Six New Senators Sworn In as Rwanda Welcomes Fresh Appointments and Returning Members

KIGALI, Rwanda - On October 24, 2025, the Rwandan Senate welcomed six new members, including four presidential appointees and two elected representatives, strengthening the upper chamber with a mix of experience and fresh perspectives.

Among those appointed by President Paul Kagame were Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Alfred Gasana, while Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre and Uwizeyimana Evode began their second five-year Senate terms. The two senators elected by the Consultative Forum of Legal Political Parties were Dr. Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana.

Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, born May 14, 1971, in Nyamasheke, holds degrees in Organic Chemistry from the former National University of Rwanda, a Master’s in Environmental Engineering and Water Technology from the Netherlands Institute of Technology, and another Master’s from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She has over 18 years of teaching and research experience, previously serving as Dean of the School of Science at the University of Rwanda and as Vice-Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic. Most recently, she held leadership positions in the Ministries of Education, Gender and Family Development, and Environment.

Alfred Gasana, former Member of Parliament and head of the Political Affairs Committee, has held key government roles, including Minister of Security and Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands. He previously led the Internal Security Department at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre, who served as the head of IBUKA for a decade, has a long history in education and public service. Born in 1963, he joined the RPF Inkotanyi in 1992 and became Bourgmestre of Gahini in 1994. He first joined the Senate in 2020 and has now been reappointed for a second term.

Dr. Frank Habineza, born February 22, 1977, in Mityana, Uganda, served as a Member of Parliament from 2018 to 2024, including as Vice Chair of the Human Rights Committee. He has an extensive academic background, holding Master’s degrees in War Studies, Governance, and Democracy and Human Rights, and is currently studying law at the University of Kigali.

Alphonse Nkubana is an entrepreneur and politician with over 25 years of experience in business, governance, and institutional development. Founder of Positive Thinking Ltd, he has served as General Secretary of the PSP and as Spokesperson of the Federation of Legal Political Organizations in Rwanda. Nkubana holds a Master’s in International Relations from Mount Kenya University and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Kigali Independent University.

Uwizeyimana Evode, born in 1970, began his government career in 2016 as Secretary of State for the Constitution. He participated in the 2015 constitutional review commission and first joined the Senate in 2020. He was reappointed for a second term and sworn in alongside his colleagues on October 24.

Senators in Rwanda are appointed or elected for five-year terms, renewable once, and this cohort is expected to bring a blend of expertise in governance, education, security, law, and entrepreneurship to the legislative body.