In her official Broadcast as the head of UNMISS Police Component, Vuniwaqa expressed her heartfelt sympathies and grief with the bereaved family.
“It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the untimely passing of Mbabazi ENID, a member of Rwanda FPU-1 [Formed Police Unit-One] deployed in Malakal,” the Police Commissioner said in her official broadcast.
She explained that PC Mbabazi, who was a member of FPU-1 hybrid contingent of 240 Police officers in Malakal, became ill on May 19, 2020 and initially received medical treatment within UNMISS before being medically evacuated back home for further treatment.
Unfortunately, the 24-year old PC Mbabazi succumbed to COVID-19 pandemic on June 2, 2020 at the King Faisal Hospital.
In her broadcast, Vuniwaqa said: “I acknowledge with profound appreciation the contribution of Officer Mbabazi ENID towards the protection of civilians and building durable peace in South Sudan since her arrival in the Mission in December 2019.
On behalf of the UNPOL Senior Management and the entire UNPOL component, I extend my sincere sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Mbabazi ENID for the loss of their loved one. She will be missed. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”
The Day marked on May 29, every year, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, to pay tribute to all the women and men, who have served as military, police, or civilians in UN Peacekeeping operations.
The Day also serves to honor their courage, sacrifice, professionalism, dedication, and to pay tribute in the memory of those, who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
The celebrations held at the UNAMID Mission’s Headquarters in Zalingei, was conducted in accordance with the World Health Organisations (WHO) guidelines to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
With few people at the venue, others joined the celebrations virtually, including the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to UNAMID, Mr. Jeremiah Nyamane Kingsley Mamabolo, who presided over the event.
Other officials that graced the Day include UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative, Anita Gbeho, Acting UNAMID Police Commissioner Sultan Temuri, Deputy Force Commander as well as other senior leaders from both Police and Military components.
Rwanda maintains Individual Police Officers (IPOs) in UNAMID, who act as trainers and mentors, among other peacekeeping duties
The operation was conducted jointly by Ndera Police Station, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and local authorities.
The distillery located in Cyaruzinge cell produces illicit brew called Agasusurutso. The owner is still on the run.
Olivier Mwizerwa from RSB said the distiller was counterfeiting Agasusurutso, which is normally produced by a licensed dealer.
The counterfeiter, Mwizerwa said, was using ginger, sugar, spirit and water, among others, which are harmful for human consumption.
“The colour, alcoholic content and smell change when you mix these raw materials and have ill-effects on consumers. This is against the recommended standards,” Mwizerwa said.
“It has been established that when you consume such concocted products, you are likely to go blind especially because of the added spirit.
The packaging itself can be dangerous. They were packaging it in plastic bottles and the raw materials they use can not be mixed with plastic products because it can be the source of cancer,” he added.
RSB specifies that “only food grade processing aids recognized as safe for human consumption shall be used during the manufacture.”
Other standard requirements include labeling as a prerequisite; the name of the products, physical and postal address of manufacturer; net contents in milliliters or liters; ethyl alcohol content; date of manufacture and expiry date; storage instruction; statutory warnings; and list of ingredients in descending order.
Angelique Uwinkindi, the acting executive secretary for Ndera said the district had warned the producer against the illegal acts but he switched to operating in the night.
She added that there were reports of violence in families and communities in Ndera caused by abuse of these illicit drinks.
Jean de Dieu Twagirimukiza, a local resident collaborated Uwinkindi’s message saying that he lost control and battered her wife after consuming the illicit brew, which prompted his spouse to leave him.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for City of Kigali said the operations against illegal distilleries and dealers have been going on for a while and scores have also been arrested in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro in connection with the act.
“We are working with the local communities, RSB and local leaders to identify and arrest distillers and sellers of these illicit drinks,” said CIP Umutesi.
She added that Police and RSB first intercepted a consignment of the illicit drink in Nyarugenge market and they traced the source to the distiller in Ndera.
Anyone convicted as a “major dealer” in narcotic and psychotropic substances faces between seven years and life imprisonment.
All drinks with alcoholic content above 45 percent or with unknown alcoholic content is considered as a psychotropic substance.
The motorcycles were recovered from suspected thieves in Ngoma and Gisagara districts.
