Author: IGIHE

Statement on Cabinet Decisions of 26/04/2017

On Wednesday, 26th April 2017, a Cabinet Meeting chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Paul KAGAME, convened in Village Urugwiro.

The Cabinet Meeting approved minutes of previous Cabinet Meeting held on 05/04/2017 after minor adjustments.

1. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following paper and policies:

– The Budget Framework Paper for 2017/2018 -2019/2020;

– The Investment Policy;

– The National Digital Talent Policy;

– The Data Revolution Policy.

2. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Draft Laws:

– Draft Law on Public Procurement;

– Draft Law approving the ratification of the agreement signed in Roma, Italy on 15th February 2017, between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Agricultural Development Fund (IFAD), relating to the additional loan of Eight Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Special Drawing Rights (SDR 8,410,000) for the project for Rural Income through Exports;

– Draft Law approving the accession of the Rwanda to the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group;

– Draft Company Law.

3. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Orders:

– Presidential Order determining salaries and other fringe benefits allocated to the Chief Gender Monitor and the Deputy Chief Gender Monitor;

– Presidential Order determining the salary and fringe benefits for the Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA);

– Prime Minister’s Order on procedures for transfer of Judicial Police Officers of Rwanda National Police.

4. In A.O.B:

a) The Minister of Justice/Attorney General informed the Cabinet Meeting that MINIJUST in collaboration with its policing partners is organizing a Police Day to be celebrated on 16th June 2017 under the theme: 17 years of vibrant partnership in policing: towards sustainable safety and security. This Day will be preceded by a one-month campaign running from 15th May to 15th June 2017.

b) The Minister of Public Service and Labour informed the Cabinet Meeting that Rwanda will join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Labour Day on 1st May 2017 under the theme: “Promote labour, preserving progress based on good governance, foundation for inclusive development”. At national level, the celebration will be held in Kigali Special Economic Zone.

c) The Minister of Health informed the Cabinet Meeting that Rwanda will host the 37th Global Fund Board Meeting in Kigali-Rwanda from 2nd to 4th May 2017 at Marriot Hotel-Kigali.

d) The Minister of Youth and ICT informed the Cabinet Meeting that a Smart Cities Blue Print for Africa and a Smart Cities Master Plan for Rwanda have been developed and are expected to be unveiled by His Excellency the President of the Republic during the upcoming Transform Africa Summit to be held in Kigali from 10th to 12th May 2017.

e) The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources informed the Cabinet Meeting that at the end of February 2017, Rwanda has discovered a first case of pests affecting crops in Mushishito marshland located in the Sectors of Uwinkingi and Kibilizi in Nyamagabe District. By 24th April 2017, the pest was reported in all Districts of the Country. In order to control this outbreak, MINAGRI in collaboration with MINALOC, MINADEF, RWANDA NATIONAL POLICE, PROVINCES, DISTRICTS, the population and all its stakeholders have started a Fall Armyworm control campaign. Overall, control efforts are yielding crop recovery, depending on when the pest was reported. The Cabinet Meeting called upon all the population and stakeholders to fight the pest.

f) The Minister of Culture and Sports informed the Cabinet Meeting that Rwanda will host the 13th Edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon on 21st May 2017 under the Patronage of His Excellency Paul KAGAME, the President of the Republic of Rwanda.

This Statement was signed by Stella Ford MUGABO

The Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs

April 27, 2017
WFP says food shipment blocked by Burundi has turned back

The U.N.’s World Food Program says a convoy of food aid blocked from entering Burundi has returned to Rwanda.

Peter Smerdon, a WFP official in East Africa, said Wednesday that authorities in Burundi prevented the convoy from entering the country because of “security issues.”

He said the food was a regular shipment of WFP aid from Rwanda into Burundi, where it would have fed about 112,000 people.

WFP says more than half of Burundians are chronically malnourished.

The East African country has seen almost two years of deadly political violence over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s stay in power.

Rwanda and Burundi have seen a rise in tensions, with Burundi’s government claiming that rebel forces have been trained and armed in Rwanda. Rwanda denies the allegations.

Source:Associated Press

April 27, 2017
EPEE backs swift EU approval of Kigali amendment

EPEE has called for a swift ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol following approval by the EU’s council of ministers and the appointment of the team of rapporteurs.

The European Commission’s proposal for the EU to ratify the Kigali amendment, which seeks a global phase-down of HFCs under the mechanism of the Montreal Protocol, was adopted in February. The EU has already taken action to reduce HFCs under the F-gas regulations, and it is now encouraging other countries to take early action as well.

EPEE (The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment) supports the gradual reduction of HFC use by 80-85% as agreed by the Montreal Protocol parties, with the first reductions by the most developed countries expected in 2019.

“This is an important milestone in the EU ratification process and demonstrates that there is political will to bring this to a conclusion as soon as possible,” said Andrea Voigt, director general of EPEE.

“Following the UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the EU F-gas phase-down, this global deal on HFCs will send a strong signal and will unite our industry even more in its efforts to achieve HFC reduction targets,” EPEE said in a statement.

