IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Indian investors in the country to explore opportunities

    {A delegation of 25 entrepreneurs from Indian is in Rwanda as part of a program to streamline the cooperation between the two countries. }

    The 25 Indian entrepreneurs from different commercial sectors are expected to hold discussions and exchange knowledge in the field of technology with local entrepreneurs.

    In February this year, India’s Vice President Hamid Ansari held talks with President Paul Kagame on different issues, including trade and promoting health sector.

    During that time, a cooperation, India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme (IRIGP) was agreed upon between the two countries in the field of science and technology where India, and Rwanda’s National Industrial Research Development Agency (NIRDA), will coordinate the working relationship between the two sides. The delegation has already held discussions and exchanged knowledge in the field of technology with local entrepreneurs.

    The Indian entrepreneurs have expressed willingness to play a role in the promotion of trade and investments in Rwanda, noted Munish Gupta, the advisor of IRIGP program.

    He said, “The most important thing is the fact that both governments of India and Rwanda have the will to cooperate in the field of creating employment opportunities, opening companies in Rwanda and promoting the national economies.”

    It is expected that the Indians will participate in the ongoing Trade show, taking place at Gikondo Expo ground from August 22nd- 6th September 2017.

    Through this cooperation, it is anticipated that some of the Rwandan entrepreneurs will make a study tour in India, with the objective of promoting the culture of innovation and improving knowledge through applying modern technology.

    The Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer , Clare Akamanzi, said that India is experienced in vital sectors that are important in enhancing development including agro-processing industries, pharmaceuticals and computer science among others.

    This delegation has so far visited different institutions including Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), National Industrial Research Development Agency (NIRDA), Indian Embassy in Rwanda and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and East African Community Affairs.

    Between 2011-2016, Indians invested US$317millions in 66 projects, including Airtel, Zinc Hotel and Mahatma Gandhi University besides, Gisovu Tea Factory, Imana Steel, Sahasra and electronic Pvt Ltd among others.

  • Rwandans celebrate Umuganura day in Nyanza

    {Thousands of Rwandans on Sunday celebrated the National Harvest Day commonly known as Umuganura with a focus on encouraging Rwandans to work harder to eradicate poverty and hunger.}

    The annual event is celebrated beginning August 4th but for this year it was extended over the weekend not to coincide with other major events like the Presidential elections.
    Umuganura is a traditional feast of the first harvest that was widely observed in ancient Rwanda.

    The harvest day is the first-fruit festival and one of Rwanda’s ancient royal rituals.

    The celebrations of Umuganura were held in Nyanza District, Southern Province and attracted hundreds of people including Rwandan government officials and the private sector and citizens.

    This year’s event was observed under the theme: “Umuganura, a foundation of unity and self-reliance.”

    Speaking at the celebrations, Julienne Uwacu, Rwanda’s minister of sports and culture, said the event has evolved to become a national festival to celebrate the country’s achievements in social and economic development.

    “This day gives Rwandans an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and focus on what needs to be done to find a lasting solution towards addressing malnutrition, poverty, and hunger in the country,” she added.

    According to 2014 Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics, poverty in Rwanda reduced from 60 per cent in 2000 to 39 per cent in 2014.

    Rwanda targets to reduce poverty to 20 per cent and extreme poverty to zero per cent from the current 16 per cent by 2020, according to the ministry of finance and economic planning.

    This year’s Umuganura celebration also was combined with President Paul Kagame’s’ landslide victory during the August 4th Presidential elections where most Rwandan voted for Kagame for another third term in office.

    Minister Uwacu also noted that the celebration is an advantage this year because it has occurred when Rwandans are jubilating President Kagame’s victory during the elections.

  • 160 Police officers complete Haiti peacekeepers rotation exercise

    A total of160 police officer from the Units RWAFPU7 and RWAFPU8 serving under the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) yesterday morning arrived home after serving for a year in the Caribbean country of Haiti.

    The contingent that arrived yesterday morning was headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustin Ntirushwa and was received by Commissioner of Police George Rumanzi at Kigali International Airport. It was replaced by another contingent of 140 police officers that is headed by ACP Yahaya Kamunuga.

