Ngabo Brave replaces Basomingera Candy as Sports Ministry Permanent Secretary

President Paul Kagame has appointed Ngabo Brave Olivier as the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, replacing Candy Basomingera, who had served as the ministry’s top civil servant for nearly one year.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister pursuant to Article 112 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.

The same communiqué also announced the appointment of Ishungure Parfait as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts.

Before his latest appointment, Ngabo Brave Olivier had served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts since December 20, 2024.

Before his appointment as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, he served as Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council from September 30, 2024.

He is also the founder of Your Well-Being Centre, an organization dedicated to promoting mental and physical wellness through various programmes.

His appointment comes at a time when Rwanda continues to strengthen its reputation as a regional sporting hub.

Over the past few years, the country has hosted prestigious competitions including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the UCI Road World Championships, the Tour du Rwanda, and numerous continental football and volleyball events. Rwanda is also pursuing an ambitious bid to host a future Formula One Grand Prix.

As Permanent Secretary, Ngabo becomes the chief accounting officer and administrative head of the ministry.

He will be responsible for coordinating policy implementation, supervising the ministry’s day-to-day operations, managing public resources, and ensuring the effective execution of government programmes in collaboration with the Minister of Sports and other stakeholders.

Recent Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Sports are; Candy Basomingera, Regis Uwayezu Francois, Zephanie Niyonkuru, Shema Maboko Didier and Yvonne Mutimura (2020-21) as acting.

Ngabo Brave Olivier now begins a new chapter in Rwanda’s sports administration as he takes over one of the country’s most influential public service roles at a time when Rwanda’s profile in international sport continues to grow.

Photos

Ngabo Brave Olivier

Candy Basomingera.