The appointments were made on January 29, 2026, as part of broader leadership changes within key national institutions.

Prior to this appointment, Brig Gen Nyirubutama served as Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), a position he had held since September 2021.

He now deputizes Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who was appointed Senior Security Advisor at the Presidency on December 1, 2025, after previously serving as Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following Brig Gen Nyirubutama’s move, President Kagame appointed James Wizeye as the new Deputy Secretary General of NISS. Wizeye brings extensive diplomatic experience, having served for 21 years at Rwanda’s Embassy in the United Kingdom since 2005.

Brig Gen Nyirubutama was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General after previously holding the rank of Colonel, marking continued confidence in his leadership within Rwanda’s security institutions.