Miss Phirinyane arrived in Kigali on February 20th, 2020 while Miss Ghana and Miss South Sudan arrived in Kigali on Friday, February 21st, 2020.
Oliver Nakakande, Miss Uganda 2019 and Sylvia Sebastian, Miss Tanzania 2019, will also be present during the crowning ceremony of Miss Rwanda 2020.
19 contestants will compete in Miss Rwanda 2020 finale after a two-week boot camp. There were 20 contestants at the beginning of the boot camp but contestant Ingabire Jolie Ange withdrew from the competition due to sickness.
Tickets for the finale which will be held at Intare Conference Arena starting 5 pm are already on sale and can be purchased using Mobile Money ( *182*8*1*333111#), through Ecobank or get physical tickets at Camellia KBC, Keza Salon and Smart Design offices.
Uganda and Rwanda noted that since the last summit, progress was registered regarding the commitment of both parties to solve tensions. Based on this, both parties are expected to release prisoners from both sides and continue to observe the Rule of Law and the International Humanitarian Law.
During the summit, President Kagame and President Museveni signed the Extradition Treaty which was approved during the third Ad Hoc Commission between Rwanda and Uganda. The treaty establishes a legal framework to handle legal cases of justice including alleged rebellious activities practiced on Ugandan territory.
The summit recommended that within one month, Uganda will verify the allegations of Rwanda that Rwanda dissidents are operating on its territory and if proven right, Uganda will take actions to definitively stop all support to those groups and prevent it from happening again.
Once this resolution is fulfilled, the Ad Hoc Commission between Rwanda and Uganda will convene at Gatuna border within 15 days for a solemn re-opening of borders and normalization of the movement of people and goods between Uganda and Rwanda.
Final communique of the 4th Quadripartite Summit between Heads of State and Government of the Republic of Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Rwanda held at Gatuna/Katuna on 21 February 2020. pic.twitter.com/WI3eT5VXWk
Canceling the passport of Mukankusi is one of three requests Rwanda made before the quadripartite summit.
Olivier Nduhungirehe, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed the news via his Twitter account.
“Yesterday, Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote a ‘note verbale’ to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rwanda acknowledging that Charlotte Mukankusi Charlotte, RNC Commissioner for Diplomacy, had indeed received a Ugandan passport which she was using for her terrorist activities. The passport was revoked.”
Rwanda has requested Uganda to follow up closely on Mukankusi’ movements in Uganda particularly in January 2020 and revoke her passport with registration number “No A000199979”
Mukankusi joined RNC in 2004 and was at the time, second in position to Kayumba Nyamwasa who was the ambassador of Rwanda to India. The government of Rwanda granted a diplomatic passport to Mukankusi but it was not renewed after she made herself known as a fervent political dissident of Rwanda.
News about Mukankusi obtaining a Ugandan passport spread after one-on-one talks she held with President Museveni where she explained in detail RNC motive to destabilize the government of Rwanda.
Her passport showed that she is Rwandan, born on August 10th, 1970 in Mbarara, Uganda. She held a diplomatic passport, PD 000223, service passport PS009269, and permanent residency permit PC061537.
Her Rwandan Identity Card had number 1197070004061075.
After her diplomatic passport was revoked due to terrorist activities, Uganda chose to facilitate her movements inside Ugandan territory and granted her a Ugandan passport. On February 11th, 2019, Charlotte received a permanent residency permit allowing her to exercise her rights as a Ugandan citizen.
In March 2019, President Museveni had a second visit from Mukankusi in Kampala aiming at strengthening relations between Uganda and RNC and assess the evolution of both parties’ common interests. Mukankusi urged President Museveni to reject a United Nations report published on December 31st, 2018 showing links between the government of Uganda and RNC.
The report stated that Uganda supports different activities of the terrorist group including recruiting new members from various areas in Uganda and providing them with military training in Minembwe, DRC. Museveni agreed to all the requests.
After the meeting which Museveni mentioned it was “accidental”, he wrote a letter to President Kagame justifying himself and explaining that the encounter was uncalled for.
Revoking Mukankusi’s passport follows the decision of Uganda to release 13 Rwandans who were held in Uganda and the deportation of two suspects in the Kinigi attack in 2019. Rwanda repaid the effort by dropping charges and releasing 17 Ugandans who were serving their sentence in Rwanda.
However, Rwanda reminded Uganda to investigate the movements of Prossy Bonabaana, Sula Nuwamanya, Dr. Rukundo Rugalo, Emerithe Gahongayire and Emmanuel Mutarambirwa who are accused of collecting money to finance RNC activities through a non-government organization called Self-Worth Initiative.
