Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
Hon. Françoise
Uwumukiza
Dedicated to advancing the food systems transformation, climate resilience, women cross-border trade and inclusive development across the East African Community (EAC) in particular and Africa in general.
Current Roles & Responsibilities
Member, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
Represents Rwanda in the East African Community Parliament. Contributes to legislation, oversight, and budget review that advance regional integration and inclusive development. Advocates for policies that expand opportunities for women and communities.
Former Chair, Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources
Led committee work on agriculture, food security, tourism, and natural resources. Guided review of bills, motions, and oversight to strengthen resilience and sustainable resource management across the region.
Deputy Secretary General, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)
Supports parliamentary coordination to advance the African Union food systems agenda. Promotes alignment with CAADP priorities and the Kampala Declaration. Encourages effective domestication and implementation through national parliaments.
Biography
Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza serves in the East African Community Parliament, contributing to legislative work, oversight, and budget review that advance inclusive development, with a strong focus on agriculture-led growth and women’s economic empowerment.
Her parliamentary contributions include advocating for stronger commitment and investment in agriculture to accelerate poverty reduction, zero hunger, and food systems transformation. As Former Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources, she guided the review of bills and motions and strengthened oversight across agriculture, tourism, environment, and natural resources. Her work also advances sustainability through initiatives on renewable energy and protection of ecosystems.
She has moved and supported key parliamentary actions, including a motion on Women and Youth in Trade to strengthen participation under AfCFTA, and a resolution urging Partner States to prevent and manage food loss and wastage. She led a committee motion that resulted in an official EALA resolution recognizing agroecology as a strategic priority and has consistently advocated for women small-scale farmers to gain greater visibility and improved access to land and productive resources.
She also serves as Deputy Secretary General of the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network and was chosen to be a Member of the International Steering Committee of the International Year of The Women Farmer 2026.
Policy Focus Areas
01
Agriculture & Food Security
Promoting sustainable agriculture, food systems transformation, and regional policies that ensure food security and improved livelihoods across EAC.
02
Climate Change Mitigation & Environmental Protection
Advocating for climate-resilient agriculture, environmental protection, and sustainable natural resource management to support communities and ecosystems.
03
Women Cross-border Trade
Supporting women traders through simplified cross-border procedures, improved market access, and stronger financial inclusion and ownership of productive resources, including land, to expand opportunities and strengthen regional additional values and value chains.
04
Gender & Inclusive Development
Advancing gender equality and inclusive development through policies that strengthen women’s economic empowerment, protect vulnerable groups, and deliver on the African Union Agenda 2063 commitment to leaving no one behind.
Awards Certificates
AATF Certificate of Recognition – 2024
TRAPCA Award – 2022
UNCTAD Attestation of Participation – 2023
UNCTAD Certificate of achievement 2023
South Seas University Regeneration International Certificate of Completion – 2025
Parliamentary Motions & Laws' Enactment
Through parliamentary motions, committee work, and law enactment, Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza advances regional legislation and resolutions that strengthen food systems, safeguard cultural heritage, promote gender equality, and support sustainable development across the East African Community.
Motion on Women and Youth in Trade and AfCFTA
Promoted active participation of women and youth in trade, strengthening inclusion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Resolution on Food Loss and Wastage
Advanced a motion that resulted in an EALA resolution urging Partner States to prevent and manage food loss and wastage across the Community.
Motion on Renewable Energy Access
Urged Partner States to enhance utilization and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern renewable energy to support resilience and sustainable development.
Agroecology as a Strategic Priority
Led committee work that resulted in a formal resolution recognizing agroecology as a strategic priority for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
EAC Cultural Heritage Bill, 2022
Introduced the EAC Cultural Heritage Bill, 2022, supporting progress toward assent and strengthening protection and recognition of cultural heritage and creative rights.
Motion on Gender Equality in Food and Nutrition Systems
Advanced a motion that supported stronger gender equality in food and nutrition systems, reinforcing inclusive approaches to food security and livelihoods.
Music as Communication
As a leader, I reflect on how to share the messages and insights gained from important meetings and public responsibilities. Leaders are often entrusted with information before it reaches the wider community, and it is our responsibility to share it in ways that people can understand and connect with. For me, that communication can take many forms, including books, songs, and poems.
My musical journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when I saw an opportunity to share government programmes and important messages through an accessible medium. Working alongside my family, including my husband and children, music became not only a tool for communication, but also a way of strengthening family ties, relationships, and shared values.
Speeches & Publications
News and Updates
Contact the Office
Phone
+250 788 307 873
info@francoiseuwumukiza.com
Address
Kigali - Rwanda
