Author: IGIHE

  • Umwalimu Sacco earns Rwf3 billion interest

    The income is attributed to credits delivery and good monitoring for their reimbursement.

    Speaking at the general meeting on Wednesday, the cooperative’s Director General, Laurence Uwambaje said the income surpassed the target of Rwf8 billion.

    “We did our best to increase Umwali Sacco’s assets from members’ participation. It is obvious that we have surpassed our target to Rwf9 billion contrary to Rwf8 billion that was targeted before expenditures,” she said.

    She said the cooperative had registered a net profit of Rwf2,218,000,000 by November.

    The gross profit has increased from Rwf3 billion in 2016 to Rwf3.25 billion.

    The cooperative has provided a total of Rwf49 billion in credits up to now, which were mainly allocated into houses construction, project development and salary advance, among other types of credits.

    Among these credits, 50% went into construction purposes whereas project development took only 16%.

    Protais Niyonzima, a teacher in Gakenke District, said the cooperative is helpful to teachers but pleaded for improved access to credits by cutting short the process and costs, things which discourage members.

    Umwalimu Sacco is an initiative that was introduced by the government to promote teachers’ welfare through projects financing. The cooperative currently has 75,000 members.

    Umwalimu SACCO Director General, Laurence Uwambaje speaks in the meeting
    Members of the cooperative in the General Assembly
  • Soccer legend George Weah wins presidential election in Liberia

    Weah, the first African to win the Ballon D’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year – won comprehensively, clinching 12 of the 15 counties in the West African country.

    His opponent Joseph Boakai, who has been vice-president for the last 12 years, only had two counties vote for him.

    Jubilant Weah took to Twitter to confirm the victory.

    The former Chelsea man is not known for his political nous but his clout as a footballing icon garners him significant support amongst the youth of Liberia, where 60% of the population is under the age of 30.

    Weah topped the first round of voting in October but didn’t secure the 50% needed to win outright. The runoff was delayed twice after allegations of voting fraud and irregularities but Weah’s popularity won out in the end.

    He will take over from Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who beat Weah in an election back in 2005. Weah’s lack of education was seen as the main reason for his loss.

    The 51 year-old former striker was signed by Chelsea in 2000 on loan and had an immediate impact, scoring a header on his debut in a derby game against Tottenham.

    He scored five goals in 14 matches for the club, starting the 2000 FA Cup final against Aston Villa as they beat the Midlanders 1-0.

    He also played under Arsene Wenger at Monaco, calling him a “father figure” and attributing his considerable success to the Frenchman.

    Moving to Europe in 1988 he went on to spend 14 remarkable years playing for Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan before short stints at Chelsea and Manchester City, finishing his European career in Marseille.

    It was during his five years at the Rossoneri from 1995 to 2000 that he confirmed his reputation as one of the world’s most fearsome strikers, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996.

    The Liberian powerhouse was known for his work-rate, instinctive ability and athletic attributes and was seen, along with Ronaldo and Romario , as a modern breed of striker who could finish and run with the ball effectively.

    A highly decorated professional, he won African Footballer of the Year three times, the Serie A twice, Ligue 1 once and a smorgasbord of domestic cups in France and Italy.

    Back in October, Arsenal boss Wenger mistakenly congratulated Weah on the presidential victory.
    Source: The Mirror

  • Pictorial: The scope of President Kagame 2017 official functions

    From January to December, Kagame attended important conventions such as Munich Security Conference; the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; the 28th African Union Summit; the 2nd Africa Business Forum in Egypt, and more.

    In Africa, he attended several conventions and visited his counterparts in Senegal, Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Mali, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Sudani, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Djibouti. He also attended the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York and received the Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde. He was also spotted in Boston and Massachusetts, USA, on different occasions.

    On the Asian continent, President Kagame re-enforced bilateral relations by attending the Africa Global Business Forum in Dubai, met with his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the United Arab Emirates’ Vice-president and Prime Minister, and the ruler of Emirates of Dubai.

    On the continent, President Kagame also visited Hong Kong, China and India. He traveled to Israel where his Israel Counterpart, Reuven Rivlin with his Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu received him in the President’s abode in Jerusalem.

