Ntirenganya was elected during an extra ordinary meeting of the district’s council chaired by Northern Province Governor, Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney.
He was installed after winning 18 of 25 votes followed by Nkundwanabake Samson who only got the support of 7 out of 25 voters.
Ntirenganya explained that he will closely work with the council to create a difference.
“I will cultivate a good working relationship with the advisory council which is set to be ae unique aspect compared to predecessors. Our performance will be characterized by decentralized leadership to fast track citizens’ development and maintain the reputation of Musanze as a secondary city after Kigali,” he said.
The Governor of Northern Province, Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney requested the new mayor to draw attention on citizens’ concerns.
“The resignation of leaders is normal when they have not fulfilled their duties. Musanze district is productive in agriculture and is a touristic hub. It is therefore saddening to see leaders failing to deliver. For instance hearing an official beating a spouse is inhumane and we want the culprit paying for it. We request the new leader to focus on citizens’ problems ,” he advised.
Three Musanze district officials including Mayor Habyarimana Jean Damascène, the vice mayor for economic affairs Ndabereye Augustin and were forced to resign while Uwamariya Marie Claire resigned on own volition.
In order to avoid preventable accidents during such season, Police has advised road users to always take extra caution when it is raining or after it has rained.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety department, drivers also have to contend with likely strong winds besides dealing with heavy downpour, which calls for one to exercise caution when driving in such weather.
“In case you are driving or riding in the rain, it would be safer to anticipate how to deal with wet roads as well as poor visibility that characterize such weather; as usual your car should be in good condition with head and tail lights, brakes, turn signals, and windshield wipers working. Ensure that tires are in good shape and properly inflated to contend with the slip,” advised CP Rafiki.
He also advised on turning headlights on when it’s raining to challenge the low visibility and fog and to signal the equally affected motorists coming from behind and those from the opposite direction.
“As usual, drive in your lane, go slow, give each driver space, don’t enter flooded roads, stay alert and pull-over where necessary; exercise extra caution when overtaking because heavy rains and fog can affect your visibility,” CP Mujiji advised.
“When driving under such weather conditions, you don’t have to move at 40km/hr or 60km/hr just because the traffic signpost grants that speed; it comes back to your individual responsibility to set your rules below the set maximum speed as the weather dictates. Be a responsible driver and always take safer decisions when on road,” he added.
Commenting on the resignations, the Minister of Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka attributed the resignations to accountability shortfalls and failure to respond to citizens’ needs among others.
“Some local leaders are being dismissed by Districts’ Councils or requesting them to accept their resignation as per the law. Accountability deficits, failure to respond to citizens’ needs and inefficiency in delivery are the underlying causes,” said the Minister in a tweet.
Minister Shyaka explained that 2019 is the last year of delivering on Vision 2020 and towards midway to National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) Delivery in 2024 whereby every day counts.
He said that the resignations should not matter in Rwanda as a country founded on principles of good governance where all districts are eager to have the most effective and conducive leadership to spur rapid local transformation and wellbeing of citizens towards achieving instituted targets.
“There is nothing to worry about! This is a usual process in a country like Rwanda, firmly grounded in the principles of Good #Governance, anchored in #Decentralization and #Citizen- centredness; #Democracy and #Accountability. #DukomezeImihigo” stressed Minister Shyaka.
The spate of resignations has been common among local leaders in Rwanda over instituted accountability measures pinning and exposing whoever fails to deliver within norms.
The chairman of Musanze district council, Eng Emile Bayisenga has told IGIHE that leaders were forced to resign over failure to deliver to the best of their duties.
“The mayor has been forced to resign over failure to comply with the master plan of Musanze district, failure to fulfill his obligations and corruption cases while the vice mayor for economic affairs resigned over-involvement in an assault. The vice mayor in charge of social welfare resigned over failure to deliver,” he said.
The spate of resignations also spread to Ngororero district where all vice mayors and the executive secretary, Rukazambuga Gilbert submitted resignation letters yesterday.
These include the vice mayor for economic affairs, Kanyange Christine and his colleague in charge of social affairs, Kuradusenge Janvier.
Kanyange Christine has told IGIHE that she abdicated for personal reasons and will be taking care of her family.
“It is true that I have resigned. I am going to take care of my family,” she said.
On the other hand, the Ngororero district advising council attributed their resignation to failure to deliver.
It is said that resigned leaders failed to implement the advising council’s resolutions to fast-track programs aimed at addressing residents’ issues and advancing their development.
The Chairman of Ngororero district advising council, Dr. Dushimumuremyi Jean Paul has told IGIHE three leaders resigned on account of ineffective performance.
In Karongi district, mayor Ndayisaba François and his deputies including Bagwire Esperance, vice mayor for economic affairs and Mukashema Drocella, the vice mayor in charge of social affairs submitted resignation letters citing personal reasons.
The chairman of Karongi district advising council, Mutangana Frederic, has told IGIHE that the entire committee was forced to resign over failure to fulfill their duties.
“They have been asked to resign over failure to deliver and achieving targets. They didn’t resign on their own volition. The district still has unresolved issues among citizens while the district’s development has stalled,” he explained.
