Author: IGIHE

One of the measures includes waiving fees on some online services. For 90 days, starting March 19th, 2020, the Bank will allow Zero transfer charges on BPR to BPR transactions with mobile and internet banking; Zero transfer charges between BPR and other banks transactions with mobile and internet banking and Zero transfer charges for BPR-Mobile Money transactions on Airtel and MTN.

BPR encourages customers and stakeholders to use cashless transactions to curb the spread of coronavirus.

For more information, dial 1500

BPR has also announced that following the notice from the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic and to implement preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Health to curb the spread of the virus, BPR advises that:

1. While the Bank’s services continue to run as usual, using cashless transactions is important to curb the spread of coronavirus

-* For using BPR Mobile Banking services, dial *150# or download BPR Mobile Banking App from Playstore or App Store

-* Internet Banking services are available

-* Customers who have not yet registered to use mobile or internet banking are advised to visit the nearest BPR branch or dial 1500 for assistance.

-* Customers are advised to use debit cards at all outlets where they are allowed.

-* Debit cards are accepted by all BPR agents

This new bundle will offer customers four price options. These include Rwf.500 for a 2-day bundle, Rwf.1500-7 day bundle, and Rwf.5000 and Rwf.15, 000- for a 30-day bundle.

At Airtel our customers come first, based on the consumer needs, they still can enjoy data-heavy and voice heavy bundles.

Making the announcement, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director said that the bundles are immediately available to all everyone in Rwanda. For our potential customers, all they need to do is to buy an Airtel sim card and they get to enjoy the new all in one offer.

“ After carefully looking into our customer needs, our mandate is to tailor-make connectivity needs that fit our customers. This new bundle allows our customers to plan based on their budget.”

“This new bundle is to meet the growing demand for data as smartphone users transition to heavier app usage,” he added.

Customers who call more will have the choice of voice heavy bundles, starting at 2GB and 3000 minutes on Airtel 72,73 and 225 minutes to any other local network. Additionally, you get 500 sms to all Airtel lines.

Other bundles on this option include our 2-day bundle at Rwf. 500, 250MB, 200 minutes (Airtel to Airtel), I5 minutes to any other local network and 50 sms to Airtel lines 073 and 072. For Rwf.1500;750MB and 700 minutes( Airtel to Airtel), 50 minutes to any other network and 150sms to Airtel lines valid for one week. Our highest bundle offer is Rwf.15,000; 15B and 3000 minutes( Airtel to Airtel), 500 minutes to any other network and 1500 sms to Airtel lines valid for one month.

Our value proposition empowers our customers with more convenience and freedom in managing their communication needs.

Starting March 19th, 2020, BNR announced that mobile network operators and banks will allow zero charge transfers on all payments between bank accounts and mobile wallets, zero charges on Mobile Money transfers and zero merchant fees on all POS payments.

While many Rwandans received the news enthusiastically, Mobile Money agents addressed concerns that they will suffer loss because they made a profit from charges on money transfers.

In an interview with Rutagengwa Arthur, MTN Rwanda Mobile Financial Services Senior Manager, he told Radio Rwanda that mobile money agents are safe as charges were waived only for customers but that they will keep receiving commission for all money transfers made.

Mobile money agents told IGIHE that the transfer fees came in handy since commission money was provided only by the end of the month.

BNR waived mobile money charges to prevent physical contact during the coronavirus pandemic.

John Rwangobwa, BNR Governor said that safety comes first during the coronavirus outbreak and that the decision to waive transfer fees was driven by the need to protect Rwandans during the pandemic by promoting cashless transactions. “BNR encourages using digital channels and contactless mobile payments to curb the transmission of coronavirus.”

BNR will follow up closely on the implementation of the aforementioned measures.

Since the first coronavirus patient was identified in Rwanda, the government has taken various initiatives to counter further spread including closing public and private schools, higher education institutions, prohibiting public gatherings, imposing a complete air travel ban and postponing court hearings and prison visits.

Rwandans are advised to be careful not to believe scammers who pretend to be RIB officers and collect money from prisoners’ families “to put their names on the list of prisoners who will be released as a preventive measure against coronavirus.”

RIB also advises Rwandans not to welcome into their homes, scammers who pretend they work with the ministry of health and who lie they were sent to spray houses with “coronavirus repellent”.

Currently, 11 patients tested positive with coronavirus and are receiving appropriate medical care.

RIB urged Rwandans to call the toll-free line 166 to report any suspected scamming activity.

COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing

On Thursday, March 19th, 2020, the two patients developed symptoms including fever and cough and were immediately put in quarantine while further tests were being conducted.

Dr. Nteziryayo told IGIHE “We have tested the two patients and sent blood samples for results but in the meantime, we will be providing adequate care to them. Symptoms such as fever and cough cannot be taken lightly especially during the coronavirus outbreak.”

Dr. Nteziryayo said that although one of the patients has Chinese employers, it is not an important factor given that they haven’t been to China recently.

On March 19th, 2020, the ministry of health announced that no new infection was identified and that the number of coronavirus patients remain at 11 in Rwanda. All the patients are currently in quarantine and receiving appropriate medical care.

The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114 to report any symptoms.

COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Other measures taken by the ministry of health to counter coronavirus are closing all public and private schools as well as higher education institutions, banning public gatherings and advising citizens to work from home.

