Dr. Odette Uwizeye Elected New Chairperson of RALGA
On June 6, 2025, during the 29th general assembly of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA), Dr. UWIZEYE Odette was elected as the new Chairperson of RALGA. She succeeded Jeannette NYIRAMASENGESHO, who led the association over the past 3 years.
Dr. UWIZEYE Odette also serves as the Chairperson of Rusizi District Council. She will drive the implementation of the RALGA Strategic Plan 2025-2030. One of the key ambitions sought by RALGA is the construction of a Centre of Excellence in Local Governance to serve as a knowledge hub on local governance expertise, innovation, and capacity building.
The strategic plan presents a vision for strengthening local governance, improving service delivery, and fostering Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. The strategic plan has three priorities.
The first priority focuses on policy advocacy, research, and representation, which seeks to amplify the voice of local government entities in policymaking.
The priority of local government capacities for service delivery focuses on improving the performance and operational capacity of local governments to ensure efficient, citizen-centred service delivery.
The third priority focuses on organisational and institutional strengthening.
RALGA chairperson also advocated for the increasing of salary. “The salary for executive secretaries is still low. We will continue to call for pay raises. While the salary is still meagre, there is a need for some incentives to motivate them in executing their duties,” Odette Uwizeye said.
Bio Express : Dr. Odette Uwizeye
- She currently serves as the University Registrar at the University of Rwanda.
- In June 2024, she took on the role of Board Chair at the Institute for Policy Analysis and Research Consult, succeeding Dr. Ben Karenzi.
- She now leads RALGA, Rwanda’s official body representing all Local Government Authorities, and is the representative on the Executive Committee of UCLG Africa.