IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Panic as dissidents plot in Uganda falls apart

    Early this week, a Nairobi based website exposed the plan to fake kidnap and persecution allegedly committed by Kigali on Rwandan refugees inside Uganda with the aim of drawing attention of rights group and portraying Rwanda as hostile

    Two days after the Nairobian story, the scheme is unfolding with a Ugandan based online website, Chimpreports becoming the messenger

    In what looked like a planted story, the website reported on Tuesday that some Rwandan refugees were due to petition Uganda’s parliament claiming persecution from Kigali. However, some observers wondered how refugees who have no voting powers would petition parliament instead of UNCHR.

    A day after, the same website claimed that the refuges meant to petition Uganda’s Parliament were ‘attacked” on the evening before their act in a Kampala suburb called Ntinda. The same story claimed police intervened and rescued the refugees and that the attackers fled off upon seeing Police.

    However, observers say the story leaves more questions than answers. For example, they question the following; “how can criminals escape upon arrival of police and no single shot is fired or effort to hunt them down? Ntinda being a busy suburb of Uganda, why are there no witness accounts to confirm the incident or mention registration numbers of vehicles/motorcycles the alleged criminals used? A story of attempted kidnap involving rescue by Police is a big story by any measure, why didn’t any mainstream Kampala media pick it up?

    “This is work of intelligence circles in Kampala,” said a security operative in Kampala. “Its part of the smear campaign aimed at throwing mud on Rwanda.” 

    The story that run early this week in the Nairobian revealed of a plot orchestrated by Ugandan intelligence circles targeting ex-Rwandan soldiers to allege “persecution, kidnapping and espionage” in a bid to paint Rwanda as an “aggressive” state.

    The story singled out one, Rugema Kayumba a mobiliser for Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC as promoter of the scheme supported by high security and intelligence operatives from CMI in Kampala.

    Rugema, recently relocated from Norway to Uganda to lead this scheme that involves planting lies and getting the attention of human rights groups like HRW and UNHCR to discredit Rwanda.

    Rugema  is working with another fugitive Sande Charles aka Mugisha Robert RNC coordinator in Uganda. It is reported that two have been given escorts from CMI

    When the so-called refugees failed to deliver their petition to Uganda’s parliament on Wednesday, Rugema Kayumba lamented on his facebook page “Rwanda refugees were to present their petition to Uganda parliament and Kigali attacked them before they appeared.”

    Surprisingly, it’s the same allegations that were carried in Chimpreports story confirming further that this scheme exists and involves planting stories in different online tabloids.

    The Nairobian quoted highly placed source in Uganda’s intelligence circles saying that the well-crafted scheme seeks to achieve two goals; portray Rwanda as a hostile nation that has infiltrated Uganda and use Rwandans to amplify allegations on human rights violations to capture the attention of different rights groups. 

    The Nairobian reported last week that Rugema, a Corporal who deserted from RDF is married to a Muhima lady called Peace Rugema who is engaged cattle trade in Kampala.  

    Rugema is facilitated or works closely with one, Corporal AbdulKarim Mulindwa a.k.a Mukombozi a CMI operative (RA 189654) with close ties to the office of Brig. Abel Kandiho, the head of CMI.

    Sources say, CMI operatives have linked Rugema to a top human rights lawyer based in Kampala to finalise the dossier on human rights violations and present it to HRW and UNCHR.  

    Rugema recently wrote an open letter to Uganda’s President and First alleging all sorts of human rights allegation in a clear move aimed at promoting this narrative against Rwanda.

  • MTN Rwanda Slashes out-of-bundle Mobile Data Price by 80%

    Speaking about the data price reduction, MTN Rwanda CEO, Bart Hofker, said the reduction is part of their strategy of a customer centric approach that must be fair and transparent for all.

    “MTN is redefining mobile internet costs for everyone with this new fair and transparent data pricing plan. We now offer the best internet price on the market with or without a bundle.”

    “This move is part of an overarching strategy in which we are moving towards a truly customer centric approach. After the launch of MTN (Internet) Irekure, in which we offer personalised super offers to our customers, we are now making it clear that we will not punish our customers for using more data than their bundle allows.

    By drastically lowering out-of-bundle prices, we also protect our customers from unpleasant surprises, where in the past large amounts would disappear from main accounts due to, sometimes, accidental and out-of-bundle internet use. All these measures combined, bring the best value for money for mobile internet users in Rwanda,” Hofker says.

    “People’s data consumption patterns are changing rapidly and MTN is constantly looking for innovative ways to ensure that our customers’ needs are met.”

    The new out-of-bundle pricing of RWF 10/MB, is said to be the lowest in the market. This will further provide some peace of mind to customers using mobile internet, and giving them an affordable and seamless internet experience.

