Senate president, Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, has disclosed that his team intends to have research as part of its major priorities.

The new senate, that is yet to commence business, is composed of elected and appointed lawmakers but has so far established standing committees.

"The priorities are well defined within our constitution, but we also intend to put more emphasis on conducting research work,” Ntawukuriryayo said.

He added that the Senate plans to come up with a collaborative way of working with Higher Institutions of Learning in conducting key studies.

"Part of our mandate is conducting research. This research helps in knowing the rate of development and social affairs in the country,” he said.

Yhe previous Senate conducted three major research projects in the past eight years; the prevalence of Genocide ideology in the country; political pluralism and power sharing; and social justice.

The Senate is also currently conducting a study on dialogue and the consensus building principle – its findings are expected to be released soon.

Meanwhile, the upper chamber of Parliament is due to go on a familiarisation retreat before commencing work.

"The retreat is set to help the new senators to be familiar with their new duties, to understand the collaboration between our institutions and some administrative procedures,” said Ntawukuriryayo.

The retreat is scheduled for next month.

The Senate has 20 new senators, including the political bureau, while six from the former senate will be replaced next year, with four presidential appointments and two nominees from the Consultative Forum for Political Organisations.

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