In a notable move that has stirred admiration across the country, Dominique Habimana, a well-known gospel singer and expert in governance and development, has been appointed as Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government.

The announcement came on the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2025, as President Paul Kagame unveiled a new cabinet led by newly appointed Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who replaces Dr. Edouard Ngirente.

Dominique Habimana, who previously served as the Secretary General of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) since June 2024, takes over from Dr. Patrice Mugenzi. His appointment stands out not only for his impressive resume in governance and development cooperation but also for his celebrated career as a gospel musician.

A Blend of Leadership and Music

For over a decade, Habimana has been a prominent figure in Rwanda’s gospel music scene. His uplifting songs such as Njyewe Na Yesu (Me and Jesus), Umunyarwanda, Icyiza Gitsinde Ikibi (Let Good Overcome Evil), Ndagukunda (I Love You), New Generation, Narababariwe (I Have Been Forgiven), and Izina Rizima (The True Name) have touched many lives.

He is an active member of the AEBR church in Kacyiru, where his father also serves as a pastor. He once served as the president of the renowned Seraphim Melodies Choir, which is known not only for music but also for social impact activities such as blood donation campaigns in hospitals. He personally composed many of the choir’s songs.

A Track Record in Development and Public Service

Before joining RALGA, Habimana worked with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) from 2018 to 2024. Prior to that, between 2013 and 2018, he held senior advisory positions at GIZ Rwanda, the German development agency. In those roles, he focused on citizen participation, civil society engagement, innovation, and public governance reforms.

He was instrumental in fostering cooperation among governments, development partners, and civil society actors at both national and regional levels, especially regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the economic turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Habimana led key projects to support microfinance institutions across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi.

Academic Credentials

Habimana holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Rwanda and another postgraduate degree in Conflict Resolution from the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland.

Rwanda’s New Cabinet Line-Up

Alongside Habimana, President Kagame appointed other new officials including:
• Judith Uwizeye – Minister in the Office of the President
• Inès Mpambara – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office
• Yusuf Murangwa – Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
• Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
• ... (Full cabinet list omitted for brevity)

A Symbol of Inspirational Leadership

Habimana’s rise from gospel stages to a ministerial post symbolizes the growing recognition of leaders who blend professional expertise with strong moral and spiritual grounding. His appointment has been widely welcomed by both the Christian community and governance experts in Rwanda.

"It’s a sign that one can serve God and their nation with equal excellence. His voice that once echoed in worship is now called to serve in public leadership,” one political commentator noted.

As Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana is expected to bring a fresh and people-centered approach to governance, rooted in his faith, professional acumen, and community engagement.

In a notable move that has stirred admiration across the country, Dominique Habimana, a well-known gospel singer and expert in governance and development, has been appointed as Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government