    The President’s trips on the European continent reached England, Germany, Belgium, Vatican and Switzerland. While in the city of Zurich, he met with FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino and the two toured the world football museum located in Zurich, Switzerland.

    {{Pictorial: Some of President Kagame 2017 functions
    }}

    The Year 2017 began with President Kagame traveling in India for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, that was held on 9-11 January 2017
    President Kagame was in Bamako, attending the 27th France-Africa Summit that was held on 14th January 2017
    President Kagame in Bamako for the France-Africa Summit
    On 15th January, President Kagame at the 21st National Prayer Breakfast
    President Kagame on 17-19 January 2017 in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Swiss
     President Kagame receiving on 23 January 2017, credentials of several ambassadors and High-commissioners
    On 23 January, President Kagame received several diplomats in Rwanda
    This dinner between the president and several diplomats was held in Kigali Convention Centre. Here, President Kagame was greeting South-Africa's Ambassador in Rwanda, George Nkosinati Twala
    President Kagame received Nigerian ICT Minister, Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu
    President Kagame in the SDGs Center for Africa Forum, that was held on 27 January 2017
    President Kagame attending the 28th African Union Summit on 30 january, in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
    President Kagame on 31st January held bilateral talks with several from the Smart Africa's leading committee. On this picture, he was discussing with ITU's leader, Houlin Zhao and the former ICT and Youth Minister, Jean Philbert Nsengimana
    President Kagame laying down flowers for the country's lost Heroes, at Remera on the 1st February 2017
    On 07th February, President Kagame visited Industries located in Kigali Special Economic Zone at Masoro
    On the same day(07th February), President Kagame met with the administration of Gasabo District
    President Kagame received the Oaths of some leaders. On the picture, he was posing with RDB's leader, Clare Akamanzi
    President Kagame received the Oaths of some leaders. On the picture, he was posing with RDB's leader, Clare Akamanzi
    In the night of the 10th February 2017, President Kagame and First Lady celebrated the 10th anniversary of good relations between Rwanda and Oklahoma Christian University, hosting more than 420 Rwandans
    In the night of the 10th February 2017, President Kagame and First Lady celebrated the 10th anniversary of good relations between Rwanda and Oklahoma Christian University, hosting more than 420 Rwandans
    President Kagame in the SDGs Center for Africa Forum, that was held on 27 January 2017
    President Kagame received Indian Vice-President, Hamid Ansari, who was in visit in Rwanda
    President Kagame in community service (Umuganda), that took place in Gatsibo district on 25th february 2017
    President Kagame received FIFA's leader, Gianni Infantino who was on a trip in Rwanda
    President Kagame and his wife, at the 11th National Leadership Retreat at Gabiro; on 2nd March 2017
    President Kagame at Atlantic Council Roundtable at Washington DC on 27th March 2017
    President Kagame at Broadband Commission Meeting in Hong Kong on 16th March 2017
    President Kagame attended the East African Legislative Assembly Special Sitting in Kigali on 6th March 2017
    Kagame speaks at Harvard Business School Class in Boston on 10th March 2017
    Kagame pose for a selfie with students at Harvard Kennedy School Center for International Development in Boston on 10th March 2017
    President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame meet with His Holiness Pope Francis in Vatican City on 20th March 2017
    President Kagame meets with African Ambassadors accredited to China Beijing  on 18th March 2017
    President Kagame meets with Australian Investors in Kigali on 31st March 2017
    President meets with Jock Boyer, former Rwanda Cycling Team Coach, on their Right is Minister of Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu and Left is Rwanda Cycling Federation President, Aimable Bayingana
    On 23rd March 2017, President Kagame meets with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General, Mukhisa Kituyi.
    On 7th March 2017, President Kagame met with Rwandan Community in London
    On 18th March, President Kagame met with student Leaders and Private Sector Federation members in Beijing, China.
    On 17th MArch 2017, President Kagame was received by President Xi Jinping of China in Beijing.
    President Kagame speaks at AIPAC  Policy Conference in Washington DC on 26th March 2017
    President Kagame officiated the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Rwanda and Huawei Technologies
    On 7th March, President Kagame participated in the Wall Street Journal Investing in Africa Conference in London
    President Kagame lights a flame of Remembrance at the 23rd Commemoration of the genocide against the Tuhtsi on 7th April 2017
    Ambassador Rao Hongwei of China presents Credentials to President Kagame in Kigali on 13th April 2017
    President Kagame and Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn build a  library during Monthly Community work in Kigali on 29th April 2017
    President Kagame attends RPF-Inkotanyi 3rd Wome's League Congress in Kigali on 22nd April 2017
    President Kagame attended the launch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Kigali on 3rd April 2017
    President Kagame met with Moussa Faki, the Chairperson of African Union Commission in Kigali on 8th April 2017
    President Kagame met with Rwanda Defence Force Senior Command  and Staff in Kigali on 6th April 2017
    President Kagame met with Stanford Graduate Business School in Kigali on April 3rd, 2017
    President Kagame had a state visit in to the Republic of Djibouti on 19th April 2017
    President Kagame participated in a walk to remember during Kwibuka23 in Kigali on April 7th 2017
  • Need for more security measures as Rwanda opens borders to all

