KIGALI – The ruling RPF-Inkotanyi has ushered in a new chapter of internal leadership renewal, with both its youth and women’s Leagues electing new national committees during their sixth congress sessions held in Rusororo, Gasabo district.
The back-to-back congresses, held on March 21 and 22, brought together delegates from across the country to assess progress, reflect on past achievements, and set priorities for the future, underscoring the party’s continued focus on grassroots mobilisation and inclusive development.
Youth league signals continuity and ambition
The youth league elected Ernest Mugisha as its new President, deputized by Nelly Rwagitare as Vice President and Esther Urindwa Kwizera as Secretary General. They are joined by a team of commissioners overseeing key portfolios including governance, economy, justice, and social welfare.
In his acceptance remarks, Mugisha described the mandate as both an honour and a responsibility, emphasizing the need for collective leadership and disciplined execution.
“This is not something to take lightly or celebrate without reflection. It requires wisdom and close collaboration with my colleagues,” he said.
He paid tribute to the outgoing leadership, noting that their work laid a strong foundation on which the new team intends to build. Mugisha also called on young people to embrace a mindset of responsibility and ambition.
“As young people, we must act as winners. What we have achieved today is largely thanks to those before us, but preserving and expanding it will depend on our unity and shared effort,” he said.
RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General Amb. Christophe Bazivamo echoed the message, describing the congress as more than an electoral exercise. He noted that the outgoing committee had delivered on nearly 90 per cent of its planned activities and urged the new leadership to go further.
“The confidence placed in you comes with high expectations. We expect transformation and sustainable development, and we will work together to support you in achieving that,” he said.
Women’s league focuses on delivery and inclusion
A day earlier, the Women’s League elected Pudentienne Uzamukunda as its President, alongside Emilienne Kabega as Vice President and Virginie Mukandayisenga as Secretary General.
Other committee members were appointed to lead portfolios including governance, justice, economy, and social welfare, reflecting the league’s broad role in advancing both party and national priorities.
In her remarks, Uzamukunda thanked members for their trust and called for commitment in implementing the resolutions adopted during the congress.
“I call upon all women, both present and absent, to fulfil the commitments we have made,” she said, signaling a results-driven approach for the new leadership.
Bazivamo congratulated the newly elected team and reaffirmed the party’s support, stressing the importance of unity and active participation.
“The resolutions adopted here will be achieved if we work together, men and women, leaving no one behind,” he said.
A unified message of renewal
Across both congresses, a consistent message emerged: leadership renewal within the RPF-Inkotanyi is not merely about new faces, but about sustaining momentum and deepening impact.
With youth and women positioned at the centre of the party’s mobilization strategy, the newly elected committees are expected to play a critical role in driving policy priorities, strengthening community engagement, and supporting Rwanda’s broader development agenda.
As both leagues begin their new mandates, expectations are to build on past progress, deliver tangible results, and reinforce a collective vision for the country’s future.
