IGIHE

Author: IGIHE

  • Heavy Deployment as Regional Police Games Kick off in Uganda

    Uniformed and covertly dressed personnel have been deployed, bomb squads, canine department, public order management force, fire brigade, crime preventers among others to avoid any security surprises, during the regional police games that kicked-off from August 24-29 at Uganda Christian University – Mukono and Kigo shooting Range.

    This marks the first ever East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization [EAPCCO] games event. The games are being played under the theme, “promoting community policing and regional cooperation through sports.

    Participating teams from host Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya are competing in a number of games that include: Boxing, Athletics, shooting, football, netball, taekwondo, and volleyball.

    Uganda Police Force is using sports as a means to promote community policing and cooperation. Meanwhile, Rwanda Police FC is taking part in the football games and will face South Sudan today ahead of the Kenya on the same day. The final football match will take place on Tuesday.

  • Bank of Kigali Makes Rwf11.4 billion pre-tax Profit

    Bank of Kigali Group Rwanda’s largest bank by assets, has announced a pre-tax profit of Rwf11.4 billion approximately 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Dr. Diane Karusisis, Chief Executive Officer told the press that the Bank’s profit before tax raised to Rwf16.7 compared to Rwf15.8 billion in the same period last year.

    “If you look at the share price of the bank on the Rwandan Stock Exchange Market the price has grown over time. It shows that confidence is growing. We understand that there are more customers who want to buy BK shares; this shows that the bank is doing well in terms of customers a service which shows a positive sign of doing business,” reads a statement.

    According to the bank’s statement, total assets of June 30 grew by Rwf 719.3 billion, while net loans and fees increased to Rwf 450 billion Meanwhile the bank’s deposits stand at Rwf 483 billion.

    Considering an increase in customer loyalty, the bank says its number of active banking retail customers is 258,000 retail with its services distribution channels expanded by opening 4 new branches. The banks ATM increased to 89 point of sale machines, 1082 machines receive cards like Visa and MasterCards.
    BK was offered a 5-year tax holiday when it listed on the Stock Exchange six years ago, but taxes kept hiking as the holiday expired.

    Dr. Karusisi further said that BK will continue to keep an open eye on more customers targeting to expand its growth by offering new services.

  • 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 against human rights are being threatened. This is the very reason why press freedom is rising to the surface.”

    The organization further emphasized that the government should create an environment where a journalist can perform their duty without feeling threatened, pressurized or fear

    “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.”

    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 and Newsday 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 organization to defend freedom of the press, RSF, and international human rights organization 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.

    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 the 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

  • Lourenco to take power in Angola as MPLA wins election

    Angola’s ruling MPLA won this week’s election, a poll official announced Thursday, with party candidate Joao Lourenco now set to succeed President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos who has ruled for 38 years.

    An election commission official in Luanda said the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) had won just over 64 percent of the ballot.

    The partial results from Wednesday’s vote account for two-thirds of all polling stations, with the MPLA building an unassailable lead over its rivals.

    The party, which has ruled since Angola’s hard-fought independence from Portugal in 1975, had predicted an easy victory, but the outcome indicated a fall in its support since the previous election in 2012.

    Dos Santos, a secretive and much-criticised leader who announced his retirement earlier 2017, handpicked veteran party loyalist Lourenco, 63, as his successor.

    Lourenco, until recently defence minister, has vowed to boost foreign investment and said he wants to be recognized as a leader who brought an “economic miracle” to the southern African country.

    He is expected to formally assume power in September.

    The two main opposition parties, Unita and Casa-CE, immediately alleged that the vote count was flawed.

  • 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

    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 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 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.

    “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.”

    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 and Newsday 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 peacebuilding at local, national and international levels.

    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.

  • Premier urges graduates to become job creators

    {The Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has urged Unversity Graduates of Rwanda to use the skills and knowledge acquired during their period of study and take advantage of the country’s growing the economy to create their own jobs and become employers to their colleagues instead of becoming job seekers.}

    The Premier was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the University of Rwanda during which 8,252 students graduated in a ceremony held at Amahoro stadium on Friday, August 25th.

    Murekezi said, “Knowledge that has value and productivity is required on the job market, that helps seekers to become job creators.” He urged the graduates to utilize the knowledge attained in contributing to the development of the Rwandan economy through job creation.

    “You should use the knowledge acquired, to change the lives of citizens through what you have studied or what you plan to do. If you’re to achieve an objective in your life, you have to focus far by becoming job creators instead of searching for jobs.”

    The Premier urged the graduates to seek the services of the Business Development Fund Ltd (BDF) and other government institutions to get access to finance.

    He further promised that government of Rwanda will continue to partner with other institituions to develop education.

  • Six Rwandan teams reach the FEASSSA semi’s

    Six teams from Rwanda have reached the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) competitions games taking place in Uganda’s town of Gulu.