  • Rural landowners more affected in expropriation process –Survey

    Launching the survey findings in Kigali on Thursday, Jean-Léonard Sekanyange, the chairperson of RCSP, said lack of satisfaction among rural residents is result of their limited means to pay private property valuers and unawareness of expropriation law. City dwellers often pay private property valuers to reassess their land value and determine whether it matches with the expropriators’ given value.

    “We have recommended civil society organisations to step up efforts to explain laws to citizens for them to file grounded appeals when they are not satisfied with the decisions that affect them,” said Sekanyange, adding that citizens also have responsibility to know about the laws in force without waiting for anyone to teach them.

    Sekanyange said that RCSP is advocating for government’s support in paying private valuers when a landowner has no means and wants to reassess the value of their properties. He added the survey was inspired by complaints from unhappy expropriated landowners which are going to civil society organisations.

    “Lack of satisfaction is also rooted in the fact that whatever price is paid, a landowner cannot equate it to remaining on their land but we strive to ensure that the compensation given to landowners uplifts their living conditions other than pulling them down. Sensitisation is also vital to ensure that expropriated people use well the funds to buy other properties or start income-generating projects,” he added.

    {{Survey findings}}

    Dr. Eric Ndushabandi, who led the researchers’ team, said major complaints from expropriated landowners include lack of timely notification on expropriation, delay of the compensation and lower prices. Only 69.4% of landowners received adequate information on expropriation and only 36.8% said their say was given adequate value.

    Dr. Usta Kayitesi, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Rwanda Governance Board, commended RCSP for the survey, saying it informs the decision-makers and all institutions involved in expropriation process.

    “It is vital for all citizens to receive good services, on time and in due process. The law is clear and concerned institutions should abide by it. Prices are set and must be updated every year according to the law,” she said.

    Among the surveyed, 74.7% were expropriated by central government, 18.8% by local government and 6.9% by private sector. The compensation price varied between Rwf131 and Rwf20,000 per square metre while a very big disparity in land value was observed between rural and urban areas.

    Under the support of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPAS), the study surveyed 449 households in 16 sectors from 12 districts across the country. Participants in the study are predominantly aged between 30 and 49 years. At least 73.7% of participants rely on land as their primary and often only source of income.

    Dr Usta Kayitesi, Deputy CEO for RGB
    Participants to the event follow the presentation of survey findings about land expropriation and transfer process in Rwanda
    Sekanyange (left) and Justus Kangwage, Head of Political Parties and CSOs Department at RGB follow the presentation of findings
    Dr Eric Ndushabanda, team leader for the survey on land expropriation and land transfer in Rwanda

  • Africa’s future depends on its quality of cooperation-Kagame

    Kagame was speaking yesterday at the African Union-European Union Summit 2017 at Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

    The head of State said the gathering of Europe and Africa takes place at a time when they are all looking for tightening the unity of respective regions and collaborate more effectively.

    “The institutional reform of the AU currently underway aims to make our organisation more focused, effective and financially stable. The decision tells the collective determination of African leaders to accelerate progress towards AU founding ambitions,” he said.

    He said as Africa’s future depends on the quality of cooperation within itself, it is their responsibility to mobilise the resources to pay for important programmes that benefit people while alleviating the burden on partners.

    “A robust implementation mechanism has been put in place at both political and technical levels,” he said.

    “The process is characterised by flexibility in accommodating the specific needs of member states while maintaining fidelity to the core principles, outcomes and more fundamentally, ownership of the organisation’s activities,” he added.

    Kagame went on saying the critical role already played by the Regional Economic Blocks will also be enhanced by a clear division of labour and improved coordination with the African Union Commission.

    He said the reform represents a landmark opening to strengthen the partnership between Europe and Africa which are permanent neighbours and have a shared understanding of numerous key interests, notably in terms of security, migration, environment, trade and investment.

    “A test of our collaboration and our humanity lies clearly before us with the unfolding tragedy of African migrants in Libya and in similar situations elsewhere. We must act together,” he urged.

    A more decisive and self-sufficient AU will mean more favourable and reliable external partnerships for everyone involved. Continued cooperation and understanding from the EU is an important factor in the success of this effort, he said.

    “It is no accident that the institutional reform puts youth engagement and participation at the centre. Guaranteeing opportunity, safety and a voice to the young people of Europe and Africa is the best defence of our shared values and our common future,” Kagame observed.

    Kagame speaks at the African Union-European Union Summit 2017 at Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  • Rwanda, AfDB sign Rwf215 billion loan for water, business dvpt

    The signing ceremony took place in Kigali on Wednesday between Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Amb. Claver Gatete and the Director General of AfDB in EAC, Gabriel Negatu .

    A total of $171 million of the loan will go to water distribution and sanitation programmes while $84 million will go to skills and business development.

