IGIHE

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  • TAXIMAN: Working for selfish People can’t develop Communities

    {{Gasana Ignace, a taxi driver believes that working in cooperatives develops both individuals and the nation. Poor organization and working for selfish-oriented individuals can never develop communities. Our reporter Dianah Mutimura spoke to Gasana and below are exerpts of the conversation.
    }}

    {Igihe.com}: {{Tell us your name and background?}}

    {{Gasana}}: I am Gasana Ignace, born in Gatsibo district in 1980 in a family of 8 but unfortunately four of them were killed during the 1994 Tutsi genocide with our parents. I am happily married with two lovely children who are living in Muyumba, Rwamagana district.

    {Igihe.com}: {{Tell us how u started the taxi business? Was it your car or worked for some one?}}

    {{Gasana}}: I started working as a taxi driver in 2001 up to 2007 and got another job as a driver in a company called Ericson 2011. But currently, I drive my own car on special hire basis.

    Of course it’s big challenge getting the initial capital to start with; buying a car, insuring it and other taxes on top of regular technical car maintenance.

    {Igihe.com}: {{Who are your clients and how do you charge them?}}

    Our customers come from all angles around the city like patients going to the hospitals once their health requires medical services; people that are going to attend weddings, lovers going to night clubs, prostitutes, and so many other mostly those who are late from bars and night clubs.

    {Igihe.com}:{{There are allegations that taximen connive with criminals, tell us. Is it true?}}

    {{Gasana}}: Yes I do accept that some taxi men used to have collisions with criminals because it was chaotic. We used to park anywhere without being organized but I’m grateful to the government that brought the idea of forming cooperatives, where currently every taxi special has got a regular parking venue.

    I personally operate at a gazetted Taxi-stage of Remera Giporoso and cooperative to which I’m a registered member called ‘{Ejo Heza Hacu}’. This has reduced criminal cases.

    {Igihe.com}: {{From your personal observation, what’s the age range of both female and male who are regular clients that indulge in commercial sex?}}

    {{Gasana}}: Even if it is illegal in our country these prostitutes are different categories, there are those that are always found along the streets and their fees range from 5,000francs to 10,000.

    There are those who work on phone calls where their ‘clients’ call them to meet them at specific venues preferred like hotels to meet them and finish their ‘business’ from there.

    The age ratio isn’t easy to guage; you cannot tell but from the look, especially females, most of them are young ranging from 16-40 years old. But to attract ‘client’ females must be young and sexy while their male counterparts do not have age limit; it depends on their financial ability to attract the sex workers.

    {{Igihe.com}}: {{It’s alleged that taxi business is covertly involved in drugs syndicates. What is your take on this?}}

    {{Gasana}}: Like I said before, that was before we re-organised into cooperatives and if there are some still involved in such criminal ventures, it is these taxi-men that operate from ungazetted point, because each taxi is registered under a certain cooperative.

    {Igihe.com}: {{As a regular fuel consumer what are the causes of fuel shortages?}}

    {{Gasana}}: In Rwanda we don’t have oil as a natural resource and fuel crosses many boarders to reach here after incurring taxes. This causes increase of fuel prices and directly affects us because we have to increase the charges to meet demands as you always hear any change in fuel price raises prices of many products in the country.

    {Igihe.com}: {{What challenges do you encounter in your daily business and how do you overcome them?}}

    Mostly we face the problem of these other taxis operating illegally without due requirements like paying taxes and membership fees to cooperatives.

    They clandestinely hide like driving their own cars and sometimes outcompete us by charging lower fares, because they incur more costs. However, whenever they try to come on our stages, we chase them away but customers try to abuse us thinking we are habouring intentions of increasing the costs but that is not true, they should come and for us we are here to give them the service they need.

    {Igihe.com}:{{Why do you think Rwandans stop working early?}}

    {{Gasana}}: It is still a problem because Rwanda is trying to adapt to other countries yet for them they were used to working and retiring early, especially before 2000. i consider this as laziness. A driver gets the money he is supposed to pay to his boss and the conductor calls it a day yet there is more money to get at night.

