Profiles of Rwanda’s 2010 Presidential Candidates

Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo (PSD) JEAN DAMASCENE NTAWUKULIRYAYO is the flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). PSD was founded in 1991 and their current chairman is Vicent Biruta, the Senate President. Dr. Ntawukuriryayo was born in Runyinya in former Butare province on August 8, 1961. After pursuing a career in academia, he was appointed the Minister of State in Charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 1999. Between 2004 and 2008, he was subsequently Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Health. As Health Minister, Dr. Ntawukuriryayo was the brains behind the very successful health insurance scheme Mutuelle de Sante – which is now said to be covering more than 80 per cent of the population. The 49-years-old Ntawukuriryayo was elected then to the Chamber of Deputies, where he is currently serving as the Deputy Speaker. Ntawukuliryayo holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology. He is married with three children. Ends