Rwanda also urged Uganda to bring to hand over the remaining suspects of Kinigi attack including Mugwaneza Eric and Nshimiye who goes by the alias ‘Gavana’
Nshimiye allegedly led the Kinigi attack on the 3rd and 4th, 2019. The attack claimed the lives of 14 Rwandans. Nshimiye reportedly has the support of Philemon Mateke, Uganda Minister of State for Regional Affairs.
Besides interest-free loans, winners of the competition receive training from BK in partnership with Inkomoko, a business consulting firm that works with micro, small, and medium enterprises in Rwanda to develop powerful strategies to increase their profits.
Mukagahima Marie Ange, the CEO and Founder of Zima enterprise, a pumpkin processing company which also deals in pastries, flour, roasted seeds, and seed oil told IGIHE that Urumuri initiative made her business prosper due to the training and loans she received.
“We process pumpkins and make oil and biscuits from them since 2017. Before we won Urumuri competition, we did not have enough resources to process pumpkins and make pastries but after, we were able to purchase adequate equipment and our productivity has doubled ever since. Our vision is to establish our footprint across the country and hopefully start exporting our products as well.”
Uwizeye Josue, the CEO of Josh Innovation, a company which deals in zero-carbon cookers said that the loan he acquired from BK Urumuri allowed him to expand his business, innovate and create new products.
“We have recently started making drones but we focus more on research. In the future, we expect to launch a drone assembling plant and I believe, we will be a pioneer drone industry in Rwanda.”
He expressed concerns about the Coronavirus outbreak because he had ordered some equipment from China but the trade blockade caused by the virus didn’t make it possible for the order to be delivered. “I hope the situation gets better and that a cure for the Coronavirus will be found.”
Uwizeye currently employs 12 staff and his business continues to operate despite the outbreak of the virus.
BK Urumuri initiative was launched in 2017 as the Bank celebrated its 50 years’ anniversary.
During the launch of the BK Urumuri Initiative on March 7th, 2017, Dr. Diane Karusisi, BK Chief Executive Officer said that the objective is to support young entrepreneurs in realizing projects that might contribute to the development of the country.
“We initiated Urumuri looking forward to 50 years to come when technology will be leading especially in trade. We aim at assisting young entrepreneurs to adjust with an evolving business sphere.”
In 2017, BK offered loans worth Rwf 60 million to 8 young entrepreneurs. Among the winning projects were Safe Motos which won Rwf 11.7 million, DSIS&T which designs sprinkler irrigation systems and technology and received Rwf 4 million, Kalisimbi Wines received Rwf 9 million, WiredIn Ltd, Rwf 8 million, Pure Pro, Rwf 9.3 million, Mudacumura Publishing, Rwf 8 million, Yummy&Fresh, Rwf 3.5 million and Murukari Online, Rwf 6 million.
In 2018, the loans were offered to Sonia Mugabo Showroom, Sanit Wing, Imagine We Publishers, House of Tayo, Josh Innovation and Zima Enterprise among others.
In 2019, winners were Amazon Nutrition Cabinet, Avo Health Business Entreprise, GreenLeaves Business Enterprise, Ishyo Foods Business Enterprise, Nziza and Kipepeo Kids.
President Kagame arrived at Gatuna at around noon and waited across the border for other Rwandan officials who are also attending the summit.
The meeting happens after Rwanda advised its citizens to stop all travels to Uganda for security purposes after many Rwandans were dumped at borders after being incarcerated and tortured in Uganda. There also is a pending request from Rwanda urging Uganda to stop all support to terrorist groups operating on its territory including RNC, FDLR and RUD Urunana.
At multiple occasion, Rwanda has accused Uganda of impeding trade activities between the two countries after reports that Uganda withheld goods from Rwandans who conduct business in that country.
The summit follows an announcement from the government of Uganda stating it has revoked the passport of Mukankusi Charlotte, RNC Commissioner for Diplomacy.
Uganda has also released 13 Rwandans who were incarcerated in Uganda and deported two others who admitted playing a role in Kinigi attack which happened last year in Musanze district and claimed 14 lives.
The third resolution of the Ad Hoc Commission between Rwanda and Uganda held in Kigali on February 14th, 2020 states “both parties committed to finalize the Extradition Treaty to be signed in the presence of the Heads of States at the fourth quadripartite summit to be held at Gatuna/Katuna common border between Rwanda and Uganda on February 21st, 2020”
In the event both parties respect their part of the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding and resolutions from the Ad Hoc commission, it is highly likely, the currently tense atmosphere will go back to normal.
Giants of Africa (GOA) is a basketball camp founded by Masai Ujiri as a platform to explore and nurture basketball talent among African youth.
