Author: IGIHE

Zimbabwe to Sell Wildlife to DRC, Gambia

{Harare — The government is set to export wildlife to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gambia, the Environment Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.}

Muchinguri told The Source that the two countries recently sent special envoys to President Robert Mugabe to forward their requests to purchase Zimbabwe’s wildlife.

“We have received orders to purchase wild animals from DRC and Gambia. Most former French countries lost a substantial number of wildlife due to poaching and we will work with these countries so that we all benefit,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She did not say which species will be sold.

In January this year, the Parks and Wildlife Authority of Zimbabwe announced that it had sold 35 elephants to China on December 23 last year to ease overpopulation and raise funds for conservation, sparking an outcry from environmental activists.

Muchinguri- Kashiri said selling wildlife is a government policy.

“We don’t sell our wildlife because there is drought, it’s a government policy that when we receive a request from a friendly country, we sell or donate to these countries as sustainable effort to build capacities of communities and organizations where these animals are found.

“We may accelerate in drought situations where possible,” she said.

Zimbabwe is home to some the world’s largest population of wildlife species such as lions, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, leopards, kudu and rhino.

Source:New Zimbabwe

June 9, 2017
Five Ugandans among those killed in South Sudan ambush

{Five Ugandans are among the 15 passengers who were shot dead on Thursday in an ambush by unknown gunmen on a civilian convoy on the fragile Nimule-Juba Highway in South Sudan, according to Ugandan security officials.}

About 35 passengers sustained severe injuries in the ambush at Moli village, about 140 kilometres from Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Aswa Regional Police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema on Friday confirmed the death of Ugandans in an interview with Daily Monitor.

Mr Okema identified the deceased as John Nigo, 73, Charles Yeka 74, Rev Yona Mboro 74, John Paru Loja, 28 and James Aliker 34; all residents of Koboko District in northern Uganda.

He said the deceased were travelling to Juba for a wedding in a Toyota Premeo car Reg. No. SSD 393D.

Mr Okema said bodies would be handed to relatives in Nimule town on Friday.

Two South Sudan soldiers were also killed.

The civilian convoy that was targeted comprised buses and other vehicles was being escorted by members of a joint South Sudan army and police force that guards convoys travelling to unsafe regions.

Two Toyota Land Cruisers vehicles belonging to the National Intelligent Security Agency were burnt by the attackers.

The Thursday ambush was the second this week on Nimule-Juba Highway after an attack on Monday that left one person dead and four injured.

Lt Hassan Kato, the Fourth Infantry Division Spokesperson said intelligence they have intelligence report that indicates that the attack could have been carried by members of Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition [SPLA-IO] who are opposed to the Juba government.

Lt Kato said security on the Nimule-Juba Highway has been volatile since the outbreak of war between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Dr Riek Machar in Juba in July last year.

Source:Daily Monitor

June 9, 2017
Kenya:Judge shoots to global infamy for shameful verdict

{A Kenyan judge who freed a man convicted of defiling a minor has attracted the international spotlight, with his ruling being judged the worst in the world for the past year.}

Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, ruled that the child appeared willing to have sex with the defendant.

He, therefore, on April 25 last year, set free Martin Charo, 24, who had been sentenced to 20 years in prison for having sex with a 13-year-old.

The ruling was awarded the Golden Bludgeon in Spain on Wednesday by Women’s Link Worldwide, beating 18 other cases to emerge the world’s worst ruling for women’s rights in 2016.

The State has since appealed against the ruling.

An Italian court’s decision got the Silver Bludgeon for acquitting a man who raped his co-worker after ruling that the woman failed to prove her case for not screaming loud enough.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines’ decision to ban access to certain contraceptive methods, denying millions of women the right to freely choose what drugs to use, was voted third worst decision in the world.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, a child below 18 years cannot give consent to sexual intercourse and therefore, all intimacy with children, willing or not, is defilement.

Despite that, Justice Chitembwe overturned the 20-year jail term that a magistrate had given Charo and freed him.

{{‘An adult’}}

“Where the child behaves like an adult and willingly sneaks into men’s houses for purposes of having sex, the court ought to treat such a child as a grown up who knows what she is doing,” the judge said.

He said his ruling emanated from the girl’s evidence.

“She went to the appellant’s place to have sex. She had known the appellant for about three years. She dodged her brothers after going to the beach and sneaked into the appellant’s house,” he argued.

Justice Chitembwe indicated that though “she appeared to him as a young lady aged 14 years,” she had behaved “like a full grown up woman who was already engaging and enjoying sex with men”.

“She seems not to have been complaining about the incident. She had only gone to the appellant’s house to have sex and go back home, only for her brothers to interfere. She opted to run to the appellant’s parents’ home, where they continued having sex. She then decided to go home. She told her father where she was,” said the judge, who concluded: “It would be unfair to have the appellant serve 20 years behind bars yet the girl was after sex.”