One of the motorcycles; plate number RB 003X was recovered Thursday from the suspected thief identified as Alexis Tuyishimire, 20, in Ngoma, Mutenderi Sector.
The victim, Olivier Nsangiyumva had given the motorcycle to Tuyishimire to fix a mechanical fault. Tuyishimire was a mechanic in the neighbouring Kazo Sector.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that Tuyishimire cut off the communication after he was given the motorcycle to fix it.
“After fixing the motorcycle, he didn’t give it back to the owner, cut off the communications and he was nowhere to be seen. He told people at home that he was traveling to Kigali.
It later came to light that Tuyishimire had secured a buyer in Kigali but he was intercepted in Mutenderi with the motorcycle riding to Kigali,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He added: “Tuyishimire was intercepted by residents but he abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to escape. Fortunately, Police and residents worked together to locate and arrest him few moments later.”
He thanked the residents for the community policing gesture to recover the motorcycle and to arrest the suspect.
Meanwhile, the second motorcycle TVS RD 048L was recovered from Eric Habinshuti, 34, on Saturday in Mamba, Gisagara District collaboration with local leaders.
Habinshuti was at the time selling it. The would-be buyer Vincent, who is suspected to be dealing in stolen items, fled and the search for him is still underway.
Six of those arrested were found in a betting house in Nyabugogo, white the other is a taxi-moto operator, identified as Claude Tuyishime, who was using water as alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Those found in the betting house include an employee, Fabrice Ndayishimiye, who was facilitating customers in the lottery.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera warned against behaviours and actions that expose people to the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and hampering the government efforts against the pandemic.
“It is the first time that we have arrested people in betting services, but our wish is that no one should be arrested because the directives are clear and should be respected,” said CP Kabera.
He added: “Commercial motorcyclists were compliant on the first day but the following days, some of them started to violate the guidelines and a number of them have been arrested in these violations.”
Tuyishime had poured water in a hand sanitizer container to make it look like alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“We have stood up against risky and prohibited behaviors by motorcyclists. We are aware some of them share their fabrics with their passengers while others have no sanitizers or use water poured in sanitizer containers. Both the motorcyclist and passenger will be arrested if found in such serious violations,” CP Kabera said.
He observed that taxi-moto operators were enlightened enough on the directives and what is required of them to be safe against the virus and to protect their clients.
Among the guidelines issued by Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA), taxi-moto operators and passengers must to carry hand sanitizers.
Motorcyclists are required to sanitize the helmets and ensure passengers sanitize their hands before boarding.
Both the motorcyclists as well as passengers have to wear their face masks and taxi-motor operators have to obey one-meter distance while in parking. Motorcyclists are also required to use cashless payment of fares.
These include those who gathered for prayers as well as driving and language school teachers and their students, who were found in related lessons.
At least 14 people were praying; 11 of them found in the bush in Nyanza, Kicukiro district while three others in a prayer-room in Nyamirambo district; the other 15 including teachers and students, were in a room learning languages and traffic rules and regulations.
Also arrested is Joselyne Mbabazi, the owner of the driving and language school located in CHIC building in the city center.
These are among the prohibited activities in this period as per the government directives on curbing the spread of novel Coronavirus pandemic.
The violators were paraded to the media this Friday afternoon, at Remera metropolitan.
Joselyne Mbabazi, the owner of the school argued that she misinterpreted the directives.
“I thought the directives bind schools that only fall under the Ministry of Education,” Mbabazi said.
“Now, I understand that I breached the directives. I regret the risky and dangerous decision to reopen the school with students from different parts of Kigali. One infected case could have easily contaminated others,” she added.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera advised against such prohibited and risky actions instead of being forced.
“There are some people, who are still trying to find ways to breach the safety guidelines. We advise them to stop because they will be arrested in one way or another,” CP Kabera said.
“If the directives highlight schools, you do not have to classify your school as private for the sake of violation. You do not have to put your life at risk. You can pray and learn from your home. Directives are clear, if you do not understand them, seek clarifications from concerned organs instead of claiming that you misinterpreted them.” He added
The spokesperson thanked members of the public, who reported the unlawful actions and called for maximum compliance.
He warned that “whoever breaches the directives will be arrested.”
Talks to buy Bharti Airtel’s shares are not far off, but analysts say the move by both sides will boost India’s technology economy.