    In his debrief message to the officers upon arrival, CP Rumanzi commended them for the exceptional performance throughout the mission and recognized their outstanding commitment exhibited at a time when Haiti was hit by Hurricane Mathew that devastated and ruined the country, leaving most of its citizens homeless.

    “In such hard times, you stood out; you endured the challenges and stayed focused. You offered humanitarian assistance to Haitians who looked up to you for help. You proved that you are a resilient force and your country thanks you,” CP Rumanzi told the officers.

    Prior to their departure from Haiti, the officers were also decorated with medals of good performance in peacekeeping by the United Nations.

    Meanwhile, the eighth RNP peacekeepers contingent that replaced the seventh received a pre-deployment briefing by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, (DIGP) Dan Munyuza, on August 22 – a day before their departure.

    In his address, DIGP Munyuza challenged the officers to maintain maximum discipline since they will be representing the image of Rwanda while the whole world will be looking at them.

    “You have been well prepared for the mission but during your tour of duty, you are required to exhibit the highest level of integrity. Ensure that in the one year of duty your of your motherland, you serve to the best of your ability and with maximum discipline,” said DIGP Munyuza.

    He also briefed the officers on their role in preserving Rwanda’s image saying that; “Rwanda’s exceptionality has been achieved through joint efforts including your fellow officers who have effectively served in peacekeeping missions. You also need to uphold these achievements.”

    The Deputy Police Chief further urged them to cooperate with and learn from other peacekeepers’ experience adding that “learning is continuous.”

    While departing, the officers were saluted off by the Deputy Inspector of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda who was flanked by several Police Commissioners and Senior Officers.

    The deployment of RWAFPU8 contingent brings the number of RNP officers who have served in Haiti under Formed Police Unit since the maiden deployment in 2010, to 1120.

    RNP is also expected to deploy another contingent to South Sudan in September which will bring the number of RNP FPUs in UN missions to six.

    Rwanda is the third largest Police contributing country globally after Senegal and Bangladesh respectively but second largest female contributor but may raise in the ranking after the deployment of an all female contingent that is set to be dispatched soon.

    Currently, RNP maintains about 1000 police peacekeepers in various missions with 820 of them organized in five contingents under Formed Police Units. Others are Individual Police Officers (IPOs), who work as advisors, mentors, and trainers.

  • UR Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pudence Rubingisa arrested

    Rwanda National University Deputy Vice Chancellor Pudence Rubingisa is arrested under court orders on the accusation unrealistic agreements between the campus with institutions and individuals.

    Rubingisa was arrested on Friday, August 25th after being summoned to look into the allegations filed by the university leadership immediately after the graduation of over 8000 students during a ceremony held the same day at Amahoro stadium in Kigali.
    He is currently held at the Kimihurura police station.

    Rubingisa started his career at the same campus in 2013 when he joined as the Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration. He had been holding the same position at the ISAE-Busogo College for two years.

    He was a lecturer in the faculty of economics and banking at the former School of Finance and Banking, SFB.

    He also served in many different positions in the academia in the last 15 years.
    The former Rwanda university vice chancellor is a graduate in economics and procurement.

  • Reporters Advocate Freedom of Expression for Democracy

    “Consistent with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation and for economic development.”
    – Quoted from Declaration of Windhoek [1]

    May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day adopted by the United Nations to commemorate the Declaration of Windhoek drafted by African journalists in 1991 to develop the principle of the freedom of the press. In this year the annual commemoration seeks “Media’s Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies” by UNESCO in Jakarta, Indonesia.

    ‘Press Freedom and Development’ by the Center for Peace and Human Security points out that freedom of the press and a good government are interrelated and “promote the economy and development of the state.”

    Suppression of the Press and Violation of Journalists’ Rights

    Amnesty International states that “Journalists in many African countries who cover the articles on corruption and violation“ Journalism is one of the professions that are most exposed to threats, and this is especially true for female journalists. This constitutes a threat not only to women and quality journalism but also to freedom of expression, equality, and democracy,” says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström, greeting the World Press Freedom Day. She further added to her statement: “We need to work continuously on different levels to ensure that these issues are never forgotten or ignored.” on against human rights are being threatened.

    This is the very reason why press freedom is rising to the surface.” The organisation further emphasised that the government should create an environment where a journalist can perform their duty without feeling threatened, pressurized or fear.