{{‘Dangerous precedent’}}

Women’s Link Worldwide criticised the decision, saying the judge set “a dangerous precedent assuming that girls who consent to sex before age 18 should not be afforded special protection and suggested that girls who do not report sexual violence immediately after the incident may be lying”.

“Despite the fact that the man is on trial, the court focuses on the child’s behaviour, saying she acted like an adult, characterising her behaviour as sneaky.”

Last year, Dr Luis Franceschi, the dean of the Strathmore Law School, picked Justice Chitembwe’s ruling as a subject of discussion in a commentary in the Nation.

Dr Franceschi said the judge tried to “rectify some of the deep inequalities contained in our poorly drafted Sexual Offences Act, but he may have, in so doing, exposed our minors to the untold dangers of a morally bankrupt society.”

He added that the judge treated the crime of defilement in the same light as that of rape under the Act.

“Indeed, consent or its absence, is only a necessary element when an offence of rape is alleged. Not so for defilement,” Dr Franceschi wrote.

Naim Bilal, the director for public affairs and communication at the Judiciary, however, said the Judiciary would need to see the report by the organisation before deciding whether to comment on it.

{{Judge has weathered many storms }}

Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, who has a master’s degree from the University of Nairobi, is a distinguished legal mind who has found himself in the media for all the wrong reasons.

He has given rulings that would probably be done differently by others to avoid public uproar or scrutiny.

He has weathered many storms. In December 2009, the judge from Golini Village in Kwale County, was arrested by Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission detectives in Mombasa over Sh1.37 billion fraud and abuse of office claims.

However, three years later he and former National Social Security Fund managing trustee Rachel Lumbasyo, were acquitted when the court ruled that they had no case to answer.

Justice Chitembwe, who was recently transferred from Malindi to Marsabit, resumed his duties.

In 2014, the judge who also served at Kakamega High Court declared the prolonged curfew in Lamu County as unlawful and contrary to the spirit of the law.

In the case filed by the Law Society of Kenya, he ruled that security cannot be maintained by imposing a curfew for more than a year.

Early in the year, he barred Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery and Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet from deporting Italian tycoon Mario Mele to Rome, where he was wanted for tax evasion. He was later deported.

Mr Mele was among three Italians arrested during a joint anti-narcotics operation in Mombasa and Kwale early this year.

Justice Chitembwe practised for several years as an advocate of the High Court in Mombasa before joining the Judiciary as a judge in 2009.

He also served as company secretary for a chemical firm before joining the National Social Security Fund as corporation secretary.

Source:Daily Nation

June 9, 2017
Tigo Rwanda donates 665 Mutuelle de Sante cards to vulnerable residents in Bugesera District

{As part of ‘The 100 Days of Love’ campaign Tigo Rwanda has provided Mutuelle de Sante for 665 Bugesera District residents who were unable to afford health care. The handover of the medical insurance cards took place at the Mareba Sector, Bugesera District.}

This donation brings the total number of Mutuelle de Sante cards distributed by Tigo over the last year to 1,409. During Tigo Rwanda’s ‘Turahabaye’ campaign last year 743 Mutuelles de Sante cards were distributed in Musanze and Huye District.

Turahabaye was a countrywide campaign to celebrate seven years of Tigo in Rwanda.

The Turahabaye campaign, which commenced on 16, September 2016 in Rwamagana town, consisted of free concerts, meetings with private and public sector partners and corporate responsibility initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the residents who received the Mutuelle de Sante cards, Xavier Ntasoni thanked Tigo Rwanda saying,“When you have health insurance the livelihood of your family will be guaranteed. Thank you Tigo for helping us live better.
When we get sick, we can now get treatment for little money. Before men didn’t think that health insurance was for them; they believed that it was only for women and children. That has changed. When my child recently fell down on a bicycle, we were able to seek treatment for them. With Tigo’s support, we will no longer get sick and stay bedridden at home. Our lives will be better, and we shall be able to work and help build our country”.

Commenting on the donation worth Rwf 2 million, Tigo Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Philip Amoateng, said;“As a company working in Rwanda, we believe that it is our responsibility to take care of the most vulnerable among us and that is why we are very pleased to be able to ensure that over 650 vulnerable people now have access to health care”.

Speaking at the handover of the Mutuelle de Sante cards, the Mayor of Bugesera District, Emmanuel Nsanzumuhire, said,“Mutuelle de Sante is a government programme that aims to better the lives of Rwandans. When you don’t have health insurance, getting treatment is very expensive. Ensuring that all our residents have health insurance is a goal of our District. We thank Tigo for helping us this goal. This is evidence of the love that Tigo has for not only residents of Bugesera District but all Rwandans. With such good partners like Tigo, we are confident that 100% of the residents of Bugesera District will eventually have health insurance”

June 9, 2017
Kagame meets FIFA president

{President Paul Kagame was yesterday evening received by the president of FIFA,Gianni Infantino as he visited world football museum located in Zurich, Switzerland. }

The museum inaugurated on 28th February 2016 is built on 3500 square meters. It has a section hosting over 1000 exhibits for visitors reminding timelines of World cups, 4000 books and writings along with over 1400 pictures.

