Author: IGIHE

Japan Ambassador opens Rwf120 million building at ETEKA Muhanga

{Japan envoy to Rwanda Takayuki Miyashita has pledged Japanese continued support to Rwanda’s Technical and Vocational schools in a bid to help provide quality education.}

Miyashita was speaking on Thursday as he opened new school building at Ecole Techinique de Kabgayi (ETEKA) in Muhanga District. The two-storey building, comprising 10 classrooms, two rooms for workshop and one store space, was built at the tune of Rwf123,177,310 with the support of Rwf63,672,436 from Japan.

“As the new Rwandan Cabinet swears in today, we are sure we can work with the new government for further cooperation, for the better life of Rwandans and further strengthening of our bilateral relations,” said Miyashita, commending Rwanda’s good use of funds from the Japanese grant.

He said that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a priority for Japanese support because it is highly needed on the labour market and helps on job creation.

Miyashita commended ETEKA and parents’ association which established the school on the wonderful work of equipping youth with practical skills, enabling them to create jobs.

ETEKA’s Principal Vital Burigo ensured good use of the new facility to further quality education, saying that good school facilities along with the school’s qualified staff are key to good training. Burigo added that the school considers upgrading existing building to keep improving the school’s facilities.

Mayor of Muhanga District, Ms. Beatrice Uwamariya, appreciated all parties which constructed the building and said the district attaches much importance to all efforts towards TVET development.

“Muhanga being among secondary cities, we are happy to acquire this new building which meets well the district’s Master Plan. This building will surely help harmonise the education offered by this school. We need more similar facilities in our district and our contribution is ensured,” she said.

September 1, 2017
Rwigara family under investigations

{Rumours have been circulating that some members of the Rwigara family have been arrested. However, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) has confirmed that no member of the Rwigara family has been arrested.}

RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege, confirmed that on Tuesday police officers searched the home of the Rwigaras as part of preliminary investigations into crimes of tax evasion and forgery.

“Reports that they were arrested are untrue and misleading. Police is investigating two cases; one is related to forgery and another is on tax evasion. The search was in that line,” ACP Badege said.

Forgery is contrary to articles 609 and 610 of the penal code while tax evasion contravenes articles 369, 370, and 671 of the penal code.

“The search is part of the Police mandate for conclusive investigations and fair justice.”

ACP Badege says that the family has admitted to some of the charges

September 1, 2017
New Cabinet sworn-in; work begins

{All new ministers and state ministers – besides Ministers Claver Gatete of Finance Economic Planning, Jean Philbert Nsengimana of ICT and State Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe of Foreign Affairs and EAC – were sworn-in today at Parliament in a ceremony presided over by President Paul Kagame.}

The new cabinet swore in a few hours after they were appointed; a day after the new Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente took his oath. The reshuffle comes after Paul Kagame’s re-election and inauguration earlier this month.

Speaking at the event, President Kagame expressed confidence in the new cabinet, emphasising that he has no doubt whatsoever in their understanding of Rwandans’ expectations.

“We must strive to always do more, faster and better: that is our uniqueness – ubudasa. We owe this to our people. We are a landlocked country. We face challenges that are different from our neighbouring countries’. To solve these issues, we need to do things differently. We can’t afford to live in a ‘comfort zone’,” President Kagame said.

The President further reminded the new cabinet that comfort only serves to increase the cost of what the country wants to achieve.

“We always stress out how collaboration, communication, and coordination are key in building the Rwanda we want. I am not asking anyone to do the impossible. We need to be strategic and efficient. The opposite would be very costly,” the Head of State added.

August 31, 2017
Journalists acquire skills on reporting about children

{At least 20 professional journalists including university teachers and media practitioners are attending training on reporting that promotes and sustains child rights.}

Organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Media High Council and National Children Council, the four-day training on Child Rights Media Module kicked off on Thursday in Musanze District aiming to improve reporting and communicating children’s rights and issues in Rwanda.

The module designed for use in media training schools and in capacity building for media practitioners elaborates on how to report child-related issues while preserving their rights.

Siddartha Shrestha, Unicef Rwanda’s Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, has told IGIHE that the training was organised to address weaknesses in reporting about children starting from media trainers and practitioners.

“Children’s rights is not something new but the way their issues are reported is important because children are at the centre of the country’s future. That is why we have decided to look at how media can report in the way that does not affect children’s future,” said Shrestha, adding that teachers at media schools will use the module to train future journalists.

Training participants appreciated upgrading skills in child rights reporting. David Muhwezi, director of media department at East African University said that Child Rights Media Module will help the school improve media training on human rights especially on reporting children’s issues.

Dr Margaret Jjuuko, a lecturer at University of Rwanda’s School of Journalism and Communication who is offering the training, said the module has important lessons to help journalists report about children professionally.

She said that reporting about child rights has seen important improvements in Rwanda but their rights are still abused sometimes in reporting.

