Author: IGIHE

Uwineza was appointed along with other officials who will support him in the leadership of the club for a one year tenure during a handover held on 9th August 2019 in Musanze district, Northern Province.

The function was graced by Northern Province Governor, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi who enlisted as a member of Rotary Club Musanze- Murera during the ceremony.

It was also attended by the Governor of Rotary Club District 9150, Anna Kemajou Nkodia accompanied by the President of Rotary Club in Rwanda, Rugera Jeannette.
Rotary Club Musanze-Murera started in 2015 with seven members. The number has risen to 16 after swearing-in of 9 new members during the event.

Uwineza said he will draw attention on the expansion of the club membership, encouraging Rwandans to join the race of meeting Rotary International goals of combatting illiteracy and poverty, improving access to health care services for all, provision of safe water, fighting against outbreaks and Polio as well as supporting vulnerable people.

“I am pleased with the trust bestowed unto me and feel honored to lead the club with members striving to help vulnerable people without expecting profits in return,” he said.
“Our club has pledged to double the existing number of members. It is also a privilege to have welcomed new 9 members today,” added Uwineza.

Rotary Club Musanze – Murera has since inception held different charities donating Mutuelle de Santé to vulnerable residents in Musanze, running projects promoting youths talent as well as facilitating improved service delivery at Shyira Hospital in partnership with United States-based Rotary Club.

Governor Gatabazi thanked the Rotary Club contribution to national development and improved citizens’ welfare.

“Our country lagged behind for long. That is why we don’t want to be left behind anymore. No one can fail to join people coming together for national development purposes. We shall keep partnership with Rotary Club in activities supporting needy people,” he said.

Governor Anna Kemajou commended Northern Province, particularly Governor Gatabazi for his great step to become a member highlighting that it is an encouragement to others.

Abane Daniella was appointed the Secretary of Rotary Club Musanze-Murera.
During the event, Rotary club Musanze Murera contributed US$800 to the fund of Rotary International to support initiatives aimed at eliminating Polio and paid Mutuelle de Santé to 100 vulnerable residents from Musanze district.

The request was made on Sunday 11th August 2019 by the Governor of Rotary Club District 9150 to which Rwanda belongs, Anna Kemajou Nkodia during a ceremony of installing new leaders and welcoming members of Interact Club at the school in Kagarama sector of Kicukiro district.

Governor Anna Kemajou told Rotarian students comprising of boys and girls to be disciplined and stay committed to achieving their goals.

“For you to become good members of Rotary Club or have a brighter future, you should concentrate on your studies and be dedicated to your careers,” she said.

She also reminded them of the goals of Rotary International which include supporting the needy which they cannot achieve without an individual’s self-sufficiency.

Rotary Club is classified into three categories including Interact Club made of children members in the age bracket between 12 and 18, Rotaract Club bringing together members from the university in the age bracket between 18 and 25 while people aged beyond 25 are classified in the category of Rotary Club.

Kalisa Stella, the President of Interact in Rwanda said that it is very significant to train children on becoming good citizens at an early age.

Students revealed that being members of the Interact Club enables them to think about what can be done to promote the Rwandan society and the country in general.

Kanyesigye Yvan from senior six was appointed President of Interact Club at Kagarama High School.

“Being members of Interact Club has instilled kind-heartedness because we are involved in different charities, donating school kits to our peers from vulnerable backgrounds and participate in English language toastmasters’ events like Spelling B Competitions’ organized by Rotary Club. It helps us to think widely and become fluent public speakers,” he said.

Today, Rwanda counts four Interact Club from different schools including Green Hills, Kayonza Modern, Kagarama and Fawe Girls School.

The President of Rotary Club in Rwanda and the Vice Governor of Rotary Club District 9150, Rugera Jeannette requested students to learn and emulate kind deeds from other members of Rotary Club and mobilize peers to join the organization bringing together over 1.2 million members globally.

The exercise was launched on Saturday during the celebration of the International Youth Day 2019 globally celebrated under the theme “Transforming education”.

The new classrooms are set to be built in Nyabisindu village, Nyanza cell, Cyanika sector of Nyamagabe district.

The youth from Nyamagabe district joined residents and officials in community work to grade the plot of land where eight classrooms, 12 latrines, and administrative offices will be constructed.

Nyamagabe district vice mayor for social affairs, Prisca Mujawayezu said that they decided to build the primary school in the area because some pupils had to walk 7 kilometers to reach the nearest school in Cyanika which resulted into school dropouts.

“With the new school, the longest distance will be 3 kilometers. It will inspire children to be keen on education because they will no longer walk exhausting distances,” she explained.

Figures from Nyamagabe district indicate that 2000 students had dropped out of school at the beginning of the year but some learners have since returned, leaving only about 700 out of school.

Emmanuel Bigenimana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth requested the youth to embrace current technology in activities beneficial for them and the country as well.