    In Zimbabwe, journalists of Media Institute of South Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe discussed “the approach towards information and basic freedom” on the World Press Freedom Day last year. Regarding the arrest of journalists from the Sunday Mail andNewsDay due to government restriction of information and a libel suit, a freelancer journalist participant Pindai Dube stated, “we even have government officials criticizing some of the media laws but nothing practical has been done.” The Tabani Moyo, advocacy officer of the MISA-Zimbabwe also added, “A law exists, which restricts the joy of free media and information access.”

    The international organisation to defend freedom of the press, RSF, and international human rights organisation Freedom House, uncovered through a yearly report that the freedom of the press has declined globally.

    Stronger dictatorial tendencies in governments around the world and increasing numbers of security issues such as terror and refugees in Europe were given as the reasons. Restrictions on broadcasting, reporting and news coverage through online are under surveillance of government in the name of national security.

    In contrast, Sweden, a country of the world’s first press freedom law in 1766, abolished censorship of publications so that citizens are free to read public documents and participate in political discussions. According to Anne Höglund, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Korea, the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act played an important role in shaping the present welfare state that is Sweden, enabling free communication in an open society and national development through the critical inspection of the people.

    Activities to Regain Freedom of Press

    African countries and journalists have acknowledged the positive effects of freedom of the press, and are engaged in activities to secure it. The Right2Know Campaign which began in South Africa in 2010, has its roots in “release of information” and “freedom of expression,” and is raising its voice to strengthen and unite the rights of citizens to know.

    MISA, the West African Journalists Association (with chapters in 16 countries) and the East African Journalists Association have been active as professional watchdog organizations for the freedom of the press as well as expression since the Windhoek Declaration.

    International efforts for freedom of press in relation to democracy and peace in the globe have been underway. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), drafted by international law experts and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

    Under the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), advocates international cooperation for peace building at local, national and international levels.[13] With its peace initiatives in international law for peace and advocacy campaigns in international organizations, the DPCW addresses the need to establish a global order based on the peaceful resolution of conflicts, ethnic/religious freedom, and spreading a culture of peace.

    To achieve this, HWPL’s annual peace summit discusses plans of actions with 1,000 global leaders and experts from politics, academia, law, media, religion, women and youth. In the summit this year, journalists and reporters around the world will discuss at the “Forum for Global Peace Media Network – Freedom of Press and International Peace Media Community Initiative”.

    The Managing Editor of Syria Daily News Nour Molhem, who participated in the Media Forum held last year, said, “It’s the first time for Syria to work with this kind of peace organization. I really hope to deliver true peace to the people of Syria.” According to RSF statistics, Syria is a country whose press freedom index ranks 177th out of 180 countries; resolution of press suppression and the guarantee of freedom of expression of the press is urgently needed.

  • REG connects 43 houses in Nyarugenge, Mageragere estate

    Rwanda Energy Group has today completed its work of connecting Mageragere model estate in Nyarugenge district to the country’s electric grid at an estimated cost of Rwf 9 million.

    The ceremony to light the 43 house happened on Saturday, August 26th during the monthly communal cleaning locally called Umuganda.

    Prosper Mubera Birori, the REG public relations officer, said that the Group intends to always light villages it has connected to the electric grid during every monthly communal cleaning in different districts.

    “This is the initial opening ceremony of an event that will always happen at the end of each month. We used to host the same lighting event at the institutional level when engaged in umuganda,” he said.

    During the same event, journalists who graduated over the last three years also paid health insurance for 100 locals in the same sector.

    Nzaramba Kayisime, Nyarugenge district executive secretary, hailed both REG for connecting locals to the electricity and journalists for their engagement in having locals access health services through mutuelle de Sante. Umuganda brought together all people in the model village to clean the place.

  • Tanzania gives UNHCR deadline to return Burundians who want to go home

    The Tanzanian government has given the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, seven days to help repatriate those Burundian refugees who want to go home, or the Tanzanian authorities will do the job themselves.

    The UNHCR estimates that there are 240,000 Burundians in Tanzania who have fled the political turmoil, and some of them have registered for voluntary repatriation.
    Minister for Internal Affairs Mwigulu Nchemba issued the ultimatum on Thursday while on an official visit to Nduta refugee camp in Kigoma, western Tanzania.

