déc
09
2022
Senate President Dr. Iyamuremye resigns
Dr. Augustin Iyamuremye has resigned from his duties as Senate President and Senator in Rwanda’s parliament.
Rwanda’s Parliament has via Twitter handle revealed Dr. Iyaruremye that resigned over sickness related reasons.
“Earlier today, Senate President Dr Augustin Iyamuremye submitted his resignation as the President of the Senate, and as a Senator, due to health reasons. Tomorrow, December 9th, a special plenary sitting will convene to declare the Office of the President of the Senate vacant,” reads the tweet.
His resignation letter dated 8th December 2022 was addressed to senators, other government officials and President of the Republic.
He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed upon him and senators for having elected and supported him to fulfill his ’demanding duties’.
Dr. Iyamuremye assumed office as Senate president in October 2019 following his appointment by President Paul Kagame.
Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum since 2015.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.
He held various positions in different public institutions including the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour from 2012 to 2015 and senator between 2004 and 2011.
Dr. Iyamuremye also headed the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000, the Ministry of Information from 1998 to 1999 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources between 1994 and 1998.
Among others, he served as senior intelligence officer in the Office of Prime Minister from 1992 to 1994.
Dr. Iyamuremye headed Gitarama Prefecture from 1990 to 1992, served as the Director of Nyanza Milk Processing Plant from 1984 to 1990.
He was also a lecturer and researcher at the National University of Rwanda from 1977 to 1984.
After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10, 2019 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a term, renewable once.
Dr. Augustin Iyamuremye has resigned from his duties as Senate President and Senator in Rwanda’s Parliament.