President Paul Kagame has announced a new round of senior government appointments, reconstituting leadership positions in agriculture, foreign affairs, national security, and the Senate. The changes were issued in a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on December 1, 2025.
The latest appointments introduce new figures into cabinet while repositioning others who have played significant roles in Rwanda’s governance and policy landscape.
They also open the door for seasoned leadership to return to national service, particularly in the Senate and in presidential advisory roles.
Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye – Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
Dr. Ndabamenye has been elevated to Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, taking over the portfolio after previously serving as the ministry’s State Minister.
His appointment reflects years of continuous work in Rwanda’s agricultural system, where he has held senior positions focused on crop production, food security, and livestock development.
Before joining cabinet in July 2024, Ndabamenye served as Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), a role he assumed in March 2023.
His experience also includes serving as Senior Advisor in MINAGRI and heading technical departments within RAB responsible for soil management and agricultural productivity.
Beyond his technical contributions, he has chaired the Board of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and served as Chairperson of the Nyamasheke District Council.
With a PhD and Master’s degree in soil science, Ndabamenye brings scientific expertise at a time when Rwanda is working to modernize its agriculture, improve resilience, and accelerate output across the value chain. He replaces Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, who held the ministry since October 2024.
Dr. Solange Uwituze – State Minister at MINAGRI
Stepping into the position of State Minister in MINAGRI is Dr. Solange Uwituze, who had been serving as Acting Director General of RAB. Her appointment recognizes her leadership in agricultural research, institutional reform, and strategic agri-business development.
Before becoming Acting DG following Ndabamenye’s move to cabinet, Uwituze served as the Deputy Director General of RAB.
Her portfolio includes governance roles in major agricultural institutions such as Gabiro AgriHub Business Ltd, where she sits on the board, and Gako Meat Company Ltd, where she serves as Deputy Board Chair.
She is also a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and one of the founding members of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences.
Her blend of scientific background and managerial experience positions her to support the ministry’s drive toward greater agricultural innovation, improved productivity, and stronger commercialization within Rwanda’s growing agri-business sector.
Dr. Usta Kayitesi – State Minister at MINAFFET
In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Usta Kayitesi has been appointed State Minister, replacing General (Rtd) James Kabarebe.
Her appointment brings to the ministry a leader with a strong background in governance, academia, legal reform, and legislative oversight.
Kayitesi moves to MINAFFET after serving as a Senator and Chairperson of the Committee on Politics and Governance. She previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) from 2019 to 2024, following a period as the institution’s Deputy CEO.
Her academic career includes lecturing at the former National University of Rwanda and later serving as Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences.
In 2015, she played a key role as Vice Chairperson of the national commission tasked with supporting Parliament in reviewing the Constitution.
With a PhD in Law and extensive governance experience, Kayitesi brings institutional depth to Rwanda’s diplomatic and regional cooperation agenda.
Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe – Senior security advisor
General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, one of the most prominent figures in Rwanda’s modern military history, has been appointed Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President.
The appointment returns him to a strategic advisory role after serving as Minister of State for Regional Cooperation (MINAFFET).
Kabarebe’s public service career spans decades. He previously served as the President’s security advisor and is widely recognized for his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff from 2002 to 2010, the longest in the Rwanda Defence Force’s history.
Born in Uganda in 1959, he studied Economics and Political Science at Makerere University before joining the liberation struggle. He retired with the distinguished rank of Four-Star General.
His new advisory position signals continuity in national security strategy and regional stability efforts.
Dr. Charles Murigande – Senator
Dr. Charles Murigande has been appointed Senator, filling the seat vacated by Dr. Kayitesi’s move to the foreign affairs ministry. His return to public service brings back one of Rwanda’s most experienced administrators, diplomats, and educators.
A PhD mathematician trained in Belgium, Murigande began his post-genocide public service as Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs in 1994.
He later served as Minister of Transport and Communications, Rector of the National University of Rwanda, Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs, and Minister of Education.
He then represented Rwanda abroad as Ambassador to Japan, with accreditation to Australia, the Philippines, and other nations, before retiring in 2020. His re-entry into the Senate adds depth to its oversight and legislative functions.
