Author: IGIHE

Those arrested are Adrien Iradukunda, 27, the driver of the vehicle they which was intercepted transporting the minerals and Gilbert Ndiroreye, 48, the owner of the minerals.

The vehicle plate number RAB 876F carrying the minerals was intercepted in Kinihira Sector, Gitinda Cell.

The police spokesperson for the Southern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro said the suspects collected the minerals from different illegal miners.

“We received information that Ndiroreye and Iradukunda are buying and collecting minerals in the area. We traced and caught them in possession of 2, 800kgs, which they were transporting in the vehicle plate RAB 876F. Ndiroreye was the owner while Iradukunda is the driver,” CIP Twajamahoro said.

The spokesperson said that those minerals were mainly excavated in closed mining concessions.

“Mining concessions in Kabagari and Kinihira sectors, where the minerals were mined, closed for safety and legal reasons. Anyone who conducts mining activities in these closed sites, therefore, breaks the law put also exposes themselves to risks because of the status of these concessions,” said CIP Twajamahoro.

Article 3 of the ministerial regulations on fighting smuggling in mineral trading, forbids “importation of minerals into Rwanda without proper documents indicating their origin and the weight at origin, given by the right authorities.”

These minerals have to be with required trade documents, and to be certified and tagged by competent authorities.

Equally, article 4 provides that transportation of minerals outside mining licensed areas—concessions and permits perimeters—is only allowed, when the consignment shows the source mine, its value and when it has the right tag.

Article 54 of the law on mining and quarry operations, states that “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.”

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a licence.

Uyisenga was at the time smuggling 10 rolls of electric cables and 10 weighing scales, among others, Police said.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that the vehicle, which the suspect had hired to transport the goods, was also impounded.

He added that the driver of the cab managed to escape the arrest. “He parked and abandoned the car, and run away after seeing Police officers, leaving his client and her goods in the vehicle.”

The goods had been smuggled into the country from a neighbouring country, through a porous border post, said CIP Twajamahoro.

“We had received information about the vehicle carrying smuggled brought into the country through illegal routes. Police mounted a checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle in Huye Cell, Ngoma Sector, although the driver managed to flee.”

Uyisenga argued that he got the goods from Nyaruguru District and intended to sell them in Huye District.

CIP Twajamahoro thanked a resident, who reported the smuggling and evasion of tax.

“These are acts of illegal trade and tax evasion, with impact on the country’s economy and development,” he observed.

The penalties for smuggling include impounding the vehicle used and the goods, which are auctioned off.

Besides this, drivers involved in the smuggling activities are fined $5000 and also prosecuted in accordance to the law.

This backs up the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (RURA) communique of 27th May 2020, whereby all motorists are expected to settle all transport payments using digital channels only.

Through MoMoPay, commuters will be able to pay for all their transport fees in the safest and convenient way, while motorists receive all their payments in real time. The user will dial *182*8*1# enter the Motorist MoMoPay Code and amount to be paid.

Speaking about the use of MoMoPay for motorists, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Business and Corporate Affairs Officer Chantal Kagame said, “We are pleased to welcome back and support motorists to receive payments via MoMoPay. As we align our interventions with those of the Government of Rwanda to contain and mitigate the spread of Covid-19, we remain committed in driving the country’s cashless agenda.”

In addition, for motorists and moto users to embrace digital payments, we will be awarding many prizes to the most unique payments made bi-weekly ranging from motorcycles, helmets to protect themselves, fuel discount in selected petrol stations and many others. As a welcome token to motorists, we will be supporting them with face masks that will be given across the partner petrol stations in Kigali.

In partnership with NCBA, MTN has committed to provide a loan relief to customers as they navigate through this difficult period. Motorists will be able to access short and medium loans through the MoKash platform that will facilitate them to continue their business smoothly.

Customers who are not able to pay their MoKash loans within 30 days of taking the loan will not be charged a late repayment fee. The late repayment penalty has been extended by 30 days.

Customers who fail to repay their loans by 60 and 90 days thereafter will not have their loan limits reduced or cancelled respectively. An additional 30 days have been granted before a customer’s loan limit is reduced or cancelled.

Accessible via MTN Mobile Money (by dialling *182*5#), MoKash is a loan product offered by NCBA and MTN. MoKash provides 30-day term loans at 9% interest. Through MoKash, customers can also open savings accounts with interest of up to 7% per annum.

MTN Rwanda’s innovative cashless payment solutions to the public reiterates the company’s commitment in contributing to the national economic strategy on enhancing cashless transactions that offer convenience and security to all Rwandans.

The selected 25 include women entrepreneurs from Rwanda’s fast-growing sectors: Light Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Fashion, Hospitality / Tourism, Professional Services, Healthcare, Handicrafts, Media & Advertising Construction, Publishing, and software development.