The mayor of Muhanga district, Uwamariya Beatrice also sent a resignation letter.
The chairman of Muhanga district advising council, Theobard Shyaka has told IGIHE that he learned about the resignation on WhatsApp as he attended senatorial campaigns.
“I saw a copy of the resignation letter on WhatsApp group,” he said.
The chairman of the advising council in Burera district, Habineza Faustin has confirmed that the vice mayor for social affairs(Habyarimana Jean Baptiste) resigned over failure to deliver.
It is said that the latter resigned in his own favor though the advising council was planning to make him resign.
In Southern Province, the vice mayor for economic affairs in Gisagara district, Hanganimana Jean Paul also submitted a resignation letter.
The chairman of the Gisagara district advising council, Uwimana Innocent has told IGIHE that Hanganimana attributed the resignation to ineffective performance.
Uwimana explained that the council approved the resignation of Hanganimana yesterday.
IGIHE has learned that the vice mayor for economic affairs in Rubavu district, Murenzi Janvier and his colleague in charge of social affairs, Uwampayizina Marie Grace’s resignation went viral during evening hours after holding a meeting with Western Province Governor, Munyantwari Alphonse.
IGIHE has also learned that Rutsiro vice mayors are going through a resignation process.
Led by Maj Gen Alick Mhone, Chief of Policy and Plans from Malawi Ministry of Defence, the Malawian delegation was received Tuesday at the RDF Headquarters by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba.
Maj Gen Mhone revealed that the visit was aimed at sharing experience on Peacekeeping Operations. “We came to learn how the Rwanda Defence Force conducts its Peacekeeping Operations. We are very much impressed and we know there are a lot of experiences we can learn from here,” he said.
On the other hand, the head of the delegation from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College led by Navy Captain Asela Amaranath, was received at RDF Headquarters by the Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Jean-Jacques Mupenzi and later the delegation was briefed on RDF roles and organization.
After the brief, Navy Captain Amaranath said that Sri Lanka is a country that has experienced 30 years of internal conflict and having a similar history with Rwanda.
“We have come to learn how Rwanda has achieved unity and reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi,” he said.
During their two-week study tour in Rwanda, students from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College will also visit some RDF and government institutions in and out of Kigali.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, other 53 drivers have also been arrested in the past one month for disconnecting the speed governor so as to over-speed.
“We have been sensitizing people, especially drivers on proper and safe road usage; we have time and again reminded motorists on respecting traffic rules and regulations and particularly desisting from actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, whose outcomes are fatal,” he said.
According to CP John Bosco Kabera, it has been observed that some drivers display unacceptable behaviors like drunken driving, speeding, tampering with speed governors and driving vehicles that are not road worthy, without mechanical certificates.
He said it’s time to take action because such dangerous behaviors that cause loss of lives can’t be tolerated.
“Consequences of violating road safety standards are dire and will not only affect the driver’s family with medical bills or worse still losing loved ones, but the country in general to repair the destroyed public infrastructure; these stringent measures are, therefore, meant to fight such dangerous human actions and to ensure safer roads for all,” he explained.
Drunken driving is a traffic offence that attracts a fine of Rwf150, 000 while speeding is punishable with a fine of Rwf50, 000. Tampering with speed governor device attracts a fine of Rwf200, 000 but if such action leads to speeding, the offender is slapped with an additional fine of Rwf50, 000.
“Any traffic offence you commit and results into another offence, it means additional fines, although drunken driving and tampering with speed governor further leads to imprisonment, confiscation of driver’s license and impounding the vehicle,” said CP Kabera.
He emphasized that Police doesn’t prevent people from enjoying or drinking alcohol but advised against impaired driving by finding other safer means to get to their destination, including using special hire or booking someone beforehand to drive you home.
The inauguration ceremony of the school located in Masoro, Gasabo district was attended by government officials, representatives from public and private institutions as well as regional representatives of the Adventist Church.
Accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the President inaugurated the school along with the World leader of the Adventist Church, Dr. Ted Wilson.
ASOME was launched shortly after the Adventist Church celebrated 100 years anniversary in Rwanda in a ceremony that took place on 31st August 2019.
As he inaugurated the school, President Kagame lauded the church’s contribution to national development.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you today, for the inauguration of the School of Medicine of the Adventist University of East-Central Africa. Congratulations on this milestone which is a most valuable addition to Rwanda’s education and health system,” he said.
Kagame saluted the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rwanda for marking one hundred years of serving the spiritual and social needs of Rwandans noting that the Church has been a valued partner of Government in the provision of healthcare and education.
“A century of Adventist activity in Rwanda has demonstrated the positive impact of shared vision and good collaboration. By fulfilling your pledge to establish a medical school serving East and Central Africa, you have reaffirmed your commitment to a productive partnership that benefits not only Rwanda but the entire region. This is very much appreciated,” he noted.
The President emphasized that the achievement celebrated is in tune with Rwanda’s goals where education, particularly in science and technology, as well as good affordable healthcare are the foundation of the well-being and prosperity of Rwandans.
