Six Rwandan Senators Conclude Their Five-Year Terms

Kigali, Rwanda, October 14, 2025-Six members of Rwanda’s Senate are preparing to complete their five-year terms in office next week, marking the end of their mandate that began in 2020. Those concluding their service include Senators Evode Uwizeyimana, André Twahirwa, Clotilde Mukakarangwa, Epiphanie Kanziza, Alexis Mugisha, and Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu.

All six were sworn in before President Paul Kagame on October 22, 2020, meaning their constitutional term officially ends on October 22, 2025.

Four were appointed by President Paul Kagame:

Evode Uwizeyimana, known for his active participation in political and legal debates.

Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu, a historian and advocate for genocide remembrance.

Epiphanie Kanziza, a senior educator and administrator.

André Twahirwa, a long-serving public servant.

Two were elected through the Forum of Recognized Political Parties in Rwanda (NFPO):

Alexis Mugisha, representing the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR).

Clotilde Mukakarangwa, representing the Democratic Party for the Unity of Rwanda (PDC).

Their departure opens the way for either reappointment or replacement, depending on the decisions of the President and the outcomes of internal political processes within the NFPO.

According to Article 80 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, the Senate consists of 26 members selected through different mechanisms designed to ensure political balance and institutional representation.The composition is as follows:

12 Senators are elected in accordance with the Constitution.

8 Senators are appointed by the President of the Republic.

4 Senators are elected by the Forum of Recognized Political Parties.

2 Senators are elected by higher education institutions, both public and private.

Each Senator, whether elected or appointed, serves a five-year term, which can be renewed once. The only exception applies to a former Head of State, who may serve as a Senator for life without term limits.

The rotation system of appointments and elections ensures continuity within the Senate’s operations. Of the eight Presidential appointees, four are appointed at the start of a new Senate term, while the remaining four are appointed one year later, maintaining institutional balance.

Similarly, among the four Senators elected by political parties, two are chosen at the beginning of the term, and two others a year later.

The elections for the fourth term of the Senate took place in September 2024, as part of Rwanda’s continuing effort to strengthen its legislative institutions and uphold democratic governance.

As the six Senators prepare to conclude their service, discussions are already underway regarding potential reappointments and replacements. Some of the outgoing members, particularly those appointed by the President, remain eligible for a second term if reselected.

Political analysts in Kigali note that this transition provides an opportunity for renewed perspectives within the Senate, while maintaining the institution’s balance between experience, political diversity, and technocratic expertise - a hallmark of Rwanda’s legislative system.