This year’s BK Urumuri launch was done virtually due to the covid-19 pandemic, but participants were assured of the efficiency of the services they will receive even in these unusual circumstances.

In her congratulatory message to the selected entrepreneurs, Bank of Kigali’s CEO, Diane Karusisi mentioned that this year, BK chose to focus on unleashing the economic power of women because women contribute significantly to the economic development of the country.

She also encouraged the selected women to use this opportunity for recovering their businesses from the covid-19 pandemic, because even in crises there are also opportunities.

“Our partnership with Inkomoko this year will focus on helping businesses to recover. So, to all the women who are starting this journey with BK Urumuri, we want to tell you that it’s time to strengthen your businesses because we believe that in periods of a crisis, there are also opportunities. Work with us, work with Inkomoko, learn, don’t give up; I know it can be tempting to give up in these periods, but work hard and know that we will succeed together”, says Diane, CEO, Bank of Kigali.

In her welcome message, Inkomoko Managing Director, Nathalie Niyonzima assured entrepreneurs of Inkomoko’s commitment to offering them quality services during the program through a team of experts assigned to them.

“We’re pleased to partner with BK again to bring these Urumuri resources to women in all districts of Rwanda. Even if we are operating in unusual circumstances, at Inkomoko we are committed to providing quality services. The learning that you will get from this accelerator program will not only support you to seek Bank of Kigali’s 0% interest loan but will also prepare you for seeking investment from other sources of finance”, says Nathalie.

Inkomoko has been offering business skills and consulting services to more than 5000 entrepreneurs in Rwanda for over 7 years, and among them are 100 BK Urumuri winners of the past three editions who have commended the program for having contributed tremendously to their business growth.

These include the famous House of Tayo, Moshions, Murukali Smart, Yummy and Fresh, Mudacumura, Karisimbi wines, Ki-pepeo Kids, Ishyo Foods, and many more.

“I’ve had the opportunity to witness the past entrepreneurs’ growth first hand, and we expect this year’s Urumuri participants to push even beyond what we have seen possible”, says Nathalie.

{{THE 25 SELECTED WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES:}}

1. Exalto Engineering and Supply Solutions Ltd
2. Uzi Collections
3. Vakman Ltd
4. Slice and Cakes
5. Nova Leather Ltd
6. ABCD Great Life Ltd
7. Farmia Group Ltd
8. Bee Light Ltd
9. DM Bricola Ltd
10. La Fotolia Ltd
11. Huza Press Ltd.
12. WEYA Creations Ltd.
13. Jotete Investment Ltd
14. Feed The World Company Ltd
15. Gukora no Gucuruza Inkweto
16. SHARAMA Events & Tours
17. The Gold World Company Ltd
18. Savior Civil Engineers Ltd
19. Work Roselyne Ltd
20. Berwa Crochet Ltd
21. Endless Trading Company
22. Data Systems Ltd
23. Mugisha Timber Hub
24. Bellavitae Medical Clinic
25. Iwacu Poultry Ltd

“As we wait for the new guidelines on the way forward, we call for the usual compliance on any restricted movements and practices, and maximum observance of safety and health guidelines until further notice,” RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera emphasized.

“These measures are in the interest of the health and safety of all people living in Rwanda against the pandemic of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).”

He commended the high level of compliance over the past months and called for the continued spirit of observing guidelines and reporting violators, who may hamper the government efforts against the virus.

“Our responsiveness to the directives and strong partnership is inevitable to win this fight against the pandemic.”

He emphasized the importance of respecting traffic rules and regulations to prevent accidents and operate while observing recommended guidelines against COVID-19, including sanitizing, washing hands before boarding, wearing face masks and distancing in the public service vehicles.

The operation is part of the intensified fight against illegal fishing on water bodies across the country.

Police marine unit Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Elias Mwesigye said the destructive fishing nets were seized from poachers on Nkombo island in Rusizi District.

The substandard and illicit nets were disposed of in presence of some area residents and members of fishing cooperatives to emphasize the fight against the illegal acts and reporting those involved, ACP Mwesigye said.

“Some of the confiscated nets were banned due to their ill-effects on fish growth. Others are illicit including mosquito nets and kaningini, which kill young fish,” he said.

“Police Marine Unit is there to ensure that people using water bodies for any business do it legally and safe.”

ACP Mwesigye elaborated on the ill-effects of illegal fishing, which can also lead to loss of lives.

“Illegal fishing is dangerous more than what people think. Poachers use substandard and destructive gears, which injure or kill fish. The dead fish can easily become toxic and negatively affect consumers’ lives but also when the injured fish remain in water they can contaminate others which can also die,” he explained.

“These illegal and dangerous fishing practices, therefore, affect aquaculture and fish depletion, especially when using such fishing gears that net and kill even the juvenile fish.”

