President Paul Kagame has firmly dismissed claims that he is grooming his only daughter for Rwanda’s presidency, calling such rumors “trash politics.”
Speaking during the 18th National Unity Club Intwararumuri gathering, Kagame, 68, emphasized the importance of self-reliance and reminded leaders that Rwanda will continue to define its own political path.
“I’ve seen some say I’m grooming my daughter for the presidency. But who groomed me? ” he said.
“Every Rwandan child, including mine, deserves to be who they want to be. I can’t make someone president; she might not even be interested. That’s just trash politics.”
INTO RWANDA understands that the claims started rising through social media when his daughter Ange Kagame, who is 32, was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the Strategy and Policy Council at the Office of the President in 2023, a position she still holds.
Ange is the only child among the four of President Kagame who is actively in politics. Yvan Cyomoro Kagame, who is the firstborn, is engaged in business and private equity investments, and the other two sons, Ian Kagame and Brian Kagame, serve in the nation’s military.
The Unity Club Intwararumuri was founded on February 28, 1996, by First Lady Jeannette Kagame shortly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The organization initially brought together spouses of male cabinet members and female cabinet members themselves to promote cohesion, unity, and shared purpose in rebuilding the nation.
Its mission remains to strengthen unity, peace, and socio-economic development values that continue to guide Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation.
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