IGIHE

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  • Patient Rejects Transfer to India,wants Belgium

    {{FARG ordered her to leave hospital without her being fully recovered
    Uwamwezi M. Claire is one of the 1994 Tutsis’ Genocide survivors. She has spent a long-time suffering from the 1994 genocide injuries.}}

    She has been hospitalised at King Fysal Hospital where FARGE has been responsible for her medical fees.

    When she talked to IGIHE, she felt grateful for the government of Rwanda for it did the best for her healing. However, she says she is bothered by those who want to transfer her to India against her wishes.

    As India is not credible, she says. She wants rather to be transferred to Belgium.

    From FARGE’s letter to Uwamwezi, it says’ according to the commission in charge of transferring patients to foreign countries, she is to be transferred to India.’

    She has been removed from the hospital because she spends an enormous amount of money.

    According to that letter, the money spent on her is too much and could be spent on other patients.

    Uwamwezi says it has been a shock to her, since the doctor is the one to decide if the patient is to be discharged from the hospital.

    Gatayire Marie Claire, the 2nd vice president of IBUKA says she has also been stunned by FARGE decision. She says FARGE has no right to send the patient away if she has not yet fully recovered.

    In relation to support, Gatayire adds” we consult with one another in helping her being transferred to foreign countries”

    The executive secretary of FARG Théophile Ruberangeyo, announced to IGIHE that they often advised Uwamwezi to go where she has been transferred and that they made the right decision for her and chose the right place, but she rejected it.

    He adds’ many patients have been transferred to India fully recovered including even among leaders’

    Ruberangeyo adds that they sent her the letter to advise her to go to India, but she refused the offer and they cannot keep paying the medical fees for a person who is not being cured.

    For her current living conditions, Ruberangeyo says that they provide her a living allowance of Frw 50,000 a month whereas others get Frw 5000 a month.

    He adds’ she is ours, and if she wants to make a fundraising to go where she wants I will be supportive’.

    {{She begs the authority to be at her side}}

    Uwamwezi left the hospital at 11 pm, but she found her home empty. Her home faces the Area Sector’s office. Uwamwezi says she now has nothing to live on, everything has been stolen.

    Uwamwezi had been permitted to be transferred to Belgium on 01 December 2009. She suffered severe injuries as the aftermath of 1994 genocide where she has had been stabbed in the middle of her breasts and the back which resulted into the wound of her left lung.

    This caused her illness to be incurable, as proven in the report by Dr E. Musabyeyezu. The right lung is also being attacked.

    Uwamwezi beganher treatment from King Faysal hospital since 2007 after attempting various hospitals.

    She was discharged from King Faysal after recovering but continued to experience hardship in breathing and her head swelled and went back to King Faysal, and realised her lungs were affected. Her lungs exceeded King Faysal ability and hence required foreign transfer.

    She is requesting for financial help to her cure her disease. Cash can be deposited on Bank of Kigali Account {{00040028462762.}}

  • Pedal Generator lights Homes

    {{A half-lying in a wooden chair, completed by a board on which is fixed a metal housing, Uwayezu Martin, 25, a pedal force to recharge with small LED lamps (LED).}}

    This pedal generator of simple design and craftsmanship has changed the lives of thousands of Rwandan countryside, living in areas without electricity, bringing them to light for some cheap and a new revenue stream.

    Fisher, Daniel sets his traps Ntibaziyandemye little before dusk, among dense brush in the river Akanyaru, chasing mosquitoes of the hand, ear alert to detect the possible presence of crocodiles that infest the place.

    At night, he returns to venture into the dangerous water to collect his catch, a small LED lamp on the front.

    “Previously we were using flashlights to find our traps at night,” said Daniel. “But the batteries were so expensive that our profits were meager. Now with these new bulbs, you can fish for a week for less than what it was costing us before. ”

    When discharged, Daniel carries his lamp to the merchant who sold it to him and who, like Martin, is the reload pedal strokes.

    The generator is a small box approximately 30 cm high, with each side of pedals. We must ride just 20 minutes to recharge and give them five lamps up to 25 hours of battery life, about a week of use for most people.

    Every minute and 375 minutes pedaled generates light, a system much more efficient than solar energy, says the company Rwandan Nuru Energy, the source of this invention that allowed him to win the 150,000 euros in 2008 to reward Price Lighting Africa, an initiative of the World Bank.

    The company sells on credit generators and lamps to local retailers. They sell the lamps, then recharged every week for one low price.

    Nuru Energy “gave me six months to repay the credit of my first lamps, but with the money earned by recharging, I was able to repay in two months,” said Martin Uwayezu.

