Paul Kagame
At a glance
| Born | 23 October 1957 |
|---|---|
| Office | President of Rwanda since 2000 |
| Earlier roles | Vice President and Minister of Defence, 1994 to 2000 |
| Elections won | 2003, 2010, 2017 and 2024 |
Source: Wikipedia: Paul Kagame; Embassy of Rwanda in Ghana: President Kagame sworn in for a five-year term1,2
Early life
Kagame was born on 23 October 1957 to a Tutsi family in southern Rwanda. The family fled to Uganda when he was two years old, and he grew up there. In the 1980s he served in Yoweri Museveni’s rebel army and became a senior officer in the Ugandan army.1
The Rwandan Patriotic Front
Kagame joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and took command of its forces in 1990, after its leader Fred Rwigema was killed on the second day of the RPF offensive. In 1994 the RPF ended the genocide against the Tutsi with a military victory. From 1994 to 2000 Kagame was Vice President and Minister of Defence.1
President
Kagame became President in 2000. He has since won the presidential elections of 2003, 2010, 2017 and 2024, each time with more than 90% of the vote; a 2015 constitutional referendum allowed him to stand for further terms. He was sworn in for his current five-year term on 11 August 2024.1,2
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Paul Kagame been President?
Since 2000. He was sworn in for a new five-year term on 11 August 2024.
What did he do before becoming President?
He commanded the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Front from 1990, and was Vice President and Minister of Defence from 1994 to 2000.
Which elections has he won?
Those of 2003, 2010, 2017 and 2024, each with more than 90% of the vote.
Sources
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
