Who Is Basomingera, the New Sports Ministry Chief?

Appointment of Candy Basomingera as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports

On July 16, a cabinet meeting led by President Paul Kagame made a significant appointment within the government. Candy Basomingera was named as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports. At just 37 years old, she takes over from Jean-François Regis Uwayezu, who had held the position for eight months before being removed.

Before her appointment, Basomingera served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB). This role involved overseeing the organization of major conferences and investment-related events in the country. Her move to the Ministry of Sports marks a transition into a different but related field, where she will now focus on sports administration and development.

The current leadership of the Ministry of Sports is characterized by its youthful approach, with Minister Nelly Mukazayire at the helm. She took office in December 2024, succeeding Richard Nyirishema. During this transition, Rwego Ngarambe, who previously served as the Director of Sports in the same ministry, was appointed as Minister of State. This shift highlights the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate and modernize the administration.

Basomingera brings a wealth of experience across various sectors. Prior to her role at the RCB, she worked as the Communications Division Manager at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. She also served as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Focal Person and as a Senior Officer in Central Africa Affairs. Her professional journey includes roles such as Program Assistant at Kigali Measure Evaluation Futures Group International, Technical Assistant at the HIV National Aids Control Commission, and Branch Manager at Kinshasa Storex Africa Transit.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in International Relations from London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. This academic foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex international relations and policy-making environments.

Despite her previous work at the Rwanda Convention Bureau, Basomingera has not been entirely unfamiliar with the sports industry. She has a clear understanding of the business aspects of sports, particularly how it can generate revenue and contribute to economic growth. This insight is crucial as the country continues to explore ways to leverage sports for broader developmental goals.

In May 2025, during a press conference in Senegal, Basomingera emphasized the potential of sports as a tool for African development. This statement came shortly before the launch of the Sahara Conference region of the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL). Her remarks underscored the importance of sports not only as a form of entertainment but also as a catalyst for social and economic progress.

With her diverse background and forward-thinking perspective, Basomingera is well-positioned to lead the Ministry of Sports in driving initiatives that align with national and continental development strategies. Her appointment signals a commitment to innovation and effective governance within the sector.

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