    {Igihe.com}: {{Do you enjoy what you do as a career taxi driver?}}

    {{Gasana}}: Yes I really enjoy my job because I have obtained a lot of things which many educated people don’t have and I love and treasure my job as long as I am still alive.

    {Igihe.com}: {{What would be the advice to your fellow taxi drivers?}}

    All I can say is to work according to the government rules instead of always playing hide and seek with law enforcers because this also contributes to better security in the country.

  • EXPO 2011: Traders decry High taxes, Poor Customer Care

    {{It’s just one week since the International Trade Fair (EXPO) 2011 kicked off varied commodity exhibition, some business participants have expressed dissatisfaction, especially on tax rates.
    }}

    Exhibitioners who exclusively talked to {igihe.com} noted that major areas need extensive attention to boost business environment in Rwanda. These include; business communication, customer care services, bureaucracy, friendly customs union staff and high tax fares.

    Shelter Msangi of pina Fashon Company from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania noted: “The tax charges here are extremely high as compared to other countries in the region yet even the purchasing power is low.

    “I don’t think I can make profitable business in Rwanda with such exorbitant taxes. Yet they are telling us that we are in EAC and instead things are worsening as time goes on.”

    Dr. Lucy Samky, Managing Director, Rafiki Herbalist from Arusha-Tanzania said: “If revenue charges are cut down like in other regional countries, then the business environment in Rwanda is the best and this can entice me to start business in Rwanda.

    “They should reduce tax charges and train lower cadres on issues of EAC partnership in order to increase business investments.”

    Elsie Otieno, Managing Director of Impact Marketing Kenya, a corporate branding company said: “We have partners here and we are soon opening a shop in Kigali and we have already registered it.

    “Transportation process has no problem but the problem comes from customs union, right here in Kigali where there is full of bureaucracy.

    “We came here for the EXPO but since last week before the show started, our products have been locked at Majerwa and released after three days and this is not doing business at all.
    “Tax fares and communication breakdown is really crippling business environment in Rwanda. We told them this is COMESA; our government and COMESA secretariat had already told us that we shall not pay taxes.

    “I was forced to pay taxes, yet I am just exposing my locally produced goods and not selling” Otieno laments adding: “Even the tax I paid at first I was told to pay Frw 50.000 another tax officer said it should be Frw 45.000, another tells me Frw 10.000 …and I was really pissed off and since I knew my rights, finally I ended paying Frw5,000” Otieno revealed.

    She however, hastened to clarify that such contradicting tax rates by the tax officers is not corruption but called it “communication breakdown” because people are not willing to understand the law imposed by the government.

    She said it’s very important for the government of Rwanda to stand up and educate people at the ground level particularly the customs union lower cadres about the East African community partnership first, otherwise doing business in Rwanda is messing up.

    A Burundian Entrepreneur who never wanted his names to be published told {igihe.com}; “We know our rights when we come to Rwanda but it has been violated here particularly in customs union.

    “They have to change the system of handling EAC people and know that we are one and therefore, should be given the first priority.”

    Jane M Munyao, Chairperson of East Africa Women Entrepreneurs pointed out: “We are all Rwandans because we are in East Africa Community and we share brotherhood, but we are anoyed because when it comes to doing business in Rwanda, the first priority is given to foreigners like those coming from Pakistan and other Asian countries.

    “ They shouldn’t charge taxes on goods produced in EAC region like they are doing.”
    According to her, all sectors involved in doing business should educate their juniors because they are the major hindrance to the business community and they lack customer care service delivery, they have a lot of bureaucracy.

    Andrew Lubaale, Trade Show Coordinator of Madhvani Group said: “Top officials here are very good and welcoming but the biggest challenge upon getting into the country is the poor assistance from lower cadres.

    “My personal experience is that I was coming to Rwanda with company’s products and reached at the Rwandan border at 2pm but I left the place at about 5:30pm and from there my truck is again locked up at Majerwa for 3 days.

    “Above that they are billing me for all the days it has been there, yet it’s not my mistake and I was really frustrated.