    Nchemba accused the UNHCR of delaying the return of the refugees.
    Over 8,000 refugees from the Nduta camp are reported to have registered themselves as willing to return to Burundi.

    Nchemba warned that if UNHCR did not immediately start returning the refugees the government would do so within these seven days I want you to have identified trucks to carry people, the food that they were supposed to eat while they are here and other stuff.

    If you won’t do that, I will ask my colleague, the minister of defense to give us military trucks to send these refugees.

    The UNHCR says it wants to make sure that Burundi is safe enough for the refugees to return.

    The Tanzanian government’s ultimatum comes only a month since the Burundian President Pierre Nkurunzinza visited Tanzania and called on Burundian refugees to go home as he assured them that the country was stable and safe.

  • Ntawamusimbura hit maker, Meddy gets in Kigali

    Rwandan artist Medard Ngabo, well known as Meddy returned to Kigali after seven years in the US.

    The Ntawamusimbura hit maker who was dressed in casual jeans, white T-shirt, and a black cap landed at Kigali International Airport at around 3:50 pm on Saturday, August 26, 2017, and was welcomed by a crowd of fans waiting for him outside the airport.

    Born in Bujumbura, Burundi on August 7th, 1989, the Rwandan RnB artist was staying in US state of Texas for the last seven years.

    While in Texas he continued to release some new singles that include Nasara and Burinde bucya. Meanwhile, on September 2nd he will be performing in Nyamata Bugesera in the Eastern Province.at Bugesera.

  • APR FC, KCCA friendly Game ends in stalemate

    The pre-season friendly preparations match between Rwandan military side APR FC with KCCA of Uganda settled for a 1-1 draw in an international friendly played on Friday, August 25th at Stade de Kigali Nyamirambo.

    Despite the myriad of chances created mostly by the military side, both teams had to rely on the striking force during the match to get the goals.

    APR FC Coach Jimmy Mulisa made a change in his usual first starting line up playing seven players including Christian Ishimwe who was signed from Isonga FC.

    In front of the home fans, APR FC opened the scores with Martin Fabrice taking no chance but to put the ball in the visitors net in the 25th minute of the half hour.

    Having found themselves on the backfoot, the visitors piled pressure on the host team but the Ugandan players continually fluffed their chances.

    At the beginning of the second half, KCCA changed the game plan and in the 64th minute, Moustapha Kizza leveled the matters by slotting in the ball at the back of the net.

    The equalizer was the last goal for the day as the entertaining friendly clash ended one goal apiece.

    The game was a pre-season preparatory match for both sides as they look forward to the new seasons in their respective national league seasons.

    KCCA starting lineup

    KCCA FC: Charles Lukwago , Dennis Okot,Habib Kavuma , Philbert Obenchan , Dennis Rukundo, Isaac Kirabira , Ibrahim Wamani ,Mustafa Kizza , Patrick Serunjogi , Allan Oryek and Abubakar Saddiq Tijjani.

    APR FC: Steven Ntaribi, Albert Ngabo, Christian Ishimwe, Shaffy Songayingabo, Herve Rugwiro, Innocent Bakundukize, Issa Bigirimana, Martin Fabrice Twizeyimana, Onesme Twizerimana, Fiston Ishimwe and Maxime Sekamana

  • Nyanza Prison escapee re-captured

    The Nyanza Prison inmate who escaped after being sentenced to thirty years in jail was recently re-captured.

    Police in Nyanza has reported that the inmate identified as Adrien Hakizimana who had escaped on the evening of August 7th,2017 while serving his prison sentence was caught in Ruhango District in the Southern Province, while riding on a motor cycle, allegedly preparing to flee to Uganda.

    The spokesperson for Prison services in Rwanda, CIP Hillary Sengabo, told IGIHE that he escaped from prison in the first week of this month, but did not explain how Hakizimana managed to beat the security.

    He had been convicted of Genocide crimes and subsequently sentenced to thirty years.

    After being apprehended in Ruhango Hakizimana was taken back to the prison so as to make another dossier, regarding the crime of escaping prison.
    An inmate who escapes the prison, and gets caught is taken to court and gets an additional sentence of 6 months according to the law.

    Hakizimana is now back in prison to originally finish his sentence on top of another six months for trying to escape.