The agreement between the two companies is expected to give a 5% of Bharti Airtel stake to Amazon Inc. based on the state of the market these days.
Bharti Airtel is ranked third in India’s telecommunications services industry with a strong rivalry with Reliance Jio.
Some people told Reuters that the method Reliance Jio used to lead other telecommunications companies in India and Bharti Airtel could.
Initially, Amazon had wanted to buy between 8-10% of Bharti Airtel shares. Just because the talks are still at the beginning […] the agreement may change or terminated.
Amazon plans to immediately look at other money transfer options that will help Bharti Airtel customers get their products cheaply.
An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, as the agency he represents does not disclose information about what they will or will not do in the future.
Only a statement from Bharti Airtel says it is already working with various technology companies that want to deliver their products and services to customers.
Shares of Bharti Airtel in the financial and stock markets rose 6% on Thursday, June 4, after the publication of a talk show between them and Amazon.
In the last six weeks, Jio company competing with Bharti raised $ 10 billion from investors including Facebook.
Google’s Alphabet Inc. is also looking for ways to invest in India’s second Vodafone Idea in providing telecommunications services.
Amazon is booming in the Indian tech market due to its rapid expansion as the country’s population is growing, reaching 1.3 billion.
Amazon plans to invest $ 6.5 billion in online business and will make it easier to use Bharti’s Internet at a lower cost as long as the two companies reached an agreement.
It was in December 2017 that Bharti Airtel, a subsidiary of Airtel Rwanda, bought all the shares of Tigo Rwanda, a subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular SA. The purchase agreement, signed in New Delhi, India, gave Airtel Rwanda a 100% stake in all Tigo Rwanda shares.
Bharti Airtel is the world’s largest telecommunications company with more than 403 million customers in 18 African and Asian countries.
The Connected Home solution will be delivered to customers via a fixed wireless point to point connection through an antenna installed at their houses. The antenna is pointed to a Fibre Optic network without necessarily having to bring a physical fibre optic cable to the home. This solution removes any accessibility obstacles, ultimately enabling direct internet access into the home with the same fiber-like speeds.
“We are pleased to announce that MTN has ventured into providing fixed broadband internet to homes. With more people working and learning at home, we saw it important for our solutions to evolve to meet the demands of this new normal. We previously only provided fixed connectivity solutions to corporate institutions such as banks but have now invested and extended the solution into residential areas,” said Didas Ndoli, Senior Manager of MTN’s Enterprise Business Unit.
Customers have 4 (four) broadband internet packages to choose from with speeds ranging from 5Mbps to 25Mbps depending on their particular needs.
Key features of MTN Business’s Fixed Home Broadband Internet are:
• Unlimited usage and high Internet speeds with the most reliable internet connectivity
• Installation and connection of a home within 48 hours upon subscribing for the service within Kigali (72 hours outside Kigali)
• 24/7 customer service and dedicated technical support
• Payment options via MTN MoMoPay by dialling *182*8*1*800000#
The service is currently available across Kigali covering over 90% of the city’s key residential areas.
“We have noted an increase in internet traffic, almost doubling in residential areas due to the Covid-19 situation. Good internet connectivity when working from home is no longer a luxury but has become the new normal. By providing affordable broadband Internet to homes, we are helping customers during this challenging time by addressing their real-world and business needs,” concluded Ndoli.
Customers who would like to have this new service installed at their homes can contact the MTN Sales team on a toll free line 3111 or send an email to Sales.RW@mtn.com.
The Cabinet meeting, on Tuesday, okayed the resumption of interprovincial movements, movements between provinces and City of Kigali as well as taxi-moto services, effective today June 3.
However, public and private transport to and from the districts of Rusizi and Rubavu is closed. Public transport in the two districts is also prohibited. Only goods and cargo trucks transiting or destined to these isolated districts will be allowed, but under the set safety guidelines, with only two people aboard, including the driver.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the resumption transport operations and movements doesn’t mean leaning back or loosening on the directives and guidelines to combat COVID-19.
“This is rather a time to win the fight while observing all the safety measures against the pandemic such as hygiene, washing hands regularly, wearing face mask, social distancing and the curfew,” CP Kabera said.