    “On water programmes, the loan will be used in rehabilitation and expansion of water networks in Kigali City and the country’s secondary cities. Construction and rehabilitation of Nzove water treatment plant so that it can produce more 35,000m3 to meet Kigali demand,” said Minister Gatete.

    “Also the loan will help construct the 2nd phase of Gihira II water treatment plant so that it wproduces 15,000m3 per day and rehabilitation of water networks in six secondary cities of Musanze, Rubavu, Nyagatare, Huye and Rusizi,” Gatete added.

    A total of 1.1million people will benefit from clean water as 475,000 people will benefit from sanitation programmes.

    Chief Executive Officer for Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), Aimé Muzola, said that the deal is in line with Rwanda’s target to achieve 100% clean water access by 2024.

    “The funds will be used in constructing water networks because in most parts, network connections are outdated and in some areas, cities have been expanded and the level of supply do not satisfy consumers,” Muzola said adding that the most populated areas will be prioritized.

    {{Industries development
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    Trade and Industry Minister, Vincent Munyeshyaka said that there is an area that will be developed for Made in Rwanda with the target to empower local companies to be able to compete internationally.

    “When you see the vision of industry development in Rwanda, it requires Rwandans to have particular technologies and skills to produce different products,” he said

    AfDB’s Negatu said that he is optimistic that the loan will contribute to the improvement of lives of Rwandans. He said the attained development in the country was not from donation, but it is from good resources management.

    Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Amb. Claver Gatete and the Director General of AfDB in EAC, Gabriel Negatu

  • City of Kigali in fight against malnutrition drive

    In rural sectors of the city, figures of children from poor families with stunting growth continue to rise.

    The fight against malnutrition week was launched in Mageragere Sector of Nyarugenge District on Wednesday.

    Speaking at the event, the CoK vice-mayor in charge of social affairs, Patricia Muhongerwa, said they want to help people understand how to get children rid of malnutrition and stunting growth.

    “Launching this campaign was due to findings of the survey showing that stunting growth stands at 38% countrywide and 23% in Kigali City particularly,” she said.

    She said under the campaign, people will be sensitized about easy and cheap techniques everyone can use to fight malnutrition.

    “Having kitchen gardens with different varieties of vegetables is the best tool to fight malnutrition. I urge every family to use this technique to ensure healthy life of their children,” she explained.

    Jackeline Karimunyana, a resident of Mageragere, said her child had suffered from malnutrition-related diseases but affirms that with the sensitization, the problem will be uprooted in the country.

    Under the campaign, the CoK in partnership with International Potato Centre, Mageragere residents were served with potato seedlings rich in Vitamin A&B.

  • Ghanaian judges in Rwanda for a study tour

    The group of five judges led by the President of Commercial Court in Ghana, Jennifer Dodoo, is in a three-day visit to learn from Rwanda’s justice system and business sector development.

    Prof. Rugege said the Ghanaians requested to come to study the secret that Rwanda uses to always dominate other countries in fast-tracking court cases and having fast-growing business industry.

    “They requested to visit us so that they can learn from our services in commercial courts,” he said.

    The recent World Business Doing Business report ranked Rwanda as the first African country that made different reforms in business in the past 15 years.

    “They said that Ghana has declined in doing business, they want to learn from the secret behind Rwanda’s development in doing business and commercial cases hearing. We told them that ICT speeds up the job of courts and people get good services. That is why other countries come to learn from us,” Prof Rugege told the media.

    Dodoo said that they chose to learn from Rwanda following the World Bank Doing Business Report which ranked Rwanda as the best African country in easing business.

    “We were told that ICT is very crucial. When you introduce ICT in courts, you get transparence in justice delivery and reduce corruption and other malpractices,” said Dodoo.

    Jeniffer Dodoo speaks to the media
    Chief Justice Sam Rugege (R) chats with Jeniffer Dodoo
    Rugege and Ghanaian delegates pose for a group photo

  • Rwandan Iribagiza named among AfDB presidential youth advisory group

    Among the group members include Rwandan Clarisse Iribagiza, the Chief Executive Officer of Hehe Rwanda, a tech company that develops mobile and computer applications.

    The Jobs for Youth in Africa initiative aims at creating 25 million jobs and impacting 50 million youth over the next ten years by equipping them with the right skills to get decent and meaningful jobs. It is currently the largest effort going on for youth employment in Africa.

    According to National Daily newspaper, the advisory group, inaugurated on the sidelines of the 6th EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan on Monday, November 27, will work with AfDB to create jobs for Africa’s youth.

    Adesina, who described Africa’s youth as its greatest asset, observed that out of the 13 million youths that enter the labour market each year, only three million (about 33%) are in wage employment while the rest are underemployed or in subsistent employment.

