The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba attends swearing-in ceremony of President Paul Kagame.
Gen. Muhoozi who arrived in Rwanda on Saturday, was accompanied by Defence Intelligence chief, Maj Gen James Birungi and prominent media entrepreneur and journalist Mr Andrew Mwenda.
Kagame thanked Rwandans for “putting their trust and confidence in him,” adding, “It is an honour to serve as your President for another term.”
Kagame also said the electoral campaign was a “period of joy and satisfaction for all of us,” emphasising, “Millions attended rallies, and almost everyone went to vote.”
He added: “But it isn’t just about numbers. There is a much deeper meaning behind what all of us saw and experienced. That reality is undeniable; it stems from the spirit of togetherness among Rwandans, as well as a shared determination to be the owners of our future. This is exactly what we have been working for all of these years.
He also said, Rwanda’s tragic past inspired his countrymen to work hard for a better country. Our tragic past ignited a fire in each of us – one of hope, resilience, and justice. The inauguration took place at Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda’s Capital, Kigali.
“Rather than leaving behind new divisions to be healed, our political process is designed to renew and deepen our unity,” said Kagame.
“Over the past three decades, what Rwandans have managed to accomplish, is even more than we expected…Indeed, it is beyond what words can describe, given where we started from..This is who we have become as Rwandans.”
At least one million people, mainly Tutsis, were killed in the 1994 genocide. Kagame would later lead the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) guerilla movement to topple the genocidal regime of Juvenal Habyarimana.
Today’s event attracted many heads of state from across Africa. These included Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique, Kenya’ William Ruto and South Sudan leader Salva Kiir among others.
Kagame, who first assumed power in 2000 won the July 15 Presidential election with 99% of the votes cast will now serve a five-year term, in line with the provision of the constitution amended in 2017.
Chief Justice Faustin Nteziryayo administered the Presidential Oath.
President Kagame later received the symbolic instruments of power from the Chief Justice.
The instruments of power include a copy of the constitution, the national flag and the coat of arms.
At the event, President Kagame also received a shield and sword which are symbols of national defence, from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga, as the final signal that he has started the five-year term as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by Vice President, Maj Jessica Alupo.