He stressed that it requires qualified professionals, trained in high-quality universities such as ASOME, which are equipped with the latest technology.
“Medical students at this school will also benefit from the extensive network of Adventist institutions around the world, as well as association with a brand that stands for excellence. AUCA is, therefore, contributing to a brighter future for the people of our country and region. Thank you for sharing our vision, having faith in Rwanda’s future and accompanying us on our journey of national transformation,” said Kagame.
Dr. Blasious Ruguri, the president of the General Conference for East-Central Africa region of the Adventist Church thanked President Kagame’s efforts to make the construction of the school possible.
“We chose Rwanda as the best place to establish a school of medicine. EAC students are set to benefit from high-quality education to attend to patients in the region,” he highlighted.
He said that the church needs land for expansion of activities including the construction of hospital facilitating students during internships.
President Kagame promised infrastructural support to ASOME.
“The Government will play its part by continuing to invest in infrastructure, vocational skills, and a conducive policy environment. We are aware of the immeasurable value of higher education and good health, accompanied by a meaningful spiritual life. We will find land, as well as money to add to what is already there. I think we all need this befitting hospital sooner rather than later. We will do it,” he said.
“When we put our talents and specialized knowledge at the service of others, the gift of education is multiplied many times over. That is what the doctors trained here are expected to do,” added Kagame.
The first phase of the school took US$100 million for construction activities raised from over 25 million Adventist Church followers. Each contributed US$2.
The Adventist Church world leader, Dr. Ted Wilson said the school is a great milestone in the health sector.
ASOME will offer laboratory, midwifery, and surgery among other programs. It is expected to start with 55 students.
The Security Advisor to the President said this in his remarks while addressing about 1000 course participants and Reservists from Musanze and Nyabihu districts, yesterday 2nd September 2019.
“I am happy to be with you; thank you for your voluntary participation in this important training. We all know Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is a strong force but it is even stronger when it has, in reserve, willing and strong members like you who can be mobilised whenever required. This is an indication that you remain committed to serve your nation and this is commendable”, Gen Kabarebe told the Reservists undergoing a six-week ‘Fit for Activation’ training in Mukamira.
While delivering a lecture on the history of the Liberation Struggle and the campaign against the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, General Kabarebe commended the visionary leadership of Rwanda that led the National Liberation Struggle which laid the foundation of a prosperous Rwanda for all.
“Your presence here, together as retired RDF members, Ex Government Force members and combatants of different armed groups is an indication that we have achieved the unity and reconciliation of Rwandans that we fought for,” he said.
One of the course participants, Col (retired) Martin Nzitonda a former combatant from FDLR and later RUD URANANA, underscored that the course is very beneficial for Reservists who served in different forces.
“We came here for this training aimed at equipping us with common skills that will enable us defend and develop our nation as one strong force. A successful defence force, said General Kabarebe, is one with a strong Reserve Force. We have served in different forces and this is the first time we are given an opportunity to train together. We thank the leadership of Rwanda for this opportunity,” he noted.
The RDF is a three Service Defence Force comprising of the Land Force, the Air Force and the Reserve Force whose main role is to augment the Rwanda Defence Force active service when called upon under partial or total mobilization.
The Reserve Force is composed of a small active force with the remainder of its members being able retired members and other willing Rwandans who are trained and mobilised only when required.
Philomene Mukanyandwi, 21, and Jeanine Uwamahoro, 26, were at the time of their arrest found in possession of 4000 pellets of cannabis.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, said the duo was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Kaniga village, Gisa cell of Rugerero Sector.
“ANU, reacting on credible information, arrested the two women red-handed. According to Police informers in Rubavu, they have been in this criminal business for a while trafficking cannabis and selling to local retailers,” he said.
CIP Kayigi appreciated people’s efforts to fight drug related crimes noting that many people nowadays understand its bad effects and are willing to share information.
“This is a serious crime because of its ill-health effects to consumers. It is also common that drug abusers end up committing other crimes like theft, sexual abuse, assault and even murder, so we should all stand up against it in our communities,” the spokesperson said.
Fighting drugs abuse is one of the RNP priorities and a number of initiatives have been laid to combat the vice through community policing where majority dealers and users have since been arrested.
Article 263 of the new penal code partly states that, any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence, with a sentence ranging from seven years to life in prison, upon conviction, and a fine of between Rwf20 million Rwf30 million.
Maj Gen Bayingana has replaced Maj. Gen. Charles Karamba who was previously appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Tanzania.
Bayingana has been the Chief Executive Officer of Zigama Credit and Savings Society (CSS). He is also the former Vice Chairman of the National Itorero Commission.
The statement from the Ministry of Defense (MINADEF) reads that President Kagame also appointed Brig-Gen Vincent Nyakarundi was appointed as the Head of Defence Intelligence and Col Andrew Nyamvumba as the head of Defence Research and Development at the Ministry of Defence.
Nyakarundi, who was Rwanda’s first-ever military attaché to the United Nations (UN) in New York, replaced Col Andrew Nyamvumba.
Appointments are to take immediate effect as per MINADEF statement.
