KIGALI - President Paul Kagame has hailed the outgoing Senators for delivering on their duties and, as the pioneers, for ensuring that the Senate grows into the most respected law making organ in the country.

The Head of State made the remarks, yesterday, while officiating at the swearing-in ceremony of 20 new Senators.

During the ceremony, the new vice presidents of the lower chamber of parliament were also sworn, while three Ministers who missed the Swearing- in of the new government, last week, took oath as well two newly appointed Ministers of State.

President Kagame thanked the outgoing president of Senate, Dr. Vincent Biruta, for his outstanding role in leading the Senate, over the last 8 years, observing that the House started from scratch and has grown to become the respectable institution that it is today.

The Head of State went on to thank the outgoing Senators for a job well done, pointing out that a lot was achieved during their time in the House.

The President noted that most of them are still in position to continue serving the country and posses the will and commitment to do so.

President Kagame said that he has no doubt that the incoming Senators will deliver and consolidate the work started by their outgoing compatriots, to the expectations of the people.

He pledged the cooperation of the central government.

The Head of State pointed out that the new Senators come in with fresh ideas, energy and the will to build on what their outgoing colleagues started, which translates into further development of the country.

In his acceptance speech, the new president of the Senate, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, promised to deliver, observing that he has the energy and the will to do so.

Dr. Ntawukuriryayo, who prior to his appointment was the vice president in the lower chamber of deputies, replaces Dr. Vincent Biruta.
 
During the ceremony, newly appointed Ministers of State were also sworn-in.

Dr Alvera Mukabaramba, was appointed the State Minister in charge of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government and Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, the State Minister for Energy.

Dr. Mukabaramba replaces Christine Nyatanyi who passed away, last month, in Belgium while Isumbingabo replaces Eng. Colletha Ruhamya.

Isumbingabo has been a lecturer at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.

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