    “I also had to pay for the clearing and forwarding company and the amount I paid is now equivalent to the items I brought yet I am just exposing and not selling, is this viable business?

    According to Lubaale, the items he brought cost him Uganda Shs 974, 000, paid clearing agency Shs 900, 000, to get the truck out Majerwa cost him Frw11, 000 for packing, transporting back the customs’ agent took him Frw7,000 and renting the stand took him US$1350.

    John Tumwesigye, the Marketing Manager, Movit Products based in Uganda observed that: “Rwanda’s doing business should first harmonize tax fares, bureaucracy in custom unions, and train workers about customer service handling because these are the only areas that hinder Rwanda’s business environment otherwise Rwanda is the best country to do business from”

  • Women accuse Police of Sexual Harassment at EXPO

    {{Foreign women investors attending the 14th international Rwanda trade show are angered by the manner with which they are handled at Police checkpoints at Expo grounds which they say amounts to sexual harassment.
    }}

    However, Police spokesperson, Supt. Theos Badege said: “There is no way to avoid it because when a metal detector makes an alarm while checking a person in some parts of the body, they end up using hands to conduct a thorough search, and this is widely professional for security purposes.”

    Exclusively speaking to igihe.com, over 10 foreign females exhibiting their products at Expo grounds raised the same issue saying it is unprofessional and sexually abusive.

    An Exhibitor from Kenya who never wanted her names to be published in media noted, “Am really frustrated by the way the police corps are treating us at the entrance.
    “How can a young female constable who is supposed to be my granddaughter start touching me all the body including my breasts and private parts? “Is that professional way of checking people? She wondered.

    She said, “I like security in Rwanda because it is the first I think in the region, but they should also organize and bring metal detectives and scanners to do it in a professional way because some of us who are coming from different cultures take it as sexual harassment”.

    Joyce Waboyi also an exhibitor said, “We want to establish business in Rwanda and open offices in Kigali but I will first find out if this is the way of checking people even elsewhere.

    “The way it’s done here is abusive and discourages me because I can’t stand it according to my culture.

    A male exhibitor preferring anonymity for personal safety said ,“Rwanda is a country internationally respected and putting up other measures for detectives like detective gadgets and scanners is possible but I don’t know why the equipment are not brought to an international Trade Fair like here.”

  • Four Truths and a Lie: How Congolese Refugees Lost Hope in Rwanda (I)

    {{Igihe.com has been investigating the situation of refugees at the largest refugee camp in Rwanda at Gihembe in the Northern district of Gicumbi. Our reporter Supreeta Gubbala camped there and we bring you in series her experience at the camp. }}

    {{PART 1. }}

    Similar to many conflicts from which refugees seek asylum, care for refugees has never been an obvious formula in which the competition for a monopoly will probably never occur.

    The various national and international actors carefully balancing and dividing the daily needs of refugees in precarious situations and countries not their own, is one of a poor mother attempting to feed her hungry children, and more often than not, requires choosing between a lesser of two evils.

    Rwanda’s largest refugee camp for asylum seekers is at Gihembe Camp located in the district of Gicumbi. Home to currently over 20,000 refugees, the camp began with 14,000 residents in January of 1997 when it first opened its doors to the Congolese refugees. The majority of residents escaped from the eastern province of DRC in ’97 and has since been at Gihembe camp.

    Currently, the UNHCR works with six implementing partners to care for the population specifically at Gihembe; ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), AHA (African Humanitarian Action), JRS (Jesuit Relief Services), AVSI (The Association of Volunteers in International Service), ARC (American Refugee Committee), MIDIMAR (Ministry of Disaster Relief and Management and operational partner WFP (World Food Program).

    Each particular partner has their own task they address however, the UNHCR and MIDIMAR work together to oversee each partner in their task.

    ARC has a larger staff of 71 at the camp working at Gihembe to provide water, sanitation, shelter, health, and nutritional services.

    WFP provides food at the camp while AHA distributes food, firewood and non-food items, yet the partner has only three staffs working on the project with a WFP representative only on site for food delivery.