“We are required to match education with economic needs. It means we need to pursue technology to engage in contemporary trade and agriculture practices to meet market demands,” he said.

Nyamagabe plans to build 30 classrooms, 24 latrines and renovating 36 classrooms this year.

The submission of applications started 22nd July and ended 9th August 2019 at NEC headquarters in Kimihurura.

NEC Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza has told IGIHE that the number of interested aspirants is higher than applications received during similar elections in 2011.

“The list of applicants will be sent to the Supreme Court to scrutinize qualifications. Generally, we received 68 candidatures. Sixty one of them will be competing for 12 senatorial posts and will be elected in Provinces and the City of Kigali. Representation from lecturers and researchers of public universities and higher learning institutions will be picked from the remaining 7 candidatures,” he said.

“No one of the incumbent senators applied. The majority of applicants are women. These figures outnumber applications received in 2011. We had received 62 candidates of whom 58 were qualified. The participation is higher than previous senatorial bid,” added Munyaneza.

IGIHE has learned that former parliamentarians are among candidates who submitted applications.

The Candidates approved by the Supreme Court will be given 20 days for campaigns from 27th August until 15th September 2019.

The Senate is made up of 26 members including 12 members representing the country’s four provinces and the City of Kigali picked through electoral colleges and eight senators appointed by the President.

Four senators are designated by the Consultative Forum of Political Organisations; one senator represents public universities and higher learning institutions, while another one is picked from private universities and institutions of higher learning.

Of the 12 elected senators who represent the country’s four provinces and the City of Kigali, one senator is elected from the City of Kigali, two senators come from the Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces elect three senators each.

September 16 will be the polling day for election of the 12 senators representing the four provinces and the City of Kigali, September 17 is polling day for picking one senator from lecturers and researchers of public universities and higher learning institutions, while September 18 is election of one senator from lecturers and researchers of private universities and higher learning institutions. Elected senators will be announced on 30 September 2019.

The class of 2019 has 46 students from 11 different countries, all graduating with a Masters of Science in Global Health Delivery.

Mrs. Kagame attended the ceremony together with the Health Minister Honourable Diane Gashumba who joined Agnes Binagwaho, the University’s Vice-Chancellor.

The First Lady also awarded the best performers.

Paul Farmer and Jim Yong Kim, the co-founders of Partners in Health (PIH) which initiated UGHE in partnership with the Government of Rwanda also graced the event.

It was the first graduation held in our own buildings of the university inaugurated by President Paul Kagame in January 2019.

The university aims at training students to advance health care services delivery in rural areas.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba said it was an honor for the university holding the 3rd graduation.

She requested graduates to be keen on the university’s goals, apply acquired skills in the community striving to offer excellent health care services to vulnerable and people residing in areas with no access to advanced health care.

“It is the beginning of your profession where you will be taking care of underprivileged people with no access to health care and be fast to serve with experiment-based treatment. You have become members of the cohort striving for citizens’ improved health services. We expect great contribution from you to address major challenges affecting global health,” said Gashumba.

She stressed that the Government of Rwanda shall keep closer collaboration with them to achieve inclusive development.

“I am optimistic that we will achieve a lot for the interest of citizens and the country in general if we work together. The Government shall endeavor to have skilled doctors across the country,” assured Gashumba.

Paul Farmer, the co-founder of Partners in Health said that working for common interests does not require higher positions when everyone makes it a norm to do the right thing.

Farmer reminded graduates that financial means should never be a constraint to delivering services.

One of the graduates from One Health department, Nicole Jabo told IGIHE that with the new knowledge, she will be able to find solutions for some of the challenges affecting the health sector in Rwanda.

Dusabe Leila from Burundi promised to promote health care in African countries.
The Vice-Chancellor of UGHE, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho said that they expect improved health service delivery to the needy following the new cohort’s graduation.

They were trained on leadership and hospital management training, good care of personnel and service delivery expected to solve related problems.

Twenty-six of 46 graduates are Rwandans. Binagwaho said they will serve the Government for 5 years before joining other fields. UGHE opened in Rwanda in 2015.

The awards were presented on Friday evening where Inyange Industries was recognized for outstanding agriculture value addition.

Kigali Leather Ltd which manufacturers shoes emerged the best exhibitor in a similar category while Mara Phones was the best ICT exhibitor.

Mara Phones are ‘Smartphones’ made in Rwanda by Mara Corporation Ltd.

They were showcased for the first time at Viva Technology Summit in Paris bringing together CEOs of different technology start-up companies and potential innovators.
Exhibited phones include Mara Z which can detect the face of the owner to be sold at Rwf 180,000 and Mara X to be sold at Rwf 125,000.

Bank of Kigali Group was awarded in the category of best financial services exhibitor while China was awarded best exhibiting country.

Twenty-five countries attended the Annual Rwanda International Trade Fair.
BRP Atlas Mara was recognized as the overall best exhibitor followed by Hippo Roofing Rwanda, a plant manufacturing construction materials and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).

