the Ministers maintaining their positions.

President Kagame stressed that their was no need to change a "winning team,” adding that even the few changes do not reflect underperformance, but rather a switch in roles.

The Head of State commended the outgoing Prime Minister – Bernard Makuza - as well as the Ministers he worked with, including those reappointed, observing that they duly fulfilled their duties.

The President called upon the new government to work with commitment and one goal - serving the Rwandan people. He pointed out that Rwanda is one of the most scrutinised countries in the world.

"We are the most scrutinised nation, government, people in this world. We always have to prove ourselves. Infact, instead of being disheartened, we should be strengthened by that,” Kagame said. "We will always do the best we can because we are doing it for ourselves.”

The President told the leaders that whatever they do, they should do it for their country and its citizens, but not to impress others, pointing out that the unnecessary criticism directed at the country should not deter them from doing their best.

The Head of State reminded the newly sworn-in ministers that their duty is to serve the Rwandan people and ensure that their lives are transformed and welfare improved.

Habumuremyi thanked the President for appointing him Prime Minister and said that he is ready to take on the challenge.

"I am ready to play my part to accelerate national development and the socio-economic welfare of its citizens,” he said.

Shortly after taking oath and delivering his first address as Prime Minister, Habumuremyi read out the new cabinet.

All the ministers maintained their positions except Eng. Colletha Ruhamya, the Minister of State Minister for Energy, who missed out on the new line-up.

Habumuremyi said that new appointments to fill the vacant posts will be announced at a later date.

The vacant posts include the Ministry of Education, which the new Prime Minister formerly occupied, Minister of State Minister for Energy and the Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government, a position left vacant by the late Minister Christine Nyatanyi, who passed away last week.

The outgoing Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza said that he was content with the 11 years at the helm.
 
"For the last 11 years I have been Prime Minister, I had the best team which worked in a coordinated way,” Makuza said.

"I strongly believe that the new team will continue to deliver on the goals we set for ourselves, the commitment and will is there, no doubt about that. I will also continue serving the country in my new capacity (Senator).”

Ends