    JRS is in charge of education at the camp, but once again with only a staff of eight working in the camps.
    Funded by operational partner UNICEF, AVSI focuses on child protection in the camps.

    The only national partner, MIDIMAR, is in charge of direct management of the camp and representation of the government and security and only has one representative at the camp.

    What adds another layer to this structure is the creation of refugee committees, which are groups of residents who represent the population to partners in specific areas. At Gihembe six committees currently exist including; Executive, Women, Youth, Health, Distribution, Security, Parents and Sports.

    With these committee’s in place, the refugees have agency to present their particular needs in a cohesive way, making them more likely to be addressed.

    The structure itself seems the best under given circumstances, but dangerously depends on the two main camp representatives from UNHCR and MIDIMAR to report on any major short falls. The clear understaffing present for all partners also hits at the weak point of this structure that depends on the reporting by those working on the ground in the camp.

    Understaffing and underfunding, especially at Gihembe means a problem could take months to be fixed instead of weeks as partners are spread thin attempting to allocate the same resources to a rapidly growing refugee population.

    “Our Headquarters in Geneva are continuing to appeal for further funds,” UNHCR External Relations Officer Anouck Bronee told us.
    As aid organizations across the board struggle with internal cuts, pointing the traditional finger of blame becomes close to impossible at Gihembe.

  • National Beach Volleyball teams on Suspension

    By: Marcel Nzabamwita

    {{The Rwanda Volley Ball Federation has held a conference aimed at addressing misunderstandings in the Volleyball national team and enlightening the public about plans and activities of the federation.}}

    The major complaint by the national beach volleyball team is about the failure to receive their training bonuses that were promised to them since last year.

    FRVB president, Uzayisenga Charles confirmed that the ministry of sports had not yet honoured their promised bonuses and rebuked the beach volleyball team for their reprehensible actions in Mombasa last week where they represented Rwanda in the early qualifiers for the African Olympic game qualifiers.

    Makuza Lauren the advisor to the Sports minister told the press that the delay on honouring bonuses was due to a myriad of factors including commencement of a new fiscal year that started in July and that processing different accounts and paperwork was needed to release the money.

    “I can assure players that all the money we owe them will be paid and even though I can’t specify the date, I can promise that by the end of the month of August all these issues will be resolved,” said Makuza.

    After complaining several times to FRVB, the volleyball players almost forfeited their games and only accepted to play after a lot of begging and compromise from the FRVB in Rwanda.

    However, volleyball players managed to qualify for the next round although the FRVB was displeased by the players’ bad sportsmanship.

    All the 8 players of the men and women beach volleyball team were temporarily suspended and a special commission instituted to handle the situation and decide appropriate consequences for their actions.

    Uzayisenga informed the press that the national girls’ beach volleyball team apologized to the FRVB for their misconduct.

    It was also revealed that the Sports ministry is considering cutting down costs spent on the national team training and involvement in competitions in order to focus their efforts on growing home talent.

    “The ministry of sports and the government of Rwanda in general have little means and cannot take up projects unless they are sure the prospects of reaching far and completing them are viable. For this reason, we shall be meeting with the federation and choose which projects are more significant in growing the sport and bringing glory to the country. The rest of the money will be spent in strengthening sports programs in schools and academies in order to make Rwanda a sporting nation” he said.

    Mr. Eliya Manirarora, the vice president of the Athleticism federation of Rwanda announced the upcoming participation of Rwanda in the All African Games due in Maputo, Mozambique.

    Of the 24 sport disciplines that will be taking place, Rwanda will be involved in 11 of them because the rest are not games played in Rwanda.

    A total of 112 people will represent Rwanda of which 27 of them will be officials. A one-month preparation-training period is currently underway with the involved players in secluded preparation camps.

    He said the Cycling team is currently training in Switzerland while the boxing team is training in France. The chief of the mission at the All African Games will be Mr. Kayijuka Gaspard from the Ministry of Sports.

    It was also announced that the women’s Volleyball African cup of nations will take place in Nairobi from 15th -27th ,August.