    The decision of opening borders to all visitors was announced in November stating that all Rwanda visitors will get visas on arrival.

    According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), the decision will take effect on 1st January 2018.

    The government of Rwanda re-affirms that the decision aimed at easing business with other countries.

    However, people questioned the decision as posing security threats amid security tumbling around the world.

    Appearing on the national broadcaster, RBA, on Sunday, Mushikiwabo said that they expect good impacts of the decision on the country’s economy as soon as the implementation starts.

    “When you open borders for visitors, both sides wish quick and good services. It is an immense decision that has many good impacts on the economy of the country. We, Africans, cannot cooperate with countries from oversees without cooperating among ourselves. This can bring negative impacts on the economy of our continent,” she said.

    Mushikiwabo noted that the decision was taken while they were aware that the world is threatened by security issues but she reassured that all the challenges have been taken into account.

    “As you know, there are currently part of African countries that require travellers to pass by Europe or Arabic countries before they enter them; so, people should note that our decision is not easy, it requires tighten security. We wish to attain the most valuable things which require us to sail through those challenges and overcome them to the extent that we shall be able to attain the things that will impact the continent,” she said.

    “Before we decided to open our borders, we were aware of how implementation will be difficult. It will require us other measures but security issues should not make us locked into our countries. We need to move ahead towards welcoming people from other countries. First, we need to know who they are; through exchange of information, we shall be able to identify people who might be threats. In fact, it is an exercise which is always done between countries. We always exchange direct information,” she explained.

    Moving to the implementation, Mushikiwabo said that they will need to improve security personnel as well as improving technology for information sharing.

    “It will require us to spur capacity building in terms of technology and security personnel on airports and in our embassies so that we will timely share information. It is not an easy job but it is necessary,” she said.

    The Minister added that borders should be open for Rwandans and people from around the world so that they can be able to find opportunities that enable them live profitably.

  • Minerals fetch over $300 in eleven months

    Gatare was speaking in Burera District last weekend as ‘Wolfram Mining and Processing’, a mining company, marked 10-year anniversary operating in Rwanda.

    He said that the income is attributed to the rise of prices, especially of minerals like coltan, Wolfram and Cassiterite on the international market.

    “People in mining sector had this year targeted to double last year’s income from mining production and we have so far observed that we are about to hit the target,” Gatare said.

    “In the past five years, reports show that we had averagely earned $200 million from mining each year. Today, we have not documented all months of the year but we had accumulated $300 million until November as we target $350 million by the end of the year,” he added.

    He said the increased production in 2017 was motivated by the rise of prices on the international market.

    As prices on the market motivated dealers, Gatare said, institutions in charge increased efforts in campaigns that aimed at sensitizing miners to timely take their whole production to the market.

    Gatare explained that in a bid to export value-added minerals, they sensitized miners to embrace good sifting techniques.

    There was a slight decrease of income from mining over the past years as they generated $226 million in 2013, $206 million in 2014 and $150 million in 2015. The production was revamped and generated $200 million in 2016.

    The Government targets annual revenues worth $400 million from mining by 2017/2018 fiscal year and Rwf1.5 billion by 2024 under the Government Seven-Year Programme.

    Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board Chief Executive Officer, Francis Gatare
  • Irish potato dealers defaulting directives fined with Rwf500,000

    The wholesalers were Tuesday found selling Irish potatoes at Giti Cy’Inyoni, a Kigali suburb, while new directives require them to do it from Nzove in Kanyinya Sector of Nyarugenge District.

    Rwanda National Police seized the cars that were transporting over 80 metric tonnes of Irish Potatoes yesterday late at night and immediately detained them at Nyarugenge Police Station.

    Dealers who spoke to the national broadcaster, RBA, said that they were unable to raise the fines as their products remain seized and are perishing from the police station.

    “We cannot afford that amount of money. These Irish potatoes are perishing and we cannot sell them to pay the fines. Now, where can we find the money?” said one of the dealers.

    Minister for Trade and Industry, Vincent Munyeshyaka said that the fined were defaulting directives that were set to improve Irish Potato dealership.

    “We previously found poor operations in the sector, we gave them good direction and we currently have constant prices on the market. The price is between Rwf220 and Rwf250 per kilogram, having reduced from between Rwf350 and Rwf450 at the markets some days ago,” said Munyeshyaka.

    He said the directives were set after consultations with all parties in the business and all must, therefore, respect them.

  • Owners of hospitality facilities cautioned on serving alcohol to minors in Muhanga

    Uwamariya also reminded owners of entertainment spots not to allow in under-aged children, which is illegal and punishable by the law.

    In a meeting that brought together owners and representatives of the service sector in Muhanga including hotels, restaurants, motels, bars and night clubs, among others, the mayor urged them to take precaution and ensure that no child is served alcohol or indulges in other malpractices.

    The meeting was also attended by the acting District Police Commander, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Jean Bosco Karega as well as representatives of other security organs.

    Article 217 of the penal code defines a child as every human being aged less than eighteen years unless otherwise provided by other laws.

    Article 219 also states that “any person, who offers or sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child or involves him/her in the sale of such products shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least three months but less than six months and a fine of Rwf300, 000 to Rwf1 million, or one of these penalties.”

    These penalties also apply to any person, who encourages a child to drink alcoholic beverages or to smoke or to go to bars.

    As owners or managers, establish internal mechanisms to ensure that the law is respected. This also applies to owners of night or entertainment spots; no child should be allowed in,” mayor Uwamariya said.

    She also urged them to always take precaution and report to the police anyone they suspect to be trying to use their hotels to seduce and to indulge children into sexual acts.

    The DPC, CIP Karega told them to record particulars of every client well, to facilitate investigations where need be,” she added.

    He further urged them to hang guiding messages in their facilities that prevent serving alcohol to children or preventing them from accessing prohibited areas like night clubs.

  • Haley touts reduced UN budget

    “We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked,” Haley said in a statement.

    Haley said the US had negotiated a $285 million reduction of the UN budget for 2018-2019 compared to the budget for 2016-2017. Her announced total was $85 million more than the $200 million cut that a UN news article said UN Secretary General António Guterres backed in October.

    The UN’s two-year budget is roughly $5.5 billion, and the total US contribution to the UN is more than any other nation. Haley’s statement did not mention how or if the US contribution will be altered.

    Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Guterres, confirmed in a statement that the UN General Assembly on Sunday morning had approved cuts for the 2018-2019 period that would total about $286 million below the level for the last two years and touted support for a trial proposal to move to annual budgets.

    A US official told CNN that the UN’s administrative and budget committee “agreed on a range of issues related to the UN’s regular budget, peacekeeping budget, oversight and management matters and reform initiatives.”

    Among the points of agreement, the official said, included cuts with a “focus on bloated management and support functions and rationalizing services,” and adjusting budget levels for Darfur and Haiti. Earlier in the year, the UN reduced its peacekeeping role in Darfur, which caused concern among some human rights activists.

    The US official said the agreement secured funding for political missions in Libya, Yemen, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, as well as creating a special envoy for Myanmar. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month said actions by Myanmar’s government against the Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority amounted to “ethnic cleansing.”

    Haley’s Christmas Eve announcement on cuts to the UN budget for 2018-2019 came days after the US exercised its first veto in years at the UN Security Council. Every other member of the body, including US allies, voted in favor of a proposal affirming international opposition to recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, days after President Donald Trump did so and declared the US would one day move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested holy city.