The commander warned that operations are continuous around the country, and people who will be caught in those illegal acts will be punished.

He further urged communities around water bodies to take the good initiative of fighting against illegal fishing as well as other crimes that can be committed in waters and report whoever is involved.

The law N°58/2008 of 10/09/2008 determining the organization and management of aquaculture and fishing in Rwanda provides that the right to fishing in public waters is only granted by a competent authority, which issues the fishing license.

Any person, who engages in fishing activities without authorization shall be liable to a fine ranging from Rwf50,000 to Rwf200,000 and an imprisonment of 3 to 6 months or one of them, and dispossession of the equipment used.

Article 11 outlaws use of “poisonous substances aimed at stunning, weakening or killing fish; applying explosives; using electromagnetic procedures or electrocution; flashing water with an aim of capturing fish; fishing where water organisms are reproduced.”

The main objective of the FinScope Rwanda 2020 Survey was to indicate the levels of financial inclusion; define the landscape of access; identify the drivers of, and barriers to financial access; assess trends or changes over time and provide information on new opportunities for increased financial inclusion.

According to the FinScope 2020 survey, 93% (from 89% in 2016, 72% in 2012 and 48% in 2008) of Rwandan adults are financially included in terms of accessing and using both formal and informal financial products. Levels of financial inclusion vary from 99% in Gasabo district to about 83% in Rusizi district.

The survey indicates a narrowing gender gap in financial inclusion with only 8% of women excluded compared to 7% of male counterparts. The report underscores that youth within the age range of 16 – 24 years, are the most financially excluded at 18%, significantly higher compared to the national average of 7% exclusion.

About 77% of the Rwandan population access and use formal financial products, including those that are provided by the banking sector and other from formal but non-bank financial institutions such as insurance firms, mobile network operators, Microfinance institutions/SACCOs, etc.

About 36% (from 26% in 2016, 23% in 2012 and 14% in 2008) of adults in Rwanda are banked. The proportion of adults that are banked range from 80% in Gasabo district to only 8% in Ngororero district. Banked population growth has increased by 1.1 million since 2016. About 25% of banked adults use digital financial tools up from 6% in 2016. About 75% of adults in Rwanda use other formal (non-bank) financial products/services. These financial services increase overall levels of formal inclusion.

The informal sector continues to play a significant role in financial inclusion and increasing product portfolio choices with about 78% of adults in Rwanda using informal financial services mainly through saving groups (ibimina).

“Financial inclusion is one of the core drivers of an inclusive economy and Government has invested significantly in removing systemic barriers to the uptake of financial services. The FinScope survey shows that there has been tremendous improvement in financial inclusion. The work is not over yet. The objective is to achieve 100% financial inclusion by 2024 so I encourage everyone involved to keep the momentum,” said Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The FinScope Rwanda survey is a nationally representative demand-side survey conducted every 4 years to address the need for credible financial sector information. It offers insights to guide policymakers, regulators and financial service providers in terms of how to address or respond to existing challenges, monitoring and reviewing the financial inclusion target.

The first FinScope Rwanda Survey was conducted in 2008, driven by a lack of credible information to guide policy interventions and financial service providers in their efforts to expand the reach and depth of the Rwanda financial system. AFR, on behalf of the Government commissioned follow-up surveys in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

The later illustrates how many adult Rwandans are financially included, specifically aligning the levels of inclusion to the revised National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and to report any changes since the last FinScope survey.

AFR is a Rwandan non- profit organization, with a strategic focus of stimulating financial sector development by collaborating with financial institutions and other stakeholders to increase access to and use of financial services.

The suspects identified as Eric Murwanashyaka, 34, and D’Amour Niyitegeka were arrested in separate operations conducted in line with fighting trafficking, distilling and selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Niyitegeka was arrested in Masaka Sector in possession of 5,760 litres while Murwanashyaka was arrested in Muhima Sector in possession of 1,452 litres.

Chief Inspector of Police(CIP) Marie-Goretti Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the Central region, said that the duo had illegal distilleries in their homes producing the poisonous substances.

“We found 24 barrels and many bottles filled with illicit brews from Murwanashyaka’s home,” CIP Umutesi said.

Besides not having legal documents and mixing various undefined raw materials to make alcoholic drinks, she said that they were also working in a dirty and unhygienic place.

The spokesperson thanked the residents as the operations were successful due to their cooperation and sharing of information, and urged them to strength the proactive spirit.

The impounded illicit drinks were disposed of.

Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) specifies that “only food-grade processing aids recognized as safe for human consumption shall be used during the manufacture.”

All drinks with alcoholic content exceeding 45 percent as well as all those without the standard mark (S-Mark) issued by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) are classified as narcotics.

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 and Rwf30 million.