Good afternoon to you all!

Let me begin by thanking those who have just taken their oath of office in today’s ceremony. This is a customary process. These individuals have been entrusted with responsibilities to serve our country. Some of them have held other positions in the past. But it is always important to remind ourselves that these roles, especially at this level, are meant for individuals to take ownership, not just for themselves or those they lead, but above all, in service to our nation.

Those who have just taken the oath, particularly the two women and one man: I am mentioning the two women because they are part of the younger generation. They are growing and progressing. This is a deliberate choice. It reflects our desire to entrust young people with responsibilities so that they grow knowing they are not only meant to follow but also to lead in building our country.

We already had a young male minister for our youth, but I also wished that we would have a young woman as well. Now I believe our young people – both girls and boys, men and women – can see themselves reflected in their leadership. However, this is not just about gender. It’s about action. They must see themselves through the work being done.

It also matters that those who take on these responsibilities, including the ones leading others, are themselves in the age range we’re referring to. This shows that leadership and responsibility are not reserved for older people alone. The younger generation should grow up knowing that responsibility starts early. That is what gives us confidence in the future, that as we go forward, others will step in our footprints. It’s good that this becomes a consistent and growing trend.

Most importantly, taking on responsibility and demonstrating leadership character shouldn’t be seen as traits of the elderly alone. It should start from a young age. The rest, I’m sure, will come with the work itself. Wherever you’re coming from, and wherever you’re going, perhaps your workload has increased but it’s not a completely new job like some of us once had, when we stepped into roles we had never imagined or seen before. Yet we stepped in and found our way.

For you, it’s easier. You’re building from experience and continuity, working with people you already know. Some things will stay the same, others will need to be corrected, and some will require more energy because that is the nature of real service.

So, in brief, to Murasira, Umutoni, and Munyeshuri, I want to say: leave here knowing that the work has already begun. Not today, but as of yesterday. Continue from there and do your very best.

Once again, I thank you for taking the oath, and I wish you a good day and success in your work.