The festival will attract 200 boys and girls from 11 African countries. The festival starts from August 16 to August 22.
Announcing the festival, President Kagame thanked Masai Ujiri for his work with Giants of Africa and said that the camp is crucial in developing the talents of African youth.
“I want to welcome everyone. You will see that this country is hospitable. It is a country that puts honor first. We need to take care of ourselves, by doing everything necessary to explore the talents of the youth on this continent, especially that the youth make the biggest percentage of Africa’s population. We believe that we will get a good outcome as Masai put it. Africans always win. So, go forward.”
Masai Ujiri thanked the president for the role he plays in the development of Africa, puts into action everything he desires, including the building of Kigali Arena and promoting sports.
“I thank President Kagame for his amazing work and for accepting that this camp takes place here. Africans must win because we are the winners.”
Myrah Naomi Nantume, one of Giants of Africa’s alumni, spoke of how the program not only helps the youth in basketball but also in other sports and their everyday life. She asked all youth to exploit the opportunity.
Giants of Africa started in 2003 in Nigeria but in 2014 Ujiri took it outside of the country.
One of the projects that were extended from Giants of Africa is the renovation of the basketball court at Club Rafiki, Nyamirambo, launched on August 8, 2017, by President Kagame.
The 11 countries that will participate in the camp are Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Rwanda.
Methode Ruzindana, the Director of Research Department at Rwanda Peace Academy took the visitors through a brief history of the academy and urged the officials to be Rwanda’s ambassadors.
The military officials told the media that they chose to visit Rwanda because they have so much to learn about the history of Rwanda and how it rose from the ashes to become the powerful nation it is today.
Brigade General Ian Blacquiere who led the delegation said that they visited the academy expecting to learn more from strategies Rwanda used to achieve development and security after a dark history.
Rwanda Peace Academy receives permanent support from the Netherlands and Brig. Gen. Blacquiere said it would remain so. He commended Rwanda for helping countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace by sending soldiers in peacekeeping operations and said other countries should learn from it.
Rwanda Peace Academy was founded in 2013 and offers training and research programs relevant to post-conflict challenges in Africa. The academy aims at enhancing regional capacity for conflict prevention and management, including post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding by employing international best practice. Since 2010, the academy has trained more than 3100 officials.
Rwanda is ranked second on the list of African countries that send the most peacekeepers in countries affected by political unrest after Ethiopia. Rwanda is also second after Senegal to send the most police officers for UN Peacekeeping operations.
A report published in November 2019, showed that Rwanda is ranked third for having sent the most soldiers and police officers in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Rwanda has so far sent 1389 soldiers and police officers for peacekeeping to the Central African Republic.
The meeting will bring together four Heads of State including President Kagame, President Museveni, President Lourenço and President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The first quadripartite meeting was held on May 31st, 2019 in Kinshasa, the second on July 12th, 2019 in Luanda and the third on August 21st, 2019 in Luanda as well. During the third quadripartite summit, President Kagame and President Museveni signed the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding guiding the way forward in solving Rwanda-Uganda tensions.
The fourth quadripartite summit happens two days after 13 Rwandans were set free from Ugandan jail and handed over to Rwanda at Kagitumba border.
The 13 were released along 2 others who were deported from Uganda and who are suspected to have been involved in last year’s attack in Kinigi. Musanze District. The two suspects are Second Lieutenant Selemani Kabayija and Private Fidèle Nzabonimpa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rwanda commended Uganda’s efforts to respect its part of the agreement and announced that the Government of Rwanda had also dropped charges and released 17 Ugandans who were incarcerated in Rwanda.
It is expected that after analyzing the root of the conflict between Rwanda and Uganda, Heads of States will reconsider normalizing again the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
Pavel, a student from Cameroon，is the first, and till now the only African patient to be diagnosed with novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) in China. From confirmation on January 30, to isolation and treatment, till discharge from hospital on February 10,what struck Pavel the most in the unforgettable 12-day-long experience is that “Be it Chinese or foreign nationals, as long as we work together, there’s nothing to be feared in the fight against epidemic.”
The 20-year-old Cameroonian student speaks fluent Chinese and has a Chinese name called “Dong Qichen”. After learning Chinese for two years at the Confucius Institute in Cameroon and the Wenzhou University, he’s now studying at the College of Agriculture of Yangtze University in Jingzhou, Hubei province. He traveled to Wuhan with friends in January and was infected with NCP during his time there.
“Soon after my return, I had a fever with a temperature of about 38 degrees centigrade. My teacher was very worried and asked about my condition by phone every one or two hours. I was so moved.”
After being diagnosed with NCP at the Jingzhou Thoracic Hospital of Hubei Province, Pavel had been actively cooperating with treatment.