The Managing Director of BPR Plc Part of Atlas Mara, Maurice Toroitich expressed delight to see the bank awarded the best overall exhibitor.

“It is an honor and privilege to receive the best overall exhibitor at the fair. Our team put in a lot of effort. It gives us the strength to keep the momentum striving to maintain the lead,” he said.

During the trade fair, BPR Plc Part of Atlas Mara decentralized service delivery and provided deeper explanations on saving accounts reminded Rwandans on its car and mortgage loans.

PSF commended Bralirwa, Skol Rwanda and Gorilla Investment Company as best investors that promoted trade in Rwanda.

Kenya Port Authority, Tanzania Port Authority and Trade Mark East Africa were recognized for contribution to facilitate improved service delivery among traders in Rwanda.

The Chairman of PSF, Robert Bapfakurera thanked participants of the 22nd Trade Fair saying that it was a good opportunity to showcase products aligning with the broad line to expand the market.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Soraya Hakuziyaremye commended foreign exhibitors, visitors of the expo and assured that Rwanda shall relentlessly support trade as a pillar of development.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police Spokesperson for the Western Region said that Police and local leaders in Rubavu sector responded to information from residents about Uwamahirwe’s drug dealings.

“On August 8, some residents of Rebero Village in Gikombe Cell, who suspected Uwamahirwe to be a drug dealer trafficking cannabis from the Democratic Republic of Congo, saw her with a consignment which they suspected to be cannabis, and they called the Police and local leaders,” CIP Kayigi said.

He added: “They responded, searched and recovered a bundle of 10kgs buried in her garden in the backyard of her house.”

According to CIP Kayigi, Uwamahirwe has been arrested and detained on several occasions over the same crime.

He commended the responsiveness of the residents to fight trafficking and selling of narcotic drugs by reporting Uwamahirwe’s “criminal business.”

Rubavu is mapped as one of the transit routes and destinations of cannabis, and thus operations and other community policing efforts have been strengthened in such identified districts to break chains of supply.

Article 263 of the new law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that “Any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commit an offense.”

Upon conviction, the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.

The mayor of Muhanga district, Beatrice Uwamariya has told IGIHE that investigation is underway to establish probable cause.

She explained that residents attributed the incident to domestic disputes and separation as the wife had fled to parents’ home.

“We have learned that the murder might be connected to family disputes. It is said that the wife had fled their marital home. The husband brought back his wife a few days back and mended their relationship before the incident took place,” she said.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region identified the suspects as Melani Hakizimana and Jack Tuyishimire. The narcotics were concealed in two bundles.

“The two drug traffickers were headed to Kigali from Rubavu District on a motorcycle, and they were intercepted past midnight by the Anti-Narcotics Unit in Rusiga Sector, Kirenge Cell,” CIP Rugigana said.

The motorcycle is also impounded at Bushoki Police station where the suspects are detained, the spokesperson said.

“We got credible information from someone about two motorcycles that had left Rubavu to Kigali with bundles of cannabis; one of the motorcycles was being used to clear the way and give information to the drug traffickers in advance, while another one was carrying the two bundles of cannabis. The information we got made it easy for officers to track and arrest the drug traffickers red-handed,” CIP Rugigana explained.

It is said that Tuyishimire, 18, was being used by his parents, who are also suspected, drug dealers.

“Tuyishimire was being used by his mother and father to traffic cannabis from Rubavu to Kigali, and he was delivering the two bundles to them at the time of his arrest,” CIP Rugigana said.

Hakizimana, the hired motorcyclist, said that each of the two motorcyclists was to be paid Rwf 100, 000 upon delivery of the consignments.

While thanking those who have continued to share information on suspected drug dealers, the Spokesperson also warned the public to avoid any association with drugs.

“Do not fall into the traps of using or trafficking of drugs. If you do, you will certainly be caught and brought to justice.” CIP Rugigana highlighted.

Kwita Izina attracts international and local guests in a colorful ceremony where foreigners have a glimpse of Rwanda’s beauty and fruits of conservation efforts.

According to the most recent census results, the population of mountain gorillas stands at 1004 gorillas in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The 2016 census indicated that the number of gorillas keeps increasing in volcanoes where 604 gorillas from 41 families were reported up from 480 in 2010 translated to an increase by 26%.

Rwanda’s conservation efforts continue to yield fruits evidenced through increased tourism revenues.

In 2017, Virunga National Park recorded 35567 visitors and generated US$ 16.75 million
Rwanda targets to earn US $800 million in tourism revenues in 2024 from US $438 of 2017.

The Government of Rwanda allocated 10% of tourism revenues to development projects in communities surrounding parks through Revenue Sharing Scheme.

This initiative made possible the funding of 730 community-oriented projects worth US$6.1 million including schools, health centers, water reservoirs among other activities in 12 sectors from four districts in the neighborhood of Virunga National Park. These projects have created 1500 jobs.