    Jean Marie Nsengiyumva said that the national volleyball team has grown stronger through the years and that we are hopeful for good results even if we may not come out the best.

  • New Rwandan genocide Book Launched

    By: Dianah Mutimura.

    {{During the 1994 Rwanda genocide, while other foreigners hurriedly flew back to their countries save their lives Carl Wilkens only sent his family and he remained behind to help vulnerable innocent Tustis.}}

    17 years later, Carl wilkens has written a book titled {{“I’m not leaving”}} that tales about the journey he passed through during the genocide and he launched it at Kigali Memorial Center with the minister of foreign affairs who is also government Spokesperson Louise Mushikiwabo.

    The minister appreciated the profound sympathy of Carl Wilkens saying that, “Carl Wilkens has valuable ethics towards others than the way he values himself. You are an example to many of us”. The minister emphatically stressed.

    She concluded by promising to make sure that the book will be publicised within and outside the country the country so that the truth can be known everywhere.

    Carl Wilkens pointed out that he wrote the book with the intentions of letting the whole world know the history of the Tutsi genocide because he believes it’s important to be known worldwide.

    He said apart from writing the book, he visits diverse high schools worldwide talking about the history of Rwanda Tutsi genocide so that they can make a difference even in the midst of chaos.

    He argued Rwandans to help him and spread the gospel of what happened in the country because it even adds him more courage whenever he is doing the work with some Rwandans.

    Carl Wilkens further explained that Rwandan history is very important to the entire world community saying that: “This history is more valued. Everyone has his or her own history which can be of great support to people and this can change people’s philosophy”.

    Carl Wilkens rescued more than 400 people during the genocide who run to save their lives in an orphanage place called Gisimba Damas, where he used to bring for them water and food because he would freely pass on many roadblocks imposed by the interahamwe.

    Pie Mugabo one of the survivors rescued at the orphanage expressed his gratitude to Wilkins invaluable efforts saved him and other hundreds of genocide survivors.

    “You gave us another chance to live again. You and other rear selfless people will automatically get the blessing you deserve from God” Mugabo said amidst applauds from the people present.

    The money which will result from the sales will facilitate the Gisozi memorial center and the remainder will aid him in his different trips while testifying what he observer during the Tutsi genocide.

  • Under 17 tournament kicks off

    By: Marcel Nzabamwita

    {{A mini football tournament organized by the {Association des jeunes sportifs de Kigali} “ESPERANCE” kicked off today at Mumena Stadium in Nyamirambo amidst hundreds of spectators.}}

    The tournament aimed at strengthening the U17 years involves three squads from Kiyovu FC, Esperance and Vision 2020 FC as well as the Maison des jeunes – Kimisagara.

    According to the organizers three teams will strengthen their academies through the tournament and other activities during their ongoing vacation for secondary and primary schools.

    Ejo Hazaza, Etoile, Fishers of Men and AS Kigali are also other youth teams that were invited to participate in this event.

    Each of the participating teams were divided into age groups of under 12, 13 -14 and 15-16 years.

    A total of 47 games will start from August 4-17 at Mumena stadium and the Regional stadium both located in Nyamirambo.

    speaking to {igihe.com} Manirakiza Saidi, the under-17 coach of Kiyovu FC academy and one of the organizers of the tournament, he expressed gratitude and pride in the successful start of the event.

    “The only problem we have is the reluctance of the media in covering stories of young players’ sports and minimal support from the higher ranking officials from the teams and the football federation of Rwanda” he said.

    He further urged Rwandan journalists and sports reporters to show dedication to young players because it is this kind of exposure that they need in order to attract foreign and major club coaches in order to further their careers in football.

  • Journalists have right to access Public information

    By: Andrew Kareba

    {{The access to information bill seeks to promote public participation in democratic and development processes where government and private bodies should provide to journalists public information in possession by those bodies.}}

    The Minister of Information Musoni Protais while presenting to the Chamber of Deputies announced the development.
    Musoni was defending the long awaited bill on free access to public documents and other relevant information to the media upon request.