“They took very good care of me in each and every step of treatment! Chinese doctors and nurses are highly professional and dedicated. Regular disinfection, temperature measurement, and check were conducted at the hospital. The isolation ward is clean and tidy, with three meals a day, and a TV. My doctor told me that I’m doing well and there’s no need for worry. My teachers and classmates call me every day. I can also feel that I’m getting better.”
After his nucleic acid test turned negative, on February 10th, Pavel got his discharge record, which was densely packed with medical information, diagnosis, and doctor’s advice.
“During my stay in hospital, I learned about the Chinese medical staff’s workload and the pressure on them. Their families and friends are worried about them. However, they are all brave, strong and united. They are extraordinary!” This experience fills Pavel with gratitude and admiration for the Chinese doctors and nurses.
“Can you believe it? The news that I’ve been cured has spread to Cameroon and made headlines! The Cameroonian Embassy in China also issued an announcement about it. I’m a celebrity now.”
In Hubei Province alone, there are nearly 3,000 students from Africa, including around 70 from Cameroon. In these days, family members and friends are all concerned about Pavel.
“Originally, my family members in Africa were extremely worried. I’ve been telling them that the disease is controllable and curable. In fact, I haven’t felt as much pain this time as I had in Africa before when I was stricken with malaria or typhoid. Believe me, the best doctor for you is yourself, and the best medicine your smile.”
Although he still has to stay in his own dormitory for self-isolation after he left the hospital, Pavel feels relieved. “We all love China deeply and always have firm faith in the Chinese government. Let’s stay patient and optimistic and work together in the same spirit! At the end of the day, the epidemic will be defeated!”
This year’s racing competition is expected to bring together renowned international cyclists compared to previous years.
In 2019, Eritrean Merhawi Kudus won the race followed by 8 ranks with Rwanda’s very own Areruya Joseph.
A year after the 2019 race, Rwandan teams stated they are confident the grand prize will stay in Rwanda.
16 teams are expected to participate in Tour du Rwanda with 15 racers from 3 Rwandan teams including Team Rwanda, Benediction Ignite and SKOL Adrien Cycling Academy (SACA). The two latter regularly participate in international racing competitions.
All the racers are currently in a boot camp at Africa Rising Cycling Center located in Musanze District. Racers from other teams have also joined the boot camp including Estonian, Rein Taaramäe who races for the Direct Energie team.
Taaramäe came second during last year’s Tour du Rwanda and it is highly likely he might win it this year. He has previously raced in international cycling competitions including Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the Vuelta in Spain.
Despite the fact that Rwandans will race along highly qualified cyclists, they remain confident victory is theirs this time. Rwanda boasts a team of renowned cyclists like Mugisha Samuel and Areruya Joseph from Team Rwanda, Byukusenge Patrick from Benediction Ignite and Mugisha Moïse from SACA.
On Wednesday, February 19th, 2020, Rwanda Tea which will be providing the signature yellow jersey to the best racer throughout the competition, visited the racers at the boot camp.
Uwacu Cynthia, Rwanda Tea representative called upon the Rwandan racers to be confident, use tactics they acquired during trainings and win the grand prize. “We are excited about this new chapter and by how big Tour du Rwanda has evolved to be over the last three years but most of all, we expect Rwanda to stay on top and win the grand prize.”
Team Rwanda captain, Mugisha Samuel said “We will outdo ourselves to win this race and we are confident the Yellow Jersey will remain in our camp.”
Byukusenge Patrick who will be leading Benediction Ignite team reassured fans that the yellow jersey belongs to their team.
The racers also received a visit from Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) officials including FERWACY president, Murenzi Abdallah, Nkuranga Alphonse, the Second Vice President and Sekanyange Jean Leonard, the Executive secretary.
Murenzi said that having a team spirit is a major factor that will grant them victory.
Niyonshuti Adrien, SACA coach who also won Tour du Rwanda 2008 emphasize on Murenzi’s point and said that one of the things he is thankful for is having a supportive team and that it is mostly the reason why he won Tour du Rwanda in 2008.
During Tour du Rwanda, cyclists will race 882.9 kilometers during 8 days.
{{A day at ARCC boot camp}}
Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) is the home of Rwanda cyclists although it is open to racers from other countries who are doing preparatory training ahead of Tour du Rwanda.
ARCC has the capacity of hosting 60 racers at once where 4 live in one house with 4 rooms.
Racers from Rwandan teams who are preparing for Tour du Rwanda wake up at 7 in the morning, grab breakfast and start training from 10 am to noon after which they go for lunch. At 6pm, they engage in light exercises and have dinner by 7 pm.