    “I was poor, now I’m a businessman,” he says proudly.

    {{Attack the markets in East Africa and India}}

    Most of rural Rwanda does not have access to electricity and people light up with kerosene and cooking over a wood fire. Over 90% of households in Rwanda use kerosene lamps whose fumes are harmful.

    “In addition to being dangerous, it is inefficient and expensive,” explains Holazman Sloan, marketing director Nuru. “Families are spending between 10 and 25% of their income on oil for the only light.”

    The boss and co-founder, Sameer Hajee, said he studied the energy requirements and practices of rural Rwandans to imagine a clean and inexpensive technology that can compete with oil.

    “Kerosene is expensive, harmful, polluting and dangerous. But it is also portable, reliable and available, “he says.

    In addition to the LED lamps, Nuru Energy plans to expand the use of its generators to recharge the mobile phones and other appliances in rural areas without grid.

    After launching his first pedal generator in Rwanda, Nuru Energy is developing pilot projects in other countries such as India.

    The company now boasts 10,000 customers in Rwanda and seeks to expand to other countries in East Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by the end of the year.

  • Pupil Injured in car Accident

    {{A school pupil identified as Eric Tuyishime 7 years was severely injured in a Tuesday car accident when an overspeeding commuter taxi knocked him along the Kamembe-Bugarama road in Rusizi District.}}

    Tuyisenge was heading home from school. After the accident, he was rushed to Gihundwe Hospital for treatment. According to an eye witness, the accident was a result of over speeding.

    Police Spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege noted that careless driving and over speeding were major causes of road accidents.

    In Rwanda, at least one person dies every day and almost 3,000 per year get disabled due to traffic accidents.

    “Despite the law and increased awareness, over speeding leads in causes of car accidents’’, said Supt. Badege.

    Police particularly instructed students whose schools are near major roads to be vigilant whenever they are crossing road.

  • I Desperately Need to Replace my Kidney—Patient

    {{Hatari Desire is a Rwandan whose life is hanging on a thread. He desperately needs help. He needs a Kidney and Cash to be able to have his faulty kidney replaced at a hosipital in India.}}

    Hatari suffers from a kidney disease and is seeking a Frw1.5 million for treatment so that he can live longer.

    Born in 1989 in the District of Mbuye Ruhango, Hatari has suffered from kidney disease for four years. He changed several hospitals to no avail.

    He first began with the hospital Kabgayi CHUK hospital for the time he was hospitalized at the National University Hospital of Butare (CHUB) where he is on dialysis three times a week.

    Since doctors have confirmed, his kidneys cannot be restored except replacing them, Alphonse Ngarambe, the patient’s father, has promised to give him his kidney after medical tests confirmed that Hatari can receive a kidney from his dad.

    The operation costs about 15 million Rwandan francs but the Rwandan government has decided to pay 85% through the Ministry of Health.

    The 15% (Frw 2.5 million) must be paid by Hatari, who said he could find only one million by selling his plot.”I need a million and a half to go to the doctor in India” Hatari pleaded.

    Hatari received a certificate from the Ministry of Health showing that he needs help so he can seek treatment.

    Any One that needs to contribute can deposit cash on the account at Banque Populaire Number:{{ 441340168211 BPR.}}

    As part of his life expectancy, Hatari anticipate that it would be better to not exceed the month of May.

  • “Dr. Oby, a Strong, Valued Advocate for Africa”- President Kagame

    {{President Paul Kagame on Wednesday in Washington DC delivered the key remarks at a tribute to honor outgoing World Bank vice president, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, for her contribution to Africa during her tenure.}}

    Hosted at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for scholars, and jointly organized by the Tony Emelu Foundation and the Whitaker Group, the event brought together African Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps, global business leaders, representatives from the World Bank, IMF, civil society, and NGOs.

    In his opening remarks, President Kagame spoke of the pivotal role Dr. Oby Ezekwesili played in championing a strategy which in her words is built around ‘partnership with Africa, working with Africa, not for Africa.’

    President Kagame congratulated Dr. Oby and her work done across the continent over the last 5 years saying, “What we have seen in Rwanda working with the World Bank over the last decade is indeed shared across the continent and there is no doubt that two very competent women that have been at the World Bank.

    “Our sisters from Africa, Oby and Ngozi Okojo- Iwela have been competent leaders in this institution under the able leadership of Bob Zoellick who has also been a good friend of Africa”

    Kagame also paid tribute to Dr. Oby’s role as a strong advocate for Africa, emphasizing how through her continued encouragement to both Africans and others to seize the moment and turn the continents immense potential into profits.