On March 19th, 2020, following inspections in the city of Kigali which found an abnormal increase in prices of some food products, intentional use of unapproved weighing scales and issuance of illegal invoice, MINICOM reiterated law 35 relating to competition and consumer protection. Businesses were advised to avoid hiking prices.

After inspections, MINICOM fined 24 companies in Kigali which increased prices on maize, rice, maize flour, sugar and cooking oil.

The announcement posted on Twitter on Thursday, March 19th, indicated a number of business people were fined during inspections made on March 18th, 2020 at different Kigali markets and trade centers.

Article 27 and 29 governing internal trade states that “businesses which are found guilty of imposing high prices can be imposed an administrative fine, require the culprit to repay the profit unduly benefited from the buyer and suspend the culprit’s activities for a maximum period of 3 months.”

The High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK, Yamina Karitanyi, has told IGIHE that the embassy was not closed but some staff have been advised to stay at home, noting that all services are now delivered online, including the use of; telephone calls and E-mails. The high commission also attends to those who make prior appointments, all in a bid to avoid coronavirus spread.

State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign affairs and regional cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said that Rwanda tasked her foreign diplomats to observe directives given in host countries.

The first secretary in the Rwandan Embassy in Berlin, Germany, Nshimiyimana Benedicto, said work goes on. The directives are like those of the UK Embassy.

Rwandan Embassy in Belgium announced temporary closure following the directive of the Belgian government. Only essential services can be accessed.

Rwanda Embassy in the Netherlands according to the directives of the host country, from 16th March to 31 March, will be closed and all staff will be working from residencies.

Celebrating the International Women’s Day in Rwanda that was slated for 21 March and commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi slated for 11 April are bound to be postponed to dates yet to be communicated.

Nkulikiyinka Christine, Rwandan Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries said they are working closely with Rwandans in those countries to observe the directives in host countries. No Rwandan yet is infected by coronavirus there.

The Rwanda Ministry of foreign affairs and regional cooperation, this Thursday, informed Rwandans in foreign countries to inform Rwanda Embassies close to them or call +250788125043 in case of travel problems.

Workers who had arrears include casual workers, masons, and foremen who, after a long time of demanding their pay, reported to President Paul Kagame in December 2019 during the National Dialogue Council meeting.

A contractor, one Eric Nteziryayo won the tender of building the Nyamagabe district office but failed to complete the conditions of the contract, passing over to a third party who later on failed to pay casual workers and technicians.

The Mayor of Nyamagabe District, Uwamahoro Bonaventure, said they have so far paid Rwf 15,371,150.

“In the first phase we paid 48 people Rwf 8,895,050; in the second phase, we paid 28 people Rwf 608,900 and in the third phase we paid 12 people Rwf1,804,200. Altogether we have paid 88 people and paid 15,371,150 Frw.”

Uwamahoro added that about 33 other files are being scrutinized.

SG Sports signed contracts with various football teams in Rwanda including Kiyovu Sports, Bugesera FC, AS Muhanga and Musanze FC.

Sources say that after Kiyovu Sports failed to abide by the initial agreements with SG Sports to pay for the items on time, the Tanzanian company has threatened to sue it in courts.

Kiyovu Sports owes Rwf 5 million for 500 sports kits provide by SG Sports.
SG Sports expected to be paid back by November, 2019 but until now no move has been made on the part of Kiyovu Sports.

Simon Sanga, SG Sports Director General told IGIHE that Kiyovu Sports has failed to respect initial agreements and further resorted to printing other brands’ logos including Azam Group and UAP Insurance on the sports kits they provided.

“Besides not respecting our agreements, Kiyovu Sports has not shown any willingness to resolve the situation. They crossed the line when they printed Azam Group and UAP logos on the T-shirts we provided before they paid us.”

After Kiyovu Sports received a 4-year sponsorship worth Rwf 132 million from Azam Group, the team’s administration was obliged to adding their logo on V SG Sports T-Shirts.

Ntalindwa Théodore, Kiyovu Sports Executive Director told IGIHE that they have not delayed to pay because they lack means but that there are some clauses in the agreement which were not agreed upon and the two organizations have failed to find time to resolve the issue.

Sources say SG Sports is preparing to take Kiyovu Sports to court after an ultimatum was given 5 days to pay back to no avail.

In November 2019, SG Sports provided sports kits and fan gears to Kiyovu Sports with the expectation of receiving payment within 30 days.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to keep your hands clean and off your face, but it’s hard to maintain constant vigilance.

Keeping your phone sanitized is another smart way to keep germs off your fingertips.
But cleaning your phone thoroughly, I mean is not as straightforward as it might seem.

There are all sorts of nooks and crannies, delicate glass and intricate protective cases.

Any sort of moisture can interfere with your phone’s function. Apple recommends that people avoid using spray cleaners or heavy-duty products.

Also, this probably goes without saying don’t dunk your phone into any sort of liquid, anti-bacterial or otherwise. It won’t end well for either of you.

A gentle wipe with a product that has 70 percent isopropyl alcohol will do just fine.

Apple recommends Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, and the C.D.C. says household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency are effective.

Wear disposable gloves to clean, and wash your hands thoroughly after you’re done. Like your phone, reusable gloves might harbor virus particles, rendering them effectively useless.

And don’t forget your phone case.

Wipe it down, in and out, through and through. Let it dry before reassembling

This might be the best thing you can do all day.