President Paul Kagame yesterday nominated to the Cabinet Prof. Sam Rugege to replace Aloysea Cyanzaire as the Chief Justice.

Cyanzaire’s 8-year non-renewable term comes to an end this month.

The Head of State also nominated Zainabo Sylvie Kayitesi to the post of Deputy Chief Justice.

Rugege’s nomination followed due consultations with the Supreme Council of the Judiciary.

"The Cabinet supported the two candidates,” the minutes of Cabinet meeting read in part.

According to the Spokesperson of the judiciary, Charles Kaliwabo, the constitution set an 8-year non renewable term, which, upon expiry, the Head of State, with the approval by the Cabinet, presents a list of names to the Senate.

Justice Cyanzaire was appointed to the fourth highest office in the country in December 2003, replacing Justice Jean Mutsinzi. She previously headed the Gacaca traditional courts prior to her appointment.

Rugege has been serving as the Deputy Chief Justice while, Kayitesi is the chairperson of the Rwanda National Human Rights Commission.

In other appointments former, Valens Munyabagisha was named Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security, replacing Penelope Kantarama who now a Senator.

Regis Gatarayiha, who has been the Acting Director General of Rwanda Utility Regulatory Agency (RURA) was confirmed for the position while Yusuf Murangwa was appointed the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) replacing Diane Karusisi.

Dr. James Vuningoma, former Vice Rector of Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), has been appointed the Executive Secretary of the newly created Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture.

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