On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, Vice President of the Senate for Administration and Finance led a handover ceremony, from outgoing Secretary General Dr. Yvonne Umulisa to her successor, Olivier Mushimire, who was appointed Clerk of the Senate by Cabinet, chaired by President Paul Kagame, at a meeting on Friday, September 18, 2026.
“I am committed to giving my best and working as a team for our country, Rwanda,” Mushimire said
The event formally marked the leadership change in the Office of the Clerk (also referred to as Secretary General). This office provides technical, legal, procedural, and administrative support to the Senate’s leadership and members, and coordinates plenary and committee proceedings.
He holds a Master of Laws in Public International Law from Kigali Independent University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Rwanda, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.
Dr. Umulisa had led the office since October 2024, when she moved from her role as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. She has also held several other senior positions, including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Investments and Privatization, Economic and Finance Policy Analyst at the Senate, and Lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Rwanda.
No farewell remarks, reflection, or statement from Umulisa yet, nor is it publicly known what her next role will be.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mukabaramba urged Senate staff to keep working with dedication, collaboration, and professionalism, to ensure the institution’s operations continue smoothly.
“I urge all Senate staff to continue working with dedication, collaboration and professionalism so that we can further strengthen the work and effectiveness of the institution,” Dr. Mukabaramba said. according to taifa news
Mushimire is not new to Parliament. He has served as Senior Advisor at the Parliament of Rwanda since April 2014 more than a decade, before stepping into the Clerk role. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Advisor and Board Secretary at the Rwanda National Public Service Commission (2011–2014) and worked as a lawyer handling inquiries and employment litigation within the Rwandan National Public Service (2009–2011).
The handover comes as the Senate continues its constitutional mandate, reviewing legislation, providing oversight, and engaging with citizens across the country.