The module has eight chapters elaborating on child rights, how to be reported when they have done good or bad, how to report about children with disabilities, about their violence, and more.

August 31, 2017
CIMERWA Golf Tournament inaugurates tomorrow

{Kigali Golf Club and Rwanda’s cement manufacturing company (CIMERWA) have organised golf championship for the first time in Rwanda scheduled this Saturday, August 2, 2017 at Golf Club in Nyarutarama, Kigali.
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The tournament dubbed “CIMERWA Golf Tournament” was organised at tune of Rwf30 million from CIMERWA and is expected to attract different professional players.

Kigali Golf Club’s leader, Devis Karegeya Kashaka, tells IGIHE that the tournament will attract Rwandans and foreigners living in Rwanda. Male and female will both participate.

He said the tournament will not end with inaugural edition but will continue to take place in the years to come.

CIMERWA’s CEO Bheki Mthembu says they are eager to support sports activities in country because they are vital to health.

“It is of great honour for CIMERWA to partner with sports associations especially Kigali Gulf Club. This is the beginning of a lot more we shall achieve through this partnership.

Mthembu said CIMERWA is not new in sports sector because they have always supported different teams in Rusizi District where the factory is based.

He said CIMERWA injected Rwf30 million in the tournament to help with winners’ awards, equipments and preparations.

August 31, 2017
New Premier sworn in

{This afternoon, President Paul Kagame officiated at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente. The President had earlier today named him as the new Prime Minister, replacing Anastase Murekezi who has led the government since July 2014. }

Speaking at the swearing-in event, President Kagame thanked the new Premier for accepting to serve the country as Prime Minister.

“Our way of working is about working together and complementing each other. I trust in his ability, will, and determination to serve and achieve what Rwandans expect of him,” President Kagame said.

The Head of State commended the outgoing government headed by Anastase Murekezi for their contribution in moving the country forward. He announced that a new cabinet will be announced tonight. The President appoints cabinet members after consultation with the Prime Minister.

August 31, 2017
Kagame appoints Dr Ngirente Edouard new Prime Minister

{President Paul Kagame has, Wednesday, appointed Mr. Edouard Ngirente as the new Prime Minister, replacing Anastase Murekezi who has been in the office since July 2014.}

“In reference to the Constitution of Rwanda of 2003 as amended in 2015 especially in article 116, President of the Republic has appointed Mr. Edouard Ngirente as Prime Minister, today August 30, 2017,” reads the announcement from Rwanda’s presidency.

Ngirente keeps low profile in Rwanda’s politics as he just served as the economic advisor to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning before being deposed by the Cabinet on March 30, 2011.

He has been serving as Senior Advisor to Executive Director of World Bank, based in Washington, D.C, US.

He did Economics related studies at University of Rwanda right after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and served there as a lecturer

He also served in the university’s project of controlling the country’s inflation.

It is believed that he left the university’s job going to pursue studies in Belgium.

The swearing in of the new Prime Minister is taking place this Wednesday, afternoon.

August 30, 2017
How RNP’s donated Solar Power systems contribute to public safety

{Between May and June this year, Rwanda National Police (RNP) donated free Solar Power system to close to 3400 households – mainly those in remote areas in different parts of the country.}

Among the beneficiaries are residents of Gatare Village in Nyakariro Sector in Rwamagana District. Four months down the road, residents of Gatare village speak highly of the impact from the solar power connectivity.

In Gatare Village, RNP donated solar power systems to 108 households.

Speaking at townhall meeting that attracted about 2,000 residents, Concilia Kabarinda whose home was among those connected and was also given a cow, said the Rwanda National Police has made her dreams come true.

The 57 year old widow, a mother of two children, said she’s no longer categorized in the class of the poor.

“Look now, I have electricity and this cow, I have started enjoying the results of RNP compassion. I am able to get manure which is a booster to agricultural produce. Benefits will multiply seven folds, when this cow produces and I have started to drink milk,” she said.

Another beneficiary of RNP’s Solar Power project, Callixte Mutezimana, said criminality in Gatare village was high and criminals took advantage of darkness to steal people’s goats, sheep and pigs.

“Lights are everywhere in villages, theft that targeted our animals have significantly dropped because they (criminals) are scared of getting identified due to the lights that makes it easy them to be visible even at night.” Mutezimana said as he thanked RNP.

Francois Uwizeyimana, the executive Secretary of Gatare Village, also said that the Rwanda National Police free solar power connectivity eased communication since people no longer need to walk long distances to charge their cell phones, which he said helped them to communicate with authorities especially security organs in case they need quick intervention.

With eased mode of communication, people’s lifestyle has tremendously improved and residents say, a lot more are yet to be achieved.

