In Rwanda's latest cabinet reshuffle, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima retains his position as Minister of Youth and Arts. Dr. Utumatwishima expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame for entrusting him with this crucial role once again, sharing his heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement, Dr. Utumatwishima wrote: "I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to H.E. President Paul Kagame for the renewed trust to continue serving Rwandans in the Ministry of Youth and Arts. I remain fully committed to listening, collaborating, and placing youth and artists at the center of their transformation."
Dr. Utumatwishima further pledged to prioritize the empowerment of youth and artists, viewing them as catalysts for Rwanda's development. He emphasized their role in shaping a future that reflects national culture and aspirations.
Boost to Youth and Arts Sector
In a significant move, a new State Secretary for Youth and Arts, Madam Sandrine Umutoni, was appointed. Her involvement is expected to amplify the ministry's efforts in nurturing talent and leveraging creative arts for national progress.
Key New Government Appointments
President Kagame made multiple cabinet changes, including new appointments, reassignments, and reaffirmations. These updates signal the government’s strategy to align leadership with Rwanda's evolving priorities and vision.
Here are the newly appointed and reaffirmed ministers:
- Judith Uwizeye - Minister in the Office of the Presidency of the Republic
- Inès Mpambara - Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
- Yusuf Murangwa - Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
- Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International 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
- Dominique Habimana - Minister of Local Government
- Dr. Jimmy Gasore - Minister of Infrastructure
- Paula Ingabire - Minister of ICT and Innovation
- Joseph Nsengimana - Minister of Education
- Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana - Minister of Unity and Civic Engagement
- Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe - Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
- Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana - Minister of Health
- Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka - Minister of Public Service and Labor
- 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
Appointed State Secretaries:
- Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe - State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Regional Cooperation
- Mutesi Linda Rusagara - State Secretary in charge of State Asset Consolidation and Investment
- Godefrey Kabera - State Secretary for State Finance in the Ministry of Finance and Planning
- 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 Animal Resources
- Dr. Yvan Butera - State Secretary in the Ministry of Health
- Sandrine Umutoni - State Secretary in charge of Youth and Arts
- Rwego Ngarambe - State Secretary for Sports
Additional Key Government Figures:
- Jean-Guy Afrika - Director General of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with ministerial rank
- Juliana Muganza - Deputy Director General of RDB, with State Secretary rank
- Dr. Uwicyeza Doris Picard - Director General of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with ministerial rank
- Nick Barigye - Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda
These changes underscore Rwanda’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation-led growth. The government's emphasis on the creative sector underlines its confidence in the potential of young Rwandans to inspire development.
Supported by President Kagame, Dr. Utumatwishima and Madam Sandrine Umutoni are tasked with advancing youth and arts as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s future.
Artists and talented individuals can now look forward to increased support, including improved legal frameworks, enhanced infrastructure, access to market opportunities, and growth tied to their unique gifts.
Twitter Statement
Dr. Utumatwishima, upon being reappointed by President Kagame, committed to driving progress for youth and artists. 
"I pledge to make youth and artists central to the nation’s transformation"—Dr. Utumatwishima after resuming his role in the Cabinet.