This company has announced that the reduction is in honour of Rwanda’s celebrations of 25 years of liberation observed on 4th July and valid until 8th July 2019.
Any traveler, either Rwandan or foreigner buying tickets from Kigali or that are destined to Kigali will enjoy the reduced charges.
Brussels Airlines whose parent organization is Lufthansa Group makes five flights per week from Kigali.
Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier and largest airline of Belgium, based and headquartered at Brussels Airport. It has over 120 destinations in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
In February 2017, Brussels Airlines and RwandAir signed partnership agreements that include cooperation in marketing and in technical matters, including synchronization of schedules.
Kagame made the observation Tuesday afternoon at the Parliament where he held an interactive discussion with young African Social Media influencers and journalists ahead of the 25th Liberation Day #Kwibohora25.
Commenting on the secret to Rwanda’s progress, Kagame said the secret lies in knowing that ‘whatever you get will be on the basis of your efforts combined with others effort’.
He stressed that the country has always tried to balance resources and what it can do with those resources whereby domestic revenues have been rising very fast while the country has gotten money and assistance in terms of development assistance.
“Everything has been in an upward trend. I think so far so good. The challenge we have is that of the flow of resources. We get resources, but it’s always never enough as you always need more to do even more to consolidate the gains we have made,” said Kagame.
“I don’t think we have made enough progress. We have to keep doing more and better. There should never be a point where we feel like we have arrived. Keep going, even when you are doing well, always be worried about something: either of doing more or be worried that what you have achieved can slide back. That’s our philosophy. It’s a daily thing,” he added.
Kagame talked on the rationale for launching the liberation war in 1990 originating from injustices where hundreds of Rwandans were being denied their rights, those living outside and those inside living under harsh conditions.
“After the war we started rebuilding. We had to call upon everybody’s contribution. Rwandans from outside and those inside were able to move together and get us where we are now. In Rwanda we never saw ourselves as an island. We are part of a much bigger family, the African continent. We are part of the EAC and a much wider continent as it is the best way to reconnect and tap into this relevancy of coming together through social, political and economic integration,” he said.
President Kagame said that along the 25 years journey, the country fought one war of liberation and later reached a phase of explaining everything done. It is in this context that Kagame stressed that doing the attention should be drawn on doing the right thing because some people keep thinking differently.
“Perception will always be there, you can’t avoid it. Mainly it portrays you the way you are not. Rwanda still suffers from that. There are people who still see us like we were 25 years ago. Don’t be discouraged by perception. Just be educated by it. You need to work hard to change your perception; you can’t bribe your way through. Keep doing your best,” said Kagame.
He went on to say that ‘before you even convince anybody outside, convince your own people, and make sure they are with you. Make sure they are involved, they are benefitting. It is built on tangible things. People themselves will start disproving the wrong perceptions’.
President Kagame also advised the youth to be confident and make the right contribution.
He said Sacrifice may get to some point that worries people but highlighted that there is always a contribution to make to oneself and country through participation.
“Your sacrifice should be not to jump too fast to what you think is the easiest path for yourself. How do you contribute to changing the things that affect you, when you don’t expect that somebody else is coming to fix it for you?” Kagame advised.
The training program was organized by WaterAid in collaboration with the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and NIRAS, an international consulting firm.
NIRAS trains personnel with duties related to water and sanitation from private, public institutions and civil society organizations from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The training is also meant to build their capacities in the implementation of water and sanitation policies, improving cooperation and exchange of knowledge among workers in the same field so that they can create innovative projects tackling citizens’ problems in indentfied areas of concern.
Dr Nelson Ekane, an expert from Stockholm Environment Institute in Sweden who is in charge of training programs explained that trainings are offered in 15 months within five parts.
The first part of the training lasts four months dedicated for analysis of challenges stalling the implementation of water and sanitation policies at institutional level.
The second session lasts three weeks where participants meet with fellows from different countries in Sweden to discuss challenges affecting water and sanitation policies at country level to draw solutions to overcome these issues through promising projects.
During the 3rd session lasting four months, training beneficiaries return to their countries to implement their projects promising to address water and sanitation challenges and meet to discuss achievements.
The 4th session lasts two weeks during which participants come together in one of countries where the program is implemented to share experiences on how initiated projects are turning into solutions on the support of delegated country supervisor.
