Among the newly appointed ministers in Rwanda’s revamped government are Dominique Habimana, now the Minister of Local Government (MINALOC), and Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, the new Minister of Environment. Simultaneously, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye was named State Secretary in charge of Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye became the State Secretary for Infrastructure.
Dominique Habimana, known for his extensive expertise in international development and governance, has officially taken charge as Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government. Beyond governance, Habimana is celebrated as a gospel musician who inspires through songs of worship and devotion. Prior to this role, Habimana served as Secretary-General of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) starting June 6, 2024, succeeding Ladislas Ngendahimana, who had held the position for six years.
Habimana joined RALGA after serving at the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) as Senior Governance Programme Officer. With over 19 years of experience in international development, his impactful career has focused on areas such as governance, human rights, social welfare, economic development, gender equality, and conflict resolution. Previous roles at prominent organizations like GIZ Rwanda (2013–2018) showcased his ability to promote citizen-centered governance, while at SDC (2018–2024), he led initiatives fostering civil society engagement, economic growth, and human rights advocacy.
At SDC, Habimana played a pivotal role in advancing community-based justice systems like "Abunzi," promoting reconciliation and peace at the regional level within the Great Lakes region, and orchestrating partnerships between governments and civil society. He also represented SDC in the Governance and Decentralization Sector Working Group, contributing to Rwanda and Germany’s collaborative efforts to improve governance structures.
In response to worldwide economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Habimana spearheaded initiatives supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Educationally, Habimana holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Rwanda (2014) and another Master’s in Conflict Resolution and its Aftermath from the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland (2022). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Université Libre de Kigali (2006). Fluent in English, French, and conversational Swahili, Habimana has been recognized for his ability to facilitate strategic planning and lead critical discussions in governance.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dominique Habimana is a celebrated gospel musician with over 11 years of experience in songwriting and performance. Popular tracks such as "Njyewe na Yesu", "Icyiza gitsinde ikibi", "Ndagukunda", "Narababariwe", "Umunyarwanda", "Turashaka Amahoro", and "Izina Rizima" have captivated audiences. Habimana is also an active member of the AEBR Kacyiru Church, where his father serves as pastor. He previously led the Seraphim Melodies Choir, renowned for both its musical excellence and humanitarian projects such as blood donation drives.
In a 2015 interview with InyaRwanda, Habimana revealed his devotion to creating music that transforms lives with themes of peace, love, and spiritual growth.
Throughout his career, Dominique Habimana has consistently championed the promotion of human rights, fostered partnerships between governments and citizens, and advocated for inclusive development that empowers communities to take an active role in decisions that shape their future.
Newly appointed or retained ministers include:
- Judith Uwizeye: Minister in the Presidency
- Inès Mpambara: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office
- Yusuf Murangwa: Minister of Finance and Planning
- Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
- Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja: Minister of Justice and Attorney General
- Juvenal Marizamunda: Minister of Defense
- Consolée Uwimana: Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
- Dr. Vincent Biruta: Minister of National Security
- Dr. Jimmy Gasore: Minister of Infrastructure
- Paula Ingabire: Minister of ICT and Innovation
- Joseph Nsengimana: Minister of Education
- Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana: Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement
- Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe: Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
- Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana: Minister of Health
- Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka: Minister of Public Service and Labour
- Prudence Sebahizi: Minister of Trade and Industry
- Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye: Minister of Environment
- Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira: Minister of Emergency Management
- Nelly Mukazayire: Minister of Sports
- Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima: Minister of Youth and Arts
State Secretaries include:
- Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe: State Secretary for Regional Cooperation in Foreign Affairs
- Mutesi Linda Rusagara: State Secretary for Public Finance and Investment
- Godefrey Kabera: State Secretary for Treasury
- Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye: State Secretary for Infrastructure
- Marie Solange Kayisire: State Secretary for Local Government
- Claudette Irere: State Secretary for Education
- Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye: State Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock
- Dr. Yvan Butera: State Secretary in Health Ministry
- Sandrine Umutoni: State Secretary for Youth and Arts
- Rwego Ngarambe: State Secretary for Sports
Other notable appointments include:
- Jean-Guy Afrika: CEO of Rwanda Development Board, with ministerial rank
- Juliana Muganza: Deputy CEO of Rwanda Development Board, with State Secretary rank
- Dr. Uwicyeza Doris Picard: CEO of Rwanda Governance Board, with ministerial rank
- Nick Barigye: Deputy Governor of Rwanda’s Central Bank
President Kagame has officially appointed Dominique Habimana as Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government.