The year 2020 was a difficult one for most public officials as they came under scrutiny during the pandemic. Many were demoted, suspended pending investigation or sacked as President Paul Kagame cracked the whip. Below is the list of those whose sacking made headlines:

Diane Gashumba, former minister of health

She was appointed to the position on October 4, 2016, however, in February 2020, Ms Gashumba was sacked as minister of health over “habitual gross errors and repeated leadership failures.”

Evode Uwizeyimana, former state minister in charge of constitutional affairs

In February 2020, Evode Uwizeyimana who was then serving as minister for State in Charge of Constitutional Affairs came under fire after he allegedly physically assaulted a female security guard in a Kigali City Mall. 

After a public outcry and rounds of complaints on social media and newspapers, he apologized but was forced to resign from his position.

However, in October, he bounced back into politics as a senator.

 Isaac Munyakazi, former state minister for education 

In February, 2020, Isaac Munyakazi was sacked from his position as state minister for education after he allegedly accepted a bribe of Rwf500,000 to doctor school rankings. Later, in October, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court sentenced him to a 10-year imprisonment and a fine of Rwf10 million over accomplice and abuse of functions.

Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, former minister of internal security

He was appointed minister for internal security in November 2019, but was sacked in April last year, becoming one of the shortest-serving ministers in the country. Gen Nyamvumba had previously served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2013.

Olivier Nduhungirehe, former state minister for the East African Community

In April, 2020, Nduhungirehe was sacked for "consistently acting based on personal opinions.” However, he later bounced back in politics in August after being appointed Rwanda's ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands.

Emmanuel Gasana, former Southern Province governor

Mr Gasana who served as Inspector General of Police between 2009 and 2018 was sacked in May 2020 owing to matters of accountability under investigation,” the prime minister said in a statement.

Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney, governor of Northern Province 

In May 2020, Mr Gatabazi was sacked owing to matters of accountability under investigation,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

However, in July 2020, President Paul Kagame reinstated him as governor of the same province.