Movements are prohibited between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Motorcyclists, he said, must abide by the directives issued by Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) including having hand sanitizer, a fabric to wear inside the helmet, wear face mask, use a meter and cashless payment and leave enough distance in their parking lots.
Equally, passengers using motorcycles should also respect everything required of them like compulsory wearing of face mask, cashless payment of fares and sanitizing their hands before boarding.
To transporters that were already in their operation, CP Kabera said, nothing has changed on the safety directives; “continue to exercise maximum compliance.”
“As movements resume in most parts of the country, which comes with increased traffic flow and movement of people; we inform you that we have also resumed the road safety awareness–Gerayo Amahoro–to prevent road accidents.”
The year-long Gerayo Amahoro campaign was put to halt in its 46th week. RNP, therefore, reminds road users on the following:
{{DRIVERS }}
Avoid using a phone when driving
Don’t drink and drive
Regulate your speed; respect the speed limit.
Wear a seatbelt at all times
Respect traffic control signposts and pedestrian rights
{{MOTORCYCLISTS }}
When you drink don’t ride
Wear a helmet at all times. This applies to your passenger as well.
Avoid using a phone when riding
Avoid bad maneuvers
Respect traffic control signposts and pedestrian rights
{{PASSENGER}}
Your safety is your responsibility; report bad driving/riding
When on a motorcycle, stay focused, don’t be distracted by phone
Avoid putting the motorcyclist under pressure to speed for personal reasons
{{PEDESTRIAN }}
Walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic
Use pedestrian crosswalks where they exist and avoid using a phone or earphones when crossing.
Walk fast but don’t run when crossing the road
{{CHILDREN}}
Avoid going or using the road without the company of a responsible person
A responsible person; when in company of a child, hold their hand and walk from the left side of the road.
Don’t loiter or play in the road
When in the vehicle, children occupy the back seat and wear seatbelt
When driving, ensure children are not playing/jumping in the car or with their head, arms out
CP Kabera said: “Rwanda National Police thanks all partners and citizens of Rwanda in general for their role in this period to combat COVID-19 as well as Gerayo Amahoro campaign. Your continued partnership is paramount.
To every citizen of Rwanda, the slogan is now #RwanyaCovid19, #GereyoAmahoro until we win the fight against the pandemic and make road safety our culture for the safety of everyone on the road.”
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that despite the death of one of the Rwandan Police peacekeeper of COVID-19, who was serving under the UN Mission in South Sudan, measures are being strengthened to protect the peacekeepers.
“RNP is saddened with the death of PC Mbabazi Enid, who was part of Rwanda FPU-1 contingent deployed in Malakal, South Sudan. We condole with the bereaved family. We honour PC Mbabazi for her selfless service is ensuring safety and security for her country and restoring peace in other countries. She died in the name of security and peace,” said CP Kabera.
“We have jointly stepped up measures to further guarantee the safety of peacekeepers including educating them on the spread of the pandemic and effective protection,” CP Kabera said.
In her condolence message, UNMISS Police Commissioner, Unaisi L. Vuniwaqa said:
“It is with deep regret that the news of the sudden demise of our dear colleague Enid MBABAZI is received. The entire UNPOL Component grieve the contingent as well as her dear family back at home. We honour her contribution to the mission and the people of South Sudan.
On behalf of the Component,we wish to convey our profound condolences and pray that her soul rests in peace. May the blessings of the Almighty be with her family and all Rwanda FPU members here in South Sudan.”
UNMISS FPU Coordinator, Lt. Col. Mikhail Bychikhin also said: “… we convey to your personnel our deepest words of sympathy and condolences for the loss of your comrade.”
The Special Representative of the Secretary General to UNMISS David Shearer, in his guidelines against COVID-19 to protect peacekeepers issued back in April, among others, urges those feeling sick and experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulty to stay in their accommodation, call the supervisor and the UNMISS medical clinic.
Supervisors are also required to consider whether some staff can work from their accommodation instead of the office. Where necessary to maintain a physical presence in the workplace, the team may take turns at working from home and the office to minimize unnecessary contact.
The SRSG also emphasized the WHO safety guidelines; when you are at work, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, not to shake hands with others; social distancing, to sanitize their equipment regularly; avoiding holding meetings or where deemed necessary to ensure the meeting room is large enough for participants to sit at least one meter apart.