    Among the teams who booked tickets to the semi-finals include G.S. St Aloys and G.S. Indangaburezi in girls Volleyball category, in handball Secondaire Kigoma (ESKI) and ADEGI Gituza; in the boy’s basketball APE Rugunga booked the ticket to the semi’s while Rusumo High School reached the semi’s in boys volleyball category.

    All semi-finals regional youth games will kick-off this Friday, August 25 with APE Rugunga taking on Uganda’s Kibuli Secondary, while Rusumo High School faces Malakal of South Sudan.

    In girls volleyball and handball games, Rwandan teams will have to battle each other since was finished first and the other came second in the pool stages, G.S. St Aloys faces G.S. Indangaburezi then ESKI takes on ADEGI.

    Meanwhile the FEASSSA Athletics games kicked-off yesterday with both the boys and girls category racing in the 100, 4×100, 200m, 4x400m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m respectively.

    Rwanda athlete Yves Nimubona won a bronze medal in the 1500m category that was won by Kenyans and Uganda respectively.

    Rwanda is being represented by 29 teams, the games will conclude on Saturday, August 26, 2017.

  • Rwanda celebrates Umuganura

    On Sunday, 27 August 2017, Rwanda will celebrate Umuganura 2017, commonly known as National Harvest Day.

    The day is celebrated in a bid to promote the Rwandan culture of valuing and celebrating achievements and crop yields from the country’s soil.
    This year’s celebrations are held under the theme: Umuganura, a foundation of unity and self-reliance.

    In ancient Rwanda, Umuganura was one of the most important ceremonies celebrated by Rwandans at the beginning of every harvest season. The festivities were an occasion to celebrate the country’s achievements in terms of harvest both at the kingdom and family levels.

    Today, Umuganura has a broader meaning: it has evolved to become a national festival to celebrate the country’s achievements in line with its vision for a more cohesive, united, peaceful and prosperous future.

    It is also an opportunity to think of new ways to attain sustainable development. Umuganura festival, at a national level, is marked by processions and march-pasts, parades and fashion shows, as well as a set of traditional games.

    As part of efforts to reconstruct Rwanda and nurture a shared national identity, the Government of Rwanda drew on aspects of Rwandan culture and traditional practices to enrich and adapt its development programs to the country’s needs and context.
    The result is a set of Home Grown Solutions – culturally owned practices translated into sustainable development programs. One of these Home Grown Solutions is the First-Fruits Festival, also known as Umuganura.

    The festival is also an occasion to bring together Rwandans from all social ranks in a bid to cement the social fabric of the Rwandan society.

    As part of the celebration, Sunday, August 27th will be Umuganura Day and according to the announcement by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour( MIFOTRA), which implies on Monday, August 28, 2017, will be a public holiday.

  • Six Rwandan teams reach the FEASSSA semi’s

    Six teams from Rwanda have reached the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) competitions games taking place in Uganda’s town of Gulu.

    Among the teams who booked tickets to the semi-finals include G.S. St Aloys and G.S. Indangaburezi in girls Volleyball category, in handball Secondaire Kigoma (ESKI) and ADEGI Gituza; in the boy’s basketball APE Rugunga booked the ticket to the semi’s while Rusumo High School reached the semi’s in boys volleyball category.

    All semi-finals regional youth games will kick-off this Friday, August 25 with APE Rugunga taking on Uganda’s Kibuli Secondary, while Rusumo High School faces Malakal of South Sudan.

    In girls volleyball and handball games, Rwandan teams will have to battle each other since was finished first and the other came second in the pool stages, G.S. St Aloys faces G.S. Indangaburezi then ESKI takes on ADEGI.

    Meanwhile the FEASSSA Athletics games kicked-off yesterday with both the boys and girls category racing in the 100, 4×100, 200m, 4x400m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m respectively.

    Rwanda athlete Yves Nimubona won a bronze medal in the 1500m category that was won by Kenyans and Uganda respectively.

    Rwanda is being represented by 29 teams, the games will conclude on Saturday, August 26, 2017.

  • 140 Police Officers depart for Haiti peacekeeping mission

    Over 140 police peacekeepers have departed for a one-year mission under the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)

    The Deputy Inspector of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, on August 23, saluted off a contingent.

    Prior to their departure, the contingent was briefed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, (DIGP) Dan Munyuza, who 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 in his briefing to the officers at RNP Headquarters.

    He also briefed the officers on their role in preserving Rwandas image saying that; Rwandas 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.

    The officers will serve as a protection force for the UN staffs, crowd control and help in aid distribution in internally displaced camps. It’s the eighth National Police rotation in the Caribbean nation.

    The force which is also composed of 20 female officers goes to replace Rwanda FPU7 made up of 160 police officers scheduled to come back soon after a one-year UN-mission.

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