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New Mayor of Kigali city emphasizes consistent service delivery as the norm

By IGIHE
On 16 December 2023 at 06:20

Samuel Dusengiyumva assumes the role of Mayor of the City of Kigali, succeeding Pudence Rubingisa, who led the city for approximately four years until August 2019, according to the by-election results announced by city authorities on Friday.

Dusengiyumva, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, secured 532 out of 638 votes cast in the poll held on Friday, December 15, at the City Hall. His contender for the position was Rose Baguma, the Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education.

The by-election took place following the swearing-in ceremony of Samuel Dusengiyumva and Solange Ayanone as new members of the City of Kigali Council, an event presided over by the High Court. President Paul Kagame appointed Dusengiyumva and Ayanone as Council members on Thursday, December 14.

City Executive Committee members, including the Mayor and both Vice Mayors in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, and Socioeconomic Affairs, also serve as members of the city council.

On December 14, shortly after announcing the appointment of Dusengiyumva and Ayanone, the City of Kigali revealed that Merard Mpabwanamaguru was no longer a Council member.

Mpabwanamaguru, formerly the Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, was replaced, while Martine Urujeni retained her position as Vice Mayor in charge of Socioeconomic Affairs.

Following his swearing-in, Dusengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame and the voters, acknowledging the trust placed in him.

He stated, “I receive the responsibilities of leading Kigali City with humility. It is demanding work, but with your support and assistance, I am committed to delivering. Good service delivery should not be considered extraordinary but rather a standard expectation.”

The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, urged the new mayor to continue guiding the progress of Kigali City, emphasizing that addressing residents’ issues should be a top priority.

Musabyimana stated, “Solving problems affecting Kigali City residents is a priority not only in the city but also in other positions of local governance to ensure citizens live safely.”

Spanning 730 square kilometers, Kigali City is home to 1,745,555 people, constituting 13.2% of the country’s total population, with a population density of 2390 people per square kilometer.

Historically, Kigali’s roots date back between 8000 and 3000 BC, evolving from the creation of the country of Gasabo, which later expanded to form present-day Rwanda. The city itself, founded in 1907 by German Richard Kandt, has a 116-year history marked by gradual infrastructure development.

Since 1975, Kigali City has been led by 12 mayors, including Francois Karera (1975-1990), Col Renzaho Tharcisse (1990-1994), Rose Kabuye (post-Genocide), Protais Musoni (1997-1999), Marc Kabandana (1999-2001), Théoneste Mutsindashyaka (2001-2006), Aissa Kirabo Kacyira (2006-2011), Fidèle Ndayisaba (2011-2016), Monique Mukaruliza (2016), Pascal Nyamulinda (2017-2018), Marie Chantal Rwakazina (2018-2019), and Pudence Rubingisa (2019-2023).

Dusengiyumva becomes the 11th mayor of Kigali City after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Samuel Dusengiyumva has assumed the role of Mayor of the City of Kigali, succeeding Pudence Rubingisa.

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