“During the 4th session , trainees make a report on the implementation progress of pitched promising projects and present it to their country supervisor who also advises them on faced challenges if any,” said Dr Nelson.
The last part lasts five months. Trainees return to their countries to keep the implementation of their projects in collaboration with co-workers and supervisors.
“We expect them to mobilize their employers, fellows on the need to closely follow up water and sanitation policies and incorporating them in budget planning as well,” explained Dr Nelso.
Jean Lambert Sebareze, the Head of Programmes at WaterAid Rwanda who also supervises Rwanda trainees explained that WaterAid facilitates the implementation of the project seeking employees in related field to be part of the program.
WaterAid also helps them to meet requirements to attend trainings and following up the implementation of their projects promising to address issues pointed out through research.
“They design projects to address all issues pointed out. Thus, we come in to oversee the implementation and facilitate them to share experiences gained from realized achievements,” Sebareze highlighted.
The program was launched in Rwanda in 2017. Dr Sebareze explained that 36 among 137 applicants are incubated under the training program while 12 trainees have already graduated and received certificates of completion.
Two of beneficiaries of the training program have received certificate of completion recently on 27th June 2019 during a meeting bringing together local trainees to assess their project implementation progress.
Eng. Emmanuel Turikumwe, Wash Project Manager at COFORWA said his project focused on preservation of public water taps and reducing wasted water.
Through his project, Turikumwe has trained ten administrators of public taps on best practices to reduce wasted water.
Theobald Mashinga, the National Programme Manager for Natural resources
At Swedish Embassy said Sweden chose to offer the training program to improve stakeholders’ capacity in planning and coordinating water and sanitation activities.
“We need to gauge how acquired knowledge is set to help you while planning and coordinating water and sanitation programs at your institution. You have to share experience with the rest of fellow workers,” he said.
Mashinga requested trainees to promote popularize benefits of best water and sanitation practices at their institutions.
Following the meeting, participants agreed on establishing a platform facilitating exchange of ideas to move forward the implementation of water and sanitation best practices.
The event attended by 3,000 participants on Sunday at Petit Stade in Remera was graced by the Minister of Sports and Culture, Espérance Nyirasafari and the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Solina Nyirahabimana.
Also present at the event, was Rwanda National Police (RNP), the Head Coach of National Footbal Team ‘Amavubi’ and different players including Ndayishimiye Eric ‘Bakame’ and Muhire Kevin.
Ijabo Ryawe is an umbrella body that brings together all local football academies and training centres and member of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).
Minister Nyirasafari said that the event was organized to fight against drug abuse among the youth and adolescents pregnancies and is expected to be rolled out across the country.
“It is meant to campaign for anti-drugs and fighting against adolescent’s pregnancies. We are glad to launch the campaign to be rolled out to other provinces. It is meant to increase people’s awareness on the dangers of drugs to the youth and effecting part of youth’s behavior leading to unexpected pregnancies,” she said.
Minister Nyirasafari expressed delight to have partnered with ‘Ijabo Ryawe Rwanda’ during this campaign and requested others to join the drive meant to curb drug abuse among the youth.
The President of Ijabo Ryawe Rwanda, Sheikh Habimana Hamdan said that the event was launched to raise sports talents of young aspiring children in football among others taking consideration of their discipline.
“At Ijabo Ryawe Rwanda, we have three objectives mainly related to discipline and development. We have raised different talents but we also want to take heed on discipline because the talent would be useless with the absence of discipline. That is why we decided to join to drive as Government partners,”
Ndayishimiye Eric ‘Bakame’, playing for AFC Leopards in Kenya who represented the captain of national football team advised the youth to stand against drug abuse to see their future flourishing as tomorrow’s players and leaders.
The minister made the remarks yesterday during the event to accord decent burial to 15,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi killed at Gatwaro Stadium in former Kibuye Prefecture currently in Western Province.
Kibuye Prefecture was inhabited by a large number of Tutsi specifically in former commune Gitesi, Rwamatamu, Gishyita, Mabanza, Bwakira among others.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, killers gathered them together between 7th and 14th April 1994. They were brought at Gatwaro Stadium and cut the supply of drinking water on the orders of former head of Kibuye Prefecture, Clement Kayishema.
Genocide survivors in the area testify that the mayor of commune Mabanza, Ignace Bagirishema took a big role taking Tutsi at the stadium where they had to be killed. The latter was acquitted by Arusha court on 7th June 2001 and currently lives in France.