It also has Sports bar, a library, coffee canteen, restaurant, museum’s shop, offices and 34 beautiful accommodation rooms.

Through his message in visitors’ book, Kagame highlighted that it is of great value for him to visit the football museum and commended the received gift of a T-shirt carrying his name (Paul) and number 9 on the back.

President Kagame arrived in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday where he attended European Development Days conference – EDD 2017 and delivered a speech calling for stronger Africa-Europe ties.

June 9, 2017
President Kagame holds talks with Belgium Prime Minister

{President Paul Kagame yesterday held talks with Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel centered on bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Belgium, Africa-Europe cooperation among others. }

According to Belgium Prime Minister’s office, they also discussed terrorism, the future of African Union and European Union and migrants crisis as well.

Kagame arrived in Belgium on Wednesday to attend European Development Day.

After meeting the Belgium prime Minister, Kagame told the media that they discussed investment Belgium can bring in Rwanda and Africa in general.

Kagame also met Young Presidents Organisations in Brussels yesterday who lauded his good governance, support to investment and championing Rwanda’s resilience from the dark history of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

Kagame told them that experiencing hurdles gives strength to overcome challenges.

President Kagame is expected to attend the 8th edition of Rwanda Day tomorrow in Brussels.

June 9, 2017
Govt prioritizes Made-in-Rwanda, infrastructure in 2017/18 budget

{The Government of Rwanda has decided to increase spending by Frw 140.7 billion from Frw 1,954.2 billion indicated in the 2016/17 revised budget to Frw 2,094.9 billion in the 2017/18 fiscal year, the Finance and Economic Planning Minister has said.}

Presenting the 2017/18 National Budget to a joint parliamentary session yesterday, Minister Claver Gatete pointed out that generally economic plans enshrined in the 2017/18 budget as well as medium term will focus on promoting investments and locally made products hence the theme: “Sustainable growth through infrastructure development and promotion of Made in Rwanda”. In this regard, Minister Gatete noted that Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow by 6.2% in 2017 and 6.8% in 2018.

{{Resources}}

Government expects to finance 66% of the 2017/18 budget through resources, 17% through loans and expects 17% to come from grants through budget and project support.

“Government’s objective is to reduce the reliance on external donor support especially where grants are concerned. However, this support remains vital for our development,” Minister Gatete told lawmakers.

The 2017/18 domestic revenue is projected at Frw 1,375.4 billion (66% of total budget) and rises to Frw 1,738.2 Billion representing 83% of the total budget when combined with loans.

The increase in domestic revenues is attributed to Frw 118.9 billion increase in tax revenue collection from projected Frw 1,081.4 billion to Frw 1,200.3 billion.

Total grants are estimated at Frw 356.7 billion compared to Frw 326.6 billion in 2016/17 revised budget. Total external loans are estimated at Frw 362.8 billion in 2017/18 and Frw compared to Frw 375.1 billion in the 2016/17 revised budget on account of revised projections based on the status of the execution of projects.

June 9, 2017
over 400 Irondo personnel trained on firefighting

{The Fire and Rescue Brigade at Rwanda National Police yesterday offered basic skills in fire fighting to 405 members of local night patrol, also known as irondo as part of the activities marking the police week.}

Those trained operate in the sectors of Gikondo, Kagarama and Gatenga of Kicukiro District. They were also tutored on enhancing community involvement in crime prevention and reporting.

The exercise was presided over by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jean Baptiste Seminega the Commanding Officer of Fire and Rescue Brigade along with Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Hitayezu the spokesperson of Central Region, and the representative of Gikondo Executive Secretary Jean de Dieu Hanyurwimfura.

Following the training, ACP Seminega told the trainees that some fires result out of negligence and violating anti-fire outbreak standards.

“Some people use lay practitioners in electricity connectivity; these people have no training and they use their common knowledge and this may lead to short-circuit, which leaves houses and occupants at risk,” ACP Seminega said.

He added that at times fire outbreaks result from used substandard electrical equipment and overloading of electric gadgets.

“Some houses have old wiring systems that make them susceptible to fires; it’s imperative that you always inspect your electricity connections as part of the preventive measures,” he told participants.

He further urged them to encourage people in their neighbourhoods to acquire and install firefighting gadgets in their homes in order to respond to likely fires.

Participants were also given basic skills on how to use fire extinguisher, water and sand to put out fire.

