Some of the newly appointed ministers were already serving in government, while others are entirely new to the Cabinet.
For instance, Damien Murwanashyaka, who was appointed Minister of Infrastructure, is a newcomer to government, while Marie Antoine Kajangwe, appointed to lead the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), brings extensive experience in the sector despite not previously serving in Cabinet.
The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has been under increasing public scrutiny in recent years, particularly over delayed projects involving roads, dams, and public buildings that have reportedly caused significant financial losses for the state.
The ministry underwent major changes, with three new senior officials being appointed.
Damien Murwanashyaka appointed Infrastructure Minister
Before his appointment, Damien Murwanashyaka had served since 2025 as the Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Contractors Ltd, a construction company he founded. Between 2024 and 2025, he was Managing Director of Ultimate Developers Ltd, a company well known for residential construction projects.
Murwanashyaka has also worked for several companies, including Real Contractors Ltd, ROKO Construction Ltd, CIMERWA PPC, Gasabo 3D Design Ltd, and Century Engineering Contractors, where he built a strong reputation in project management and leadership on major infrastructure initiatives.
A Professional Civil Engineer, Murwanashyaka has more than 15 years of experience in construction and development projects. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
He earned a First-Class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rwanda. He later pursued postgraduate studies at Oklahoma Christian University, after completing his undergraduate education in Rwanda.
Zingiro Armand moves from REG to MININFRA
Armand Zingiro, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, had been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) since 4 September 2023.
Prior to leading REG, Zingiro headed the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL), the company responsible for electricity distribution, a position he had held since 2020.
He has been succeeded at REG by Maximilien Byilingiro, who was appointed as the institution’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Col. Claudien Bizimungu also joins MININFRA
Another new entrant to the ministry is Col. Claudien Bizimungu, who was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure.
In 2022, Col. Bizimungu was appointed Deputy Commander of the Engineer Brigade, the unit responsible for infrastructure projects within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He was also among the Rwandan military engineers deployed to Jamaica to assist in rebuilding infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
Kajangwe takes over at MINICOM
Another newcomer to Cabinet is Marie Antoine Kajangwe, who was appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, replacing Prudence Sebahizi.
Since August 2024, Kajangwe had served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Before that, he was the ministry’s Director General for Trade and Investment.
His former position as Permanent Secretary has been assigned to Chantal Tuyishimire.
Judith Uwizeye returns to Public Service Ministry
The reshuffle also saw Judith Uwizeye appointed Minister of Public Service and Labour, replacing Ambassador Christine Nkulikiyinka.
In the Cabinet announced in July 2025, Uwizeye had been serving as Minister in the Office of the President.
This is not the first time she has held the Public Service portfolio. She previously served as Minister of Public Service and Labour from 2014 to 2017.
Uwizeye studied Law at the former National University of Rwanda (UNR), graduating in 2006. She later obtained a postgraduate degree in International Economic and Business Law from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Since 2006, she has also taught at the law faculty of the former National University of Rwanda.
Other appointments
The presidential appointments also included several diplomatic and institutional changes:
- Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Karenzi Karake was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to China.
- Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Israel.
- Col. (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland.
- Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Spain.
- Louise Kanyonga was named Chief Executive Officer of Zigama CSS.
- Michelle Umurungi was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
