President Paul Kagame has warned public leaders that delaying services to citizens, creating unnecessary obstacles, or failing to perform their responsibilities properly is a serious offence that can lead to legal consequences.
The President made the remarks on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), where discussions focused on the party’s strategic direction and priorities for the next 30 years.
President Kagame emphasized that leadership is a responsibility entrusted to individuals to serve citizens, improve their lives, and contribute to national development. He stressed that public officials must work with integrity, accountability, and commitment.
Leaders Must Evaluate Their Performance
President Kagame reminded leaders that their performance is constantly judged by the citizens they serve, urging them to reflect on whether they are fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
He questioned whether leaders at different levels, including district mayors, sector officials, and village leaders, are providing the type of leadership expected from them.
He said: “Governance and any job require you to ask yourself: How are you doing your work? If you are a district mayor, how are you leading? If you are a village leader or working at any other level, do you truly feel that you are leading properly?”
The President said leaders should not view their positions as privileges but as responsibilities requiring dedication and accountability.
Citizens Deserve Fast and Effective Services
President Kagame stressed that citizens have the right to receive timely and efficient services from government institutions.
He criticized situations where officials delay services, keep citizens waiting unnecessarily, or create barriers for people seeking assistance or wanting to invest in the country.
Kagame asked: “A citizen comes to you and you help them solve their problem properly. If someone wants to invest, do you really help them, or do you keep them waiting and tell them to take action themselves before you provide the service?” .
He said poor service delivery can discourage investors, weaken trust in public institutions, and slow down national development efforts.
Leaders Who Delay Services Will Be Held Accountable
President Kagame warned that officials who intentionally delay services or misuse their authority will be identified and punished according to the law.
he said: “Wherever this happens, it should not happen. It is completely wrong. The leader who does this will be identified, will understand the mistake they made, and will be punished by the law,”.
He emphasized that public officials must understand that their role is to support citizens and solve problems rather than create unnecessary difficulties.
Kagame Highlights Muhazi Investment Case
President Kagame cited an example involving an investor whose project near Lake Muhazi was reportedly blocked by a local leader.
He explained that the investor had built a house and facilities for boats, but the project was stopped by a local authority.
he said: “Because I live near Muhazi, I know of someone from outside who built a house there and also built a place where boats could park, but the leader refused him. Those of you from that area know this.”
The President used the example to show how some officials can negatively affect investment when they fail to provide proper support and services.
He urged leaders to create a favorable environment for investors and citizens who contribute to Rwanda’s economic development.
Kagame Condemns Bribery and Poor Service Delivery
President Kagame also criticized corruption, especially when leaders demand illegal payments from citizens in exchange for services they are entitled to receive.
He said corruption damages public trust and goes against the principles of responsible leadership.
He said: “Leaders present here, it is our responsibility to follow up on anything that creates a negative environment. We must monitor how services are delivered and ensure they are provided properly.:”
He called on leaders to ensure that citizens receive services without being asked for bribes or facing unnecessary delays.
Call for Responsible Leadership
President Kagame concluded by urging all leaders to put citizens at the center of their work and to demonstrate professionalism, honesty, and accountability.
He said Rwanda’s development depends on leaders who are committed to solving citizens’ problems, encouraging investment, and ensuring that public institutions serve people effectively.
He warned that leaders who fail to respect these responsibilities will not be protected from accountability, emphasizing that public service must always be guided by integrity and responsibility.