On 18th April 1994, genocide unfolded as Tutsi brought in Gatwaro stadium on the order of Kayishema were shot dead of who the first victim was Ezechiel Munyakaragwe.
Minister Busingye said, people at the time seemed to have no country.
“We had no country. We only had bandit killers whose plans were dominated by killing people and reporting it. We saw all reports done at the time. They are related to setting road blocks and profiling who to be killed,” he said.
“Tutsi were persecuted at different times until the execution of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. We should dedicate time to always meditate this issue. Rwandans should deeply reflect on hard times during these 25 years. How come people would feel right to kill others? Let’s be strong because it won’t happen again in this country,” promised Busingye.
The President of IBUKA, Prof Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu commended the efforts of displaying a list of all culprits involved in the killing of Tutsi to be seen by all visitors of the memorial.
Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira, a survivor in the area thanked RPF Inkotanyi soldiers for rescuing them and introduced the Government of unity promoting inclusive development.
Part of 15,000 victims buried at the new genocide memorial are Tutsi who walked a 20 km journey from Rubengera to be killed at Gatwaro Stadium.
Dr Charles Twagira and Claude Muhayimana are among suspects involved in killed Tutsi in the area hiding in France.
Armyworm ravaged maize crops in the area three years ago where different pesticides were applied during interventions to combat the pests and bees were too killed .affecting apiculture and associated incomes in the area.
“I had over 15 bee hives from which I would harvest 30 kgs of honey during the dry season. I would take the harvest to the market where I obtained Rwf 45,000 but you can’t nowadays hear a single bee buzzing because they all died of pesticides used to kill armyworms,” said Protais Ngayaberura, a former beekeeper in the area. .
Another beekeeper, Syliver Mutungirehe said that bee hives were his source of Mutuelle de Santé contributions for his family and school needs for children but has been hit hard over losing bees.
“I have been impoverished in the past three years. I used to earn a living from bee-keeping. However, pesticides used to kill armyworms, killed bees as well. We call upon concerned parties to find a solution that doesn’t affect bees so that both maize farmers and bee-keepers can continue being productive,” he said.
Gakenke district vice mayor for economic affairs, Aimé Francçois Niyonsenga has said that the problem was reported to Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB).
“We have requested for an alternative remedy to armyworms with no side effects to the ecosystem. Besides, we ask farmers to install their bee hives away from crops and plant fruit trees nearer from which bees can extract pollen,” he said.
Gakenke district has over 150 professional bee keepers grouped into 19 cooperatives.
These stadiums were part of promises by President Paul Kagame during previous presidential campaigns.
Nyirasafari revealed this as she visited the construction site of Nyagatare stadium.
Construction activities of these stadiums began in July 2018. They were expected to be completed July 2019 but stalled over issues related to late provision of equipment among others.
Emmanuel Ntirigiribambe, one of workers at Gasabo 3d, a company supervising the construction of Nyagatare stadium attributed delayed completion to late delivery of equipment.
“Late delivery of equipment and unskilled workers are among problems that resulted into stalling the completion of the project. Most of these issues have been fixed that we are currently working day and night to complete the project shortly,” he said.
Minister Nyirasafari explained that they have requested contractors to increase workers and improve performance to fast track the implementation of projects.
“Construction activities are on good progress. We expect these stadiums to be operational by the end of this year, bringing international competitions held in Rwanda closer to residents. You know that Rubavu and Huye have already started hosting such games. We expect the same upon completion,” she said.
Nyirasafari requested residents in the neighborhood of these stadiums to maximize advantages form their presence running different businesses to serve guests.
The stadiums are built in Bugesera, Nyagatare and Ngoma districts.
Each stadium will be completed at a cost of over Rwf 8 billion with the capacity to accommodate 3500 people.
The stadiums have extra playgrounds for secondary games like Volleyball, Basketball and Handball.
Eastern Province is home to different football teams including Bugesera FC, Sunrise FC and Kirehe FC among others which had no home playgrounds.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Principal of the college, Pastor Vital Manirakiza said that preparations are underway to present Bachelors degrees to graduands from the second intake.
The graduation ceremony will coincide with the inauguration of a new facility comprising girls’ hostels, classrooms, a multipurpose hall and the administrative office all completed at Rwf 500 million.
“It will be a great pleasure for graduates, the college and parents. We remind parents, friends and others to join students during the graduation ceremony to be part of the memorable day as graduates celebrate three years’ achievements,” he said.
