Senator Gasamagera was selected by the Forum of Political Parties legally operating in Rwanda to replace Donatille Mukabalisa, who died in July 2026.
Niyonshuti was elected to represent the youth, replacing Venuste Icyitegetse, who resigned from the position in June 2026 for personal reasons.
President Kagame said the swearing-in ceremony was significant because it marked the beginning of responsibilities to serve the country. He reminded the two lawmakers that their work went beyond simply ensuring compliance with laws.
“Regarding Parliament, leaders have many things to oversee, including government activities, and their oversight also extends to other institutions. To fulfil these responsibilities properly, they must have the necessary knowledge, vision and conduct. It is not just about enforcing laws,” he said.
The President explained that Rwanda’s culture calls on leaders to perform their duties beyond the minimum requirements of the law, particularly when addressing problems that need to be resolved so that citizens are not continually burdened by challenges that could have been dealt with.
“Problems that can be resolved should be removed from the way, difficult ones should continually be addressed in search of solutions, and people should work together,” he said.
President Kagame noted that resources are sometimes available to enable leaders to address the country’s challenges. However, when resources are insufficient, leaders should begin with what is possible while seeking additional resources to tackle problems they cannot immediately resolve.
He said the swearing-in of Senator Gasamagera and MP Niyonshuti also served as a reminder to other serving leaders, as well as those who may take up public responsibilities in the future, of the importance of performing their duties effectively.
Senator Gasamagera holds a PhD from Monarch Business School in Switzerland and a master’s degree in management from the University of Quebec in Canada.
Between 1997 and 2001, he served as prefect of the former Kigali Ngari Prefecture.
His previous positions include serving as Rwanda’s ambassador to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, a senator from 2003 to 2011, and head of the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI), a national institution responsible for training in management and public administration.
From 2023 until December 2025, he served as Secretary-General of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi).