    “Through the World Bank’s increased support to productive areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, the potential for investment in these areas and in harnessing a developed private sector has greatly increased” said the President.

    Speaking on behalf of the event’s organizers, Rosa Whitaker, CEO of the Whitaker Group, praised Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, who “ came to the World Bank with a demonstrated record of achievement as a pioneer and public servant.”

    Whitaker emphasized Ezekwesili “Is driven by a cherished and fundamental belief that opportunity should not be bestowed arbitrarily, but incontrovertibly.”

    Bringing the ceremony to a close, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili began her remarks by thanking President Kagame, “For being the face of aspiration that we all share for the development of the our continent.”

    Ezekwesili said she always believes, “development is a process that is exemplified by the strength of will, the strength of purpose and the resilience on the part of the people to create the impetus for their own progress.”

    “I have never looked at development as the activity of the weak and that is why I have always seen the continent as a continent with so much power and yet not demonstrated it for many decades so now Mr. President the strength of vision, that dignity that is necessary, that strength of character that you have demonstrated has been an important factor of progress that we have seen in Rwanda “

    In her conclusion, Dr. Oby expressed her gratitude to the organizers for having put together the event and re-iterated her intention to continue to act as an advocate for Africa.

    Other tributes for Oby included a taped address to Ezekwesili by the former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo.

  • U.S. Companies to Invest in Rwanda

    {{Rwanda has been represented at the round-table discussion hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce- African Initiative.}}

    John Gara, CEO of the Rwandan Development Board and Ambassador James Kimonyo, Ambassador to the United States participated in a round-table discussion that attracts Washington’s elite business community.

    The Initiative aimed at showcasing various investment opportunities in Rwanda. The business group present included Oracle, Boeing, IMB, John Deere, Citi, Trimble Navigation and PAE Group.

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s African initiatives’ engages the U.S. business community on legislative policies that foster foreign direct investment in Africa, to facilitate trade between the United States and African countries, and introduce U.S. companies to the continent’s vast economic opportunities.

    During the discussion, RDB’s Gara underlined his satisfaction on the recent signing of the bilateral investment treaty (BIT). The ratification of this treaty would enhance protection including nondiscriminatory treatment of investors and investments; the right to freely transfer investment-related funds; prompt adequate and effective compensation in the event of illegal seizure of investment.

    It also includes freedom from specified performance demands, such as domestic content or technology-transfer requirements and provisions to ensure transparency in governance.

    Gara noted, through BIT, Rwanda also hopes to build capacity in trade areas and fill the specialized skills shortages. He emphasised Rwanda’s deep business reform agenda that has steered it to be among the top 45th easiest places to do business, the 3rd easiest in Africa and the finest in the East African Community.

    Sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and Information Communication Technology were underscored as some of the few Investment opportunities that are ready to be explored in Rwanda.

    Moreover, as President Paul Kagame deems “people” as the most important resource a country could have, Gara also highlighted the growing need to invest more in education and healthcare sectors.

    Echoing Gara, Ambassador James Kimonyo also highlighted the fact that trade and investment are important drivers of a country’s economic growth.

    During the discussion, the Ambassador noted, United States’ economic strength and dynamism through the signing of the BIT not only deepens the two countries ties, but also supports important foreign policy goals.

    He expressed his gratitude towards the Chamber’s unwavering assistance specially after the signing of the BIT.

    The Ambassador emphasized Rwanda’s peaceful environment and political stability to re-assure the business moguls, and feature its competitive advantage.

    Concluding the discussion, participants of the roundtable were encouraged to make Rwanda as their next destination. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will lead a group of investors to Rwanda during the summer months.

  • Regional Universities to Harmonise Programs

    {{East African universities are set to harmonise their academic programs and establish a program of exchanging lecturers.}}

    The board of the inter university council for East Africa announced today during a press conference that was aimed at giving details on its achievements and prospects.

    According to the Executive Director of the Higher Education Council, Prof Geoffrey Rugege, Rwanda will benefit a lot from the forthcoming conference.

    The 2012 annual meeting will be held 30th March in Kigali under the theme
    “The role of universities in fostering knowledge based economies in East Africa through University/partnership”.

    The conference will discuss implementation of harmonization of programs and exchange of lecturers and students as well.

    Participants will discuss what the council has achieved with a view to establishing a program of fostering regional education development.

    The previously conferences were in Arusha and Bujumbura respectively,
    Prof Silas Lwakabamba rector of the national university of Rwanda said that the development is aimed at improving quality of education in the region.