In a related development, during a townhall that was presided over by RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege along with the Rwamagana District Mayor, Rajab Mbonyumuvunyi and the the Eastern Region Police Commander ACP Dismas Rutaganira, residents of Gatare Village vowed to play a personal and collective efforts that would in the see Gatare village become a crime free village.

Uwizeyimana said the leadership has devised some strategies to prevent criminal activities particularly the use of illicit brews and gins like kanyanga – a crime mostly committed in this place according to him.

He further added that, they will put much efforts raising awareness among residents, enhancing neighborhood watch, commonly known as Irondo and sharing timely information with security.

In his address to residents, ACP Badege, explained that the recent RNP initiative to donate Solar Power to residents is part of the force’s priority to improve welfare of residents.

He appreciated resident’s commitment and efforts to prevent crimes and consequently hit the target to make Gatare village a crime free village and challenged them to ensure that they become a crime-free village.

ACP Badage further urged them to walk the talk and put much focus on crimes like narcotic drugs and GBV.

“Crimes like defilement and drug abuse, not only frustrate basic human rights, but the vices also hold back the country’s progress,” said ACP Badege.

The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Mbonyumuvunyi, commended the overall existing partnership of RNP with residents, in not only in security matters but also nation building.

“Over the past years, residents of Gatare Village lived in isolation due to a lack electricity, but people are able to freely work and move around even at night. This is a sign of development,” the District Mayor noted.

August 30, 2017
UNICEF, NAEB partner to advance child rights and development

{United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has inked a partnership with the National Agricultural Export Board (NAEB) on emphasizing the importance of promoting children’s rights in business practices particularly in tea industry.}

During the signing of partnership agreement in Kigali on Tuesday, the two agencies committed to focus on key children priorities such as early childhood development, nutrition and health, among others.

Being under NAEB oversight, tea companies will collaborate to ensure the success of the agreement. Other government institutions including Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Ministry of Local Government will also help improve conditions affecting health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene practices and practical childcare options in tea growing areas.

Among Rwanda’s 15 tea factories and 19 cooperatives, factory and plantation are often parents or of reproductive age. Some of them are pregnant or breastfeeding women, putting children’s life at risk.

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ted Maly, said the partnership with the government is paramount in advancing children’s rights and is optimistic on the success of the agreement through good engagement of tea factories.

“Businesses have a wide potential to impact children’s lives, which is why this partnership is so important. There is a growing awareness of corporate responsibility in Rwanda and our work with NAEB will be essential in integrating child rights into the tea industry,” said Maly.

Sandrine Urujeni, Deputy CEO of NAEB, said the initiative that started in tea industry will be expanded to other government and private institutions to ensure the welfare of mothers and children.

“NAEB works hand-in-hand with tea business owners and affiliated employees. One of our major responsibilities is to protect the rights of employees with a focus on children and women by advocating for improved work conditions. This partnership with UNICEF will result in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tea workers, thus elevating their livelihoods and contribute to the sector’s growth,” she said.

Activities under the agreement will include stakeholder training on children’s rights and business principles, community outreach events and training to strengthen early childhood development and nutrition programmes around tea plantations.

At least 850 children have been set out of tea chores in the last two years and 520 among them have received vocational training in welding, tailoring, carpentry and more professions.

August 30, 2017
Kabarebe urges UN to review early warning systems

{Rwanda Minister of Defence Gen James Kabarebe has urged United Nations to review the specific challenges in the early warning system; early rapid deployment as well as the challenges associated with protecting those at risk.}

The Minister made the remarks during the a official opening of a two-day UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Preparatory meeting held from 29-30, August 2017 at Kigali Convention Centre.

Kabarebe said that the world continues to witness violent conflicts and emerging security threats that affect mainly the civilians women and children as well as other vulnerable members of the society.

He added that one of the problems is that of poor information gathering and the will to put that information together is sometimes lacking, sometimes it is poorly analyzed or deliberately distorted.

“There is need therefore to review the specific challenges in the whole early warning process and rapid deployment as well as challenges associated with protecting those at risk.”

He pointed out that these can be addressed through institutional reforms, change of mindset, as well as drawing lessons from past mistakes and in actions.“There is also a need to learn from good practices while at the same time ensuring that ideological and political differences do not compromise the security and lives of innocent people,” he added.

The preparatory meeting in Kigali brought together over 100 participants from UN Peacekeeping Operations Troops/Police Contributing Countries and Financial Contributing Countries.

The preparatory meetings to be held in Bangladesh, Japan and Rwanda are set to prepare the ground for the 2017 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference due to take place in Vancouver, Canada from 14 to 15 November this year.

The two-day meeting will build the foundation of the forthcoming Vancouver Defence Ministerial by installing in it the key outcomes of our deliberations on protecting those risk an early warning and rapid deployment.

The discussions will be centered on how strengthening performance accountability for Protection of Civilians (POC) and how the Kigali Principles enhance the protection of Civilian mandate.

August 30, 2017