He, however, told them never to engage the fire when it’s out of their control and to always be quick to call the RNP fire and rescue brigade on toll-free lines 111, 112, or 0788311120 and 0788311224 for immediate response.

One of the duties of the RNP fire and rescue brigade is to respond to fire incidents, but also sensitizes all groups of people on the causes of fire outbreaks while equipping them with skills on how to use various gadgets and objects to put it out. It also inspects fire fighting readiness in public and private facilities.

On top of firefighting roles, Fire and Rescue Brigade also conducts rescue operations, like people are trapped in a building, or when someone has fallen in a manhole, as well as in times of natural disasters like floods and landslides.

At the same event, the Central region Spokesperson, SP Hitayezu tutored them on crime prevention where he said that; “For community patrols to be successful, every member of the community should be involved and he or she should embark on strong collaboration with police to build a network for collective response and prevention of crime.”

He also reminded them to always take a lead in solving family dispute, domestic and gender-based-violence, and also cooperate closely with other security organs.

“Strive to identify causes of insecurity and provide timely information to the police so that such incidents are prevented before they lead to serious consequences,” he said.

One of those that were trained, Tharcisse Utabarutse from Gikondo thanked RNP for the skilled acquired saying that they were equipped with knowledge of containing a fire and calling for quick intervention

Throughout the Police Week that started on May 16, RNP conducted several campaign that were linked to public safety and also connected about 3400 homes with solar-powered energy systems across the country, 20 health centers.

During the course of the month-long security and community development activities, Police also linked about 600 homes to clean tap water, 700 people given universal medical insurance commonly known as Mutuelle de Sante, constructed or renovated 60km of feeder road, constructed 150 toilets and 30 kitchens.

Other activities include a Rwf40 million football pitch in Gikomero Sector also in Gasabo, constriction of bridges and water channels and fighting armyworms.

Source:Police

June 9, 2017
7 benefits of eating avocado every day

{Avocado is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. It contains little sugar and is rich in “good” fats that your body needs.}

Here are 7 benefits of eating avocado every day

{{1. Avocado is good for the eyes}}

Including avocado in your daily diet may help reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are important antioxidants that help protect the eyes.

{{2. Avocado is good for the heart }}

If you want to maintain a healthy heart, then you should add avocado to your daily diet. Avocados have proven to be beneficial in significantly lowering cholesterol. Avocados contain beta-sitosterol which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

{{3. Avocado contains more potassium than banana }}

Potassium is an important nutrient that the body needs. Several studies have linked a high intake of potassium to reduced blood pressure, which is major risk factor for heart attacks.

{{4. Avocado contains good fats }}

Avocados are rich in oleic fatty acid which are good monounsaturated fats that help protect the heart.

{{5. Avocado is high in Fibre }}

Avocados are high in fibre and they contain about 6-7 grams of fibre per half fruit. Eating fibre-rich foods help prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.

{{6. Avocado is good for the skin }}

Including avocado in your daily diet is important if you want a healthy skin because avocado contains many vitamins and minerals that help in maintaining healthy skin.

{{7. Avocado help decrease the signs of aging in your body}}

Regular consumption of avocado will help decrease the signs of aging due to the anti-aging properties of avocado. Avocado contains xanthophyll which has anti-aging properties.

Source:Elcrema

June 9, 2017
Police Week: 100 given ‘Mutuelle de Sante’

{As part of the ongoing Police Week activities, residents of Kavumu Sector in Rutsiro District joined officers of Rwanda National Police in a making bricks to construct houses for the needy families and also gave universal medical insurance commonly known as Mutuelle de Sante to 100 vulnerable people.}

In an event held on June 08, the Western Region Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Karasi together with the district Mayor, Emerance Ayinkamiye, tutored residents on their role in crime prevention and why they should all have medical insurance.

ACP Karasi reemphasized the partnership RNP has with residents saying that, “Rwanda has made it this far in development because we all worked together to ensure our country is peaceful but we must ensure we preserve our achievement through enhanced cooperation and having everyone involved in ensuring safety for our country.”

He pointed out that an individual that is not in a good healthy state is not secure that’s why, in ensuring public safety police found it paramount to give medical insurance to vulnerable people.

The mayor thanked Rwanda National Police for its continued contributions to social welfare and also appealed to those that haven’t acquired medical insurance to do so in the quickest time possible.

Ayinkamiye also tutored residents on community policing saying that; “The only way to have a crime free society is though partnering with security organs and provide them with timely information on whoever that may cause insecurity.”

Clementine Ndererimana one of those who got free medical insurance courtsy of RNP, said, “ I am so grateful, it’s amazing how police makes a step beyond its daily duties to come down in villages and officer such a life saving package. I am so proud of our police.”

Source:Police

June 9, 2017