President Paul Kagame has made significant changes within the national leadership, invoking Articles 116 and 112 of the Constitution to remove and appoint several members of the Government. In these changes, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, formerly the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), replaces Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe as Minister.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed a new Minister of State, Dr. Usta Kayitesi, who replaces Gen. James Kabarebe. Gen. Kabarebe returns to his previous role as the President’s Senior Security Advisor.

Dr. Charles Muligande, aged 67, has also returned to national leadership. He last served in 2015 as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan (2011–2015). Before that, he held several senior positions, including Minister of Education (2009–2011), Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (2008–2009), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002–2008). He now joins the Senate, replacing Dr. Usta Kayitesi, who has moved to her new ministerial position.

The new Minister of State in MINAGRI is Dr. Solange Uwituze, who previously served as Deputy Director General for Animal Resources at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

These rapid changes in MINAGRI come less than a year after Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe was appointed Minister on October 19, 2024. The reshuffle follows media reports highlighting severe drought affecting residents in Kayonza District, particularly in Ndego Sector and surrounding areas.