    Prof. Lwakabamba is also the chairperson of the Inter-university council for East Africa.

    Prof. Mayunga Nkunya the council’s secretary says the meeting will also discuss harmonization of tuition fees in universities in the region to enable exchange of students.

    The official said that the program has already kicked off at the National University of Rwanda, and added that private universities are expected to comply with the program.

  • Couple to Marry After 19 years of Separation

    {{After 19 years of separation, John and Cynthia, (they wanted to publish first names only), who have loved each other during their time in exile in Burundi, and reunited curiously, their love was so real they want soon give to each other for better or worse and for life.}}

    It is never believed that people can love for so long, but after these two people, this is indeed a reality, a deep and sincere love.

    John revealed this information while he celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, March 27, at a feast in front of all his guests.

    The reporter of IGIHE wanted to ascertain the truth about this new home and the couple said that the flame of their love, despite 19 years of separation, never extinguished.

    This love, they said, will lead to marriage. They are ready to get married shortly as they have indicated.

    John noted that it is God’s will because he did not know if his sweetheart was still alive especially since there had been no communication or by mail since the date of their separation in 1993.

    His lover travelled to Zambia across Lake Tanganyika. She later moved to Zaire and finally Sweden before returning home 2011.

    Cynthia, meanwhile, said that after a long stay in out of the country she’s all happy to see her boyfriend always healthy and he loves me like it was the first day we met.

    John said “Me too, I still love her and I think it’s stronger than before”, for all her affections towards me which she never ceases to show me every day.

    This couple confirms that the secret of their love lies in a firm trust in God. John and Cynthia live in Kigali and are ready to show their love to anyone who will listen.

    That love endures and leads to marriage, with the helping hand of Jesus, no doubt they will get there in the near future as they wish according to their own words.

  • New Global Shipping Company Extends to Rwanda

    {{Rwandan exporters and importers have yet another choice through which they can send and receive products.}}

    A Ugandan Based Katwine shipping company has now established in Rwanda after years of success in Uganda.

    Katwine Company with head offices at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda is the authorized cargo accounts settlement system (CASS) agency for Air France-KLM.

    According to Charles Jube Kimbowa the company manager and customer service personnel, the company is also shipping agent for some companies including; Greenfields, Marine and agro in Uganda and DHL Express, worldwide movers, flight logistics services in Rwanda.

    Kimbowa said they aim at meeting end to end logistic needs of importers, exporters, manufacturers, global retailers, consolidators, forwarders and shipping agents and for Rwanda the company transports personal effects goods and general cargo by air, trucking and on oceans.

    “We thought it was a good idea to open up a branch in Rwanda because both Uganda and Rwanda depend on exports and imports,” he said.

    Katwine shipping company Kigali branch offices are located at ‘Jesus is Able-House’ (Sonatube), Kicukiro district.

  • Gender Based Violence in Schools Addressed

    {{Four international organisations have come together with a treatment plan they believe will inspire and help the youth of Rwanda to open up to talking about school related gender based violence through the film script competition for young Rwandan film makers that was launched on the 15th of march 2012 up to November 30th.}}

    The competition aims at encouraging young Rwandans to come up with a sample treatment or idea on script that focuses on zero tolerance to gender based violence.

    The organisation consisting of GIZ, Plan Rwanda, KFM and Jumelage Rhinaninie Platinat which are German organisations, will givse 10,000 Euros to the winners of the short films that will be presented at the gala to be held on November the 30th of 2012.

    There will be three awards, the first is for the 20 minutes film that goes for 2,500 EUR, the second is the 15minute film that goes for 20,000 Euro, and the last will be special award prize of 5.360 Euros for the best short film on school related gender based violence in Rwanda.

    “Many girls and boys in rural districts across Rwanda are dealing with gender based violence, But the fear and lack of who to turn to has led these children to drop out of school.”

    “We need to assist, these children, to step forward and speak out so we can help prevent this from continuing today,” says Katherine Nicol, a gender specialist working for Plan international Rwanda told.

    In the district of Gatsibo 13 year old Uwimana Kayetsi says she hated school due to the constant bullying she would receive from the elder boys who would taunt her and tease her.

    She says. “I could not complain at home for I was scared they would take me out of school.”

    I could not talk about it in school because the boys would find out and would probably hurt me, so I was stuck until some people came to our school and spoke about gender based violence and soon afterward the bullying stopped.”

    This film script competition will not only benefit the young filmmakers in receiving recognition and a large sum of money but most importantly the films that will be screened at a gala concluding the festival which will celebrate the international day for the elimination of violence against women.