    He said the annual gap of more than 8 million jobs is going to worsen with the number of youth expected to double to more than 800 million in the next decades.

    “Africa has an unemployment crisis among its youth,” he stressed, noting that unless employment opportunities are created for them, Africa’s rapidly growing youth population can give rise to serious social, economic, political and security challenges.

    On the rationale behind the setting up of the advisory group, President Adesina explained, “We recognize the enormous amount of energy, creative and innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial excellence that many of our youth bring to the table. For this reason, the bank must ensure that it is well advised by cutting-edge youth representatives on its policies, actions and programmes for the benefit of Africa’s youth.”

    “Members of the Presidential Youth Advisory Group are expected to actively engage private sector partners, government leaders, civil society, donor partners, and other stakeholders; and support the significant amount of work that the bank is already doing and promoting across the continent through its Jobs for Youth in Africa strategy,” President Adesina added.

    The Presidential Youth Advisory Group (PYAG) comprises nine members under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the creation of employment opportunities for African youth.

    The PYAG members are; Ashish Thakkar, CEO, Mara Group, Tanzania (Chair);Uzodinma Iweala, award-winning author, Nigeria; Mamadou Toure, Founder / CEO, Africa 2.0 / Ubuntu Capital, Cameroon; Vanessa Moungar, Human and Social Development Director, AfDB and member of President Macron’s Presidential Council for Africa, Chad; Francine Muyumba, President, Panafrican Youth Union, Democratic Republic of Congo; Jeremy Johnson, Co-founder, Andela, USA; Clarisse Iribagiza, CEO, Hehe Rwanda; Ada Osakwe, CEO, Agrolay Ventures, Nigeria; and Monica Musonda, CEO of Java Foods, Zambia.

  • Government owes Rwf63 million to former communes’ workers

    The problem originates from the 2006 government institutions reforms and decentralization which saw government’s local entities formerly known as communes reduced from 146 to 105 and later to 30 entities which changed name to districts, replacing communes and many public servants lost jobs in the process.

    The problem was raised on Tuesday as Amb. Claver Gatete, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), appeared before the Upper House to explain different problems facing the ministry.

    Among these problems include that of former commune staff, sector leaders and executive secretaries among other employees in former sectors and communes that were affected by the government’s reforms but have not yet received the payment that the government was supposed to pay them.

    Gatete said that staff from ten districts were not affected, 19 districts had documents that needed to be reviewed and only one district admitted to solve the problem by itself.

    He said that in partnership with districts and the Ministry of Local Government, they had extended the period so that any other affected person could have reported their problem to MINECOFIN but the deadline expired on November 27th 2017.

    Senators also enquired explanations about the delay of funds for genocide survivors yet the funds are kept in banks and other financial institutions while survivors’ children and families are starving due to lack of clear identifications of account owners.

    Gatete explained that they are working with IBUKA, umbrella of the genocide survivors’ organizations, to continue identifying names and other information that can help for the disbursement of the money to beneficiaries.

  • Police conducts successive rotation in CAR, South Sudan

    Two Formed Police Units (FPU1 and FPU2), and a Protection and Support Unit (PSU), each composed of 140 officers will replace the same number under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

    The PSU, which undertakes special duties such as protection for VIPs among others, is under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Hatari.

    FPU1 and FPU2 are headed by Chief Supt. Jean Pierre Ntaganira and Chief Supt. Sam Rumanzi, respectively.

    Meanwhile, a hybrid contingent of 240 officers under the command of Chief Supt. Charles Butera will replace the same number under the UN Mission in South Sudan.

    The FPU specializes in public order management like crowd control; facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance, escort duties and protection of UN facilities, among others.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, during the pre-deployment briefing, yesterday, reminded the officers that peacekeeping forms part of Rwanda’s rapid development, a legacy they should strive to protect and promote.

    “This is a diplomatic duty that the country has entrusted you with. You were well trained and equipped, what remains is maximum execution of your duties,” IGP Gasana said.

    “Always know and efficiently translate orders and assignments from your superiors. Alertness, effective communication, professional conduct and mandate execution, force discipline, respect and teamwork are indispensable to protecting the image of Rwanda National Police and our country,” IGP Gasana said.

    He also appealed to them to respect and protect each other, and exercise patience during their year-long spell in peacekeeping duties.

    “Standard operating procedures must be respected as guidelines towards a successful tour-of-duty.”

    Rwanda, one of the leading contributors of peacekeepers whose professionalism is highly rated, maintains over 1000 police peacekeepers in five missions.

    The missions are Haiti, Darfur, Abyei, CAR and South Sudan.

    Meanwhile, an all-female FPU contingent is also set to be deployed in South Sudan come January, next year.

    {{Source: RNP news}}