Pastor Manirakiza also reminded graduands to be disciplined members of the community and exhibit acquired skills professionally to compete at the labor market.
He explained that the college equips students with the right vocational knowledge and plans to introduce ‘Muhabura Incubation Center’ helping students to immerse their skills before completing studies.
Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic which has a soil testing laboratory and construction equipment, was accredited in East Africa region and was tasked to conduct soil tests in Northern Province.
Located in Musanze district, the college was built in 2014 by Anglican Church in Rwanda, Shyira Diocese. It started with 47 students, a number that rose to the current 1320.
The college envisages acquainting students with right vocational knowledge and skills turning them into potential entrepreneurs with outstanding competence in the labor market.
Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College (MIPC) aims at serving the educational needs of Rwanda and worldwide through excellent technical and professional programs.
The school also provides access to high quality education that promotes student learning, enables and develops their fullest potential, and supports national economic growth and sustainable development.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU2-IV) operating in Kaga-Bandoro, about 400km from the capital Bangui, is one of the three Rwanda Police contingents deployed under MINUSCA.
In Umuganda, the Rwandan peacekeepers were also joined by Central Africa Army (FACA), UN Police (UNPOL) deployed in the Kaga-Bandoro and representatives of former armed groups.
About 200 residents took part in the exercise, which focused on promoting sanitation and hygiene.
The exercise involved collecting littered wastes on streets and in residential areas as well as clearing water trenches in Abakara village of the 5th arrondissement.
The Sous-Prefet of Nana-Gribizi, Awat Mahamat, while speaking shortly after the exercise, commended the Rwandan peacekeepers for the continued contribution towards restoring peace in CAR and promoting the ideas of self-reliance through human security activities of Umuganda, and urged the residents to embrace such culture of self-reliance and unity.
RWAFPU 2-IV contingent commander, Chief Supt. Christian Safari thanked the locals for their partnership.
He observed that “unity, patriotism and teamwork” are important factors in security and promoting the spirit of self-reliance towards development.
The contingent commander urged them to own such activity for the social wellbeing, protect the environment, and called for continued partnership in ensuring safety and security.
In a related development, the Joint Task-Force commander for Bangui (JTFB), on Friday, visited the base camp for Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU1-5).
Brig. Gen. Coulibaly Bamoro was received by RWAFPU1-5 contingent commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Damas Gatare, who briefed him on their operations and readiness. The visit was in line with his tour of JTFB Units.
Brig. Gen. Bamoro later interacted with all officers of the contingent and thanked them for the “good work, courage and professionalism.”
“You are performing your assigned tasks well despite the operational challenges,” Brig. Gen. Bamoro said.
He congratulated the unit and pledged to be their “good ambassador.”
“This is a great honor for me to visit the Rwanda Formed Police Units. I am pleased to say that you stand out among the best in JTFB, and I will continue to be its ambassador to have all operational and administrative requirements to fulfill your mission mandate. Congratulations,” Brig. Gen. Bamoro said.
The Rwandan Police peacekeepers perform various duties including conducting patrols, ensure the protection of VIPs such as senior government officials, internally displaced camps, key installations, escort duties and other special assignments.
After receiving explanations on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the delegation of Akagera Aviation staff toured different facilities of the memorial which is home to over 5000 genocide victims killed in Ntarama church.
Bugesera is among districts where genocide was carried out before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
After touring facilities at Ntarama Memorial, the Managing Director of Akagera Aviation, Patrick Nkulikiyimfura left a contribution for maintenance of the memorial.
Akagera Aviation also visited a village of genocide widows who received donations from aviation students.
Beatrice Nyiramisiyoni who spoke on behalf of these mothers lauded Akagera Aviation saying that such visits make them feel dignified and avoid isolation.
Aheza Health and Career Development Center accommodates 17 mothers from Ntarama and Nyamata sectors who came together for social interactions, doing sports together and strive for a better future.
Ntarama is among eight national genocide memorials preserved by the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG).
Akagera Aviation is a Rwandan based Aviation company located at the Kigali International Airport. It offers helicopter hire services throughout Rwanda and her neighbors in the East African region.
The aviation company offers services such as: Helicopter transfers/safaris, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Aerial photography/filming, Airport Meet & Greet, Ground Handling, Helicopter Maintenance and Piloting Training.
