Paul Kagame has been sworn in for a fourth term as Rwanda’s president after winning 99% of the vote in the July 2024 election.

Only two candidates were allowed to contest against Kagame in the 15 July election.

In his oath of office on Sunday August 11, 2024, Kagame vowed to preserve peace and national sovereignty and to consolidate national unity.

“Should I fail to honour this oath, may I be subjected to the rigours of the law,” Kagame said.

Kagame also pledged never to use the powers conferred upon him for personal interests.

23 Presidents and other dignitaries from African nations joined the inauguration ceremony at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, where crowds had started gathering from the early morning.

Notable leaders included President William Ruto of Kenya ,Uganda’s Vice-president Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni.

“Congratulations to my brother President Paul Kagame for being sworn in for another term to continue transforming your country Rwanda. 

“In the past 30 years, the people of Rwanda have risen from the devastating ashes of the 1994 genocide and undergone tremendous progress in political, democratic and economic spheres,” said President Ruto.

Other dignitaries present were the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the Chairperson of the East African Community, as well as the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Zimbabwe, Gabon, and Ivory Coast.

The ceremony took place at the Amahoro National Stadium in the capital, Kigali, where Kagame vowed to preserve peace, national sovereignty, and consolidate national unity.

However, his supporters say they point to his huge popularity, with Rwanda having achieved stability and economic growth under his rule.

Kagame’s victory was praised by neighbouring Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who said his re-election was a “testament to the trust and confidence” Rwandans had in his leadership.