Four senators appointed by President Paul Kagame in October 2020 are approaching the end of their first five-year term, which officially concludes on October 22, 2025.
The Senate of Rwanda, which is composed of 26 members, includes twelve senators elected from the provinces, eight appointed by the President, four designated by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO), and two selected from universities or research institutions.
Among those appointed by the President in 2020 are Senator Evode Uwizeyimana, Senator Epiphanie Kanziza, Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, and Senator André Twahirwa. Their current term is renewable once, meaning they could be reappointed by the Head of State for a second and final mandate.
Unlike the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate does not dissolve at any point, ensuring institutional continuity. As a result, senators begin and end their terms at different times, allowing parliamentary activities to proceed smoothly even during election cycles.
Some senators, including Dr. François Xavier Kalinda (the current President of the Senate), Ambassador Solina Nyirahabimana (Vice President of the Senate), Dr. Usta Kaitesi, and Bibiane Gahamanyi Mbaye, still have four years left in their term, which began in September 2024. They were appointed by the President, while others were elected in accordance with existing laws.
Meanwhile, Senators Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa will also complete their mandates on October 22, 2025. Their successors have already been elected by the NFPO General Assembly on October 14, 2025, where Dr. Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana emerged victorious. Once confirmed by the Supreme Court, they will officially replace the outgoing senators.
It is important to note that senators appointed by the President are not subject to Supreme Court confirmation. The President’s appointments often consider national unity, inclusion of historically marginalized groups, and other vital national interests.
In accordance with Rwandan law, at least 30% of the Senate must be composed of women, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