    He also emphasized that in order to promote greater accountability by all public office holders, the media and all members of the public must enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined under the constitution.

    All public organs have to facilitate and encourage the disclosure of information, promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost where necessary, he elaborated.

    However, he told the lawmakers that “Exempt information” may be withheld by a public organ or certain classes of private bodies in case release of such information is believed to cause harm to the national security, involve the unnecessary invasion of privacy of an individual or damage a public organ’s position.

    Hon. Theobald Mporanyi presented that every public organ shall take steps in accordance with requirements to provide information at regular intervals through media with no charge.

    Hon. Marie Rose Mureshyankwano wondered whether access to reasonable information will be charged for and not be considered as corruption.

    Minister Musoni said, offences and penalties shall be provided by the Ombudsman’s office.

    Without reasonable cause for refusing a request for access on information, bad faith in denying a request for information or knowingly give incorrect, incomplete or misleading information, he says.

    Fines will range from One hundred thousand (Frw 100.000) to three hundred thousand Rwandan Francs (Frw300, 000) before the Ombudsman’s office while before the court, it will range from One hundred thousand (Rwf 100,000) to five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (Rwf

  • AMAVUBI Releases Lineup Aganist IVORY COAST.

    By: Marcel Nzabamwita

    Sellas Tetteh, the coach of the national football team has released a list of the players who have been pre-selected to clash against Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations qualifier.

    From the pre-selected team, 18 players will be chosen to officially represent Rwanda in the game scheduled to take place on September 3rd at Amahoro Stadium.

    The team includes 7 international players and four players from the Under 17 team which recently represented Rwanda in the U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

    The selected team is expected to join camp this Sunday August 7, and to start training the following day in preparation for the game against Ivory Coast whose stakes are high since they will determine the future for Rwanda in the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

    The tournament will be hosted by both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    Rwanda, alongside Ivory Coast, Benin and Burundi are all in Group H of the qualifiers and Ivory Coast leads the group with 12 Points, followed by Burundi and Benin which both have 4 points.

    Although Burundi is placed second on goal difference, Rwanda, at the bottom of the group, have 3 points and to qualify, Amavubi have to win the next game against Ivory Coast while Burundi draws with Benin.

  • Rwanda Broadcasting Agency to Replace ORINFOR

    By: Andrew Kareba

    {{The chamber of deputies August 2 adopted the three draft laws regulating media.}}

    Among the bill which were assessed is the draft law modifying and completing the law No 22/2009 of 12/09/2009 on Media, draft law determining the responsibilities, structure and functioning of the Media High Council (MHC) and Draft law determining responsibilities, organization and functioning of the Rwanda broadcasting agency (RBA).

    Hon. Protais Musoni, who was representing the government, said that though the 3 draft laws are closely related, their aim is to promote a constructive and educational media for all Rwandans.

    “ORINFOR will be replaced by Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) which will no longer be a state broadcasting Agency but a Public broadcasting group for the purpose of serving public interest and this law will enable RBA to fully run its duties and work independently in managing its affairs, said Musoni.

    As the enacted law states, 20 per cent will be Government shares and 80 per cent private investors and this will enable RBA to run its normal activities with no Government regulations, Musoni elaborated.

    Like any other media group, RBA will Educate, inform and entertain and it will be in the contest of changing the Rwandan society through media, he said.

    With regard to Self-regulation of the print media, a state organ will be established for intervention when necessary, he elaborated.

    “Media Self Regulation is of a great importance in promoting Rwandan media and this will reduce Media High Council’s tasks and leave it with observing freedom of expression.” The minister stressed adding that further MHC duties will be put in Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA).

    RBA is going to be the second Semi-autonomous body in East Africa Community to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) to be public oriented .

    The pillars of the plan to be the leading, cutting edge public service, multimedia network in the region while the mission is being at forefront of engaging audiences with quality information, programs and multi-media services.

    The minister observed that RBA’s core values will focus on integrity, quality, and professionalism, forward-looking and caring both public and staff welfare.