    The UN General Assembly went on to vote on the same issue, passing a non-binding resolution disapproving of the Trump administration’s decision.

    Ahead of the general assembly vote, Haley announced the US was “taking names” of those voting against the US, and afterward, she held a party where the only countries invited were nations that did not support the resolution on Jerusalem.

    Trump praised Haley’s actions before he left the White House for Christmas.

    “Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care,” Trump said.

    Trump campaigned in part on a pledge to reduce US commitments abroad, and Haley entered her post questioning the value of the US’ funding of the UN.

    Earlier this year, Haley cheered cuts to the UN’s peacekeeping budget, and Sunday’s announcement on further reductions to the UN’s overall budget included a vow by the ambassador for the “America First” administration to seek further reductions for the UN budget.

    “You can be sure we’ll continue to look at ways to increase the UN’s efficiency while protecting our interests,” Haley said Sunday.
    {{Source:CNN}}

  • DND apartments sale underway in Nyarutarama

    The multi-stored 12 houses are located in the most desired corporate and strategic Kigali suburb, Nyarutarama, in Gasabo District. Each unit has two or three spacious rooms.

    DND Developers Managing Director, Daniel Mehari, tells IGIHE that the units currently on sale constitute the second phase of the project while all 10 houses in the first phase have been sold out.

    “People have different occupations and, therefore, need housing units in different categories. People were looking for big and expensive houses some years back but they are currently looking for smaller and less expensive houses. We are responding to the needs of the time,” he says.

    Mehari adds that each of their apartments stands between Rwf60 and 75 million as the two-room and three-room units stand at $75,000 and $80,000 respectively.

    “Our apartments are much cheaper compared to others of their quality in Kigali. They are located in the most beautiful location of Kigali where you cannot find any other apartment below $100,000. Others similar to ours in other areas like Gisozi are sold at higher prices between Rwf100 and 150 million,” he says.

    With his extensive experience in construction sector, Mehari says DND Developers considers building a lot cheaper units, in the near future, that will be sold below Rwf45 million.

    “We are planning this. It is a process that requires going step by step. We shall start developing cheaper units than these ones in the next few years. The challenge we are facing is the cost of developing them and we, therefore, have to construct many units at the same time so that we avoid losses,” adds Mehari.

    Established in Rwanda in 2015, DND Developers Ltd seeks to contribute to the country’s development through changing habitation.

    The houses under construction will be fully completed by April 2018. They are in Nyarutarama on the road KG314 St.

    For further information, you can visit the units in Nyarutarama or DND website: www.dnddevelopers.rw

    You can also send an email to dndrwanda@gmail.com or phone on +250 789 664 020.

  • Six signs he’s scared to ask you out

    These are some signs that he could just be scared of taking that next step.

    {{He beats around the bush}}

    When he’s with you and just keeps saying all those stories that don’t really make sense and that bores you, it could be a sign that he’s just into you. When men are scared of asking a woman they admire out, they tend to say too many things and ignore the most important thing they have on their mind.

    {{He loses composure when around you}}

    A man could lose composure when around you if he likes you and is scared to tell you. He might lose his speech, begin to stutter and his general body language would just sell him off.

    {{He’s nice in a weird way}}

    Ever had a nice guy around who gets nice to a point where you find it too extreme? He’s all too nice to the point where you begin to feel uncomfortable. More often than not, that man is attracted to you but doesn’t know how to tell you.

    {{He gives you too much attention}}

    There’s something like too much attention, and a man who’s into a lady and scared of opening up is often guilty of this. He might call for long periods, he might be at your beck and call, he might know so much about you but he might not know how to reveal his desire towards you.

    {{He’s always looking for an opportunity to be with you}}

    A man who loves you would always look for the opportunity to be with you. He would never get bored of being with you and he’d always look for the slightest opportunity to be close enough to you. He just loves to be around you, but doesn’t know to open up.

    {{He could even get jealous at times}}

    A lot of men who are scared of letting their intentions known to a lady tend to get jealous when they see another do so. Such a man could get jealous when she’s in a relationship and even when another man comes close to her. He’d just want to be the only one she gives all the attention.

    Do you have a man like this around you? He could just be in love with you and not know how to make his intentions known.
    {{Source:elcrema.com}}