For the amendment to enter into force on 1 January 2019, 20 parties to the Montreal Protocol need to ratify it. Therefore, ratification by the EU and its Member States could trigger the entry into force of the Amendment and demonstrate the EU’s leadership in this field as happened with the 2015 F-gas regulation.

Source:Cooling Post

April 27, 2017
Umwitero, taking a dive in contemporary times

Fashions fade, style is eternal said the French iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent a few decades ago. Those words kept alive the creative nerve of the designers. Today we are looking at a particular type of cloth and design which holds an important place in the clothing culture of Rwandans, and that is Umwitero.

The history of Umwitero dates back in the 1990’s when the Royal court, chiefs and rich personalities cherished this outfit which was mainly made in bark cloth and animal skins. The noble class found pleasure in wearing it in their daily life and its beauty had to reflect their powerful status.

Umwitero is a robe-like attire which hangs on the shoulder and is a signature piece of the designing house of Moses Turahirwa, Moshions. But when he decided to bring it back to life this piece he revolutionized it by adding a modern touch and using the modern fabrics (Cotton,Wool,Silk) and a diversification of colors, a bet which he won as he now holds in his clientele database names like Mani Martin, Massamba, Urban Boys, Former miss France Sonia Rolland, to only name a few.

Moses Turahirwa explains: “I was inspired by the royal outfit, and it is with pride in my culture that I wanted to create the perfect outfit reflecting the ancient times but with a modern touch that will be clothed by males and females and still express creativity, beauty and uniqueness”.

“A lot of people use the attire in their dowry ceremonies and I take pleasure in blending it with another piece of clothing. I can say that it is the piece-ambassador of my brand and every time that I design a new collection there will be a beautiful piece of it.” says Turahirwa Moses.

By Ivan Nyagatare

April 27, 2017
Police FC storm Peace Cup quarters

Police Football Club booked their place in the last eight of the 2017 Peace Cup, on Wednesday, after eliminating second division-based United Stars of Muhanga 6-1 on aggregate.

The first leg a fortnight ago ended 1-0 in favour of Police. However, the return leg became a one-team show as the law enforcers winning 5-1 in a game played at Kicukiro stadium.

Striker Danny Usengimana bagged a hat-trick with both Mohamed Mpozembizi and Hegman Ngomirakiza completing the scoreline.

Mpozembizi broke the deadlock in the 14th minute before creating another one six minutes later for Usengimana.

Usengimana made it 3-1 in the 73 minute; Ngomirakiza added another one in the 75 minute before the former completing his hat-trick in the 77 minute.

Police’s next task will be against Gicumbi, who saw off Miroplast.

Police FC head coach; Innocent Seninga expressed satisfaction of his team’s performance, but said there is still a road to climb to the finals, which requires vigorous training and putting a winning spirit.

Source:Police

April 27, 2017
The Meaning behind Pharmacy symbols

They made some people wonder when it comes to real meaning others are curiously willing to know the original background, these are the famous symbols or logo frequently found on community pharmacies and other pharmaceutical products.

A pharmacist is a health care professional licensed to prepare, compound, and dispense drugs upon written order known as Prescription. A pharmacist as well cooperates with, consults with, and sometimes advises the licensed practitioner concerning drugs.

As other various careers most especially those ones which fall into medical profile, they do possess significant logos representing specific type of career with a reasonable meaning. This applies to pharmacy symbols seen on relevant pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacy symbols alternate from one country to another. In USA, for instance, the green cross is used. This symbol is also used in France, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Spain but also in Argentina, India and many other countries.

The cross is the symbol of rescue and of military and civil protection. This cross, also called the “Greek cross”, has four equal arms and it has become a symbol of Christianity over time. Originally this famous cross was red. The pharmacists borrowed this symbol from the international organization of the Red Cross, an organization created in the late 19th century.

The emblem had been adopted by many pharmaceutical manufacturers who added it to their packaging. Pharmacists followed the movement by making their emblem of this Red Cross. However, in 1913, the Geneva Convention prohibited the use of the Red Cross to pharmacists who, finally, adopted the green cross.

Some people mention the vegetal origin of many medications, others evoke the World War I as to why the cross is green. Indeed, at that time, doctors and pharmacists had to have the same uniform as officers, the only variable being the badges on the collar. It was then decided that doctors had to wear a crimson velvet collar and pharmacists a dark green collar.

The pharmaceutical caduceus, a symbol with a snake hugging a cup, standing with a head bowing down into the cup. Influx of this symbol can be found in Rwanda for instance and countries such as as Netherlands and others.

According to university of Arizona Health Sciences, in Greek mythology, Hygeia was the daughter and assistant of Aesculapius (sometimes spelled Asclepius), the son of Apollo, grandson of Zeus, and the god of medicine and healing.

Legend has it that Zeus was worried that Aesculapius would make mankind immortal because of his healing power. Out of fear, he killed Aesculapius with a lightning bolt. Temples were built for Aesculapius, and seemingly dead serpents were found inside.
When these serpents were picked up and dropped, however, they slithered away. The people believed the serpents were brought back to life by the healing powers of Aesculapius, which ultimately caused them to be associated with healing.

Hygeia tended to these temples, so her classical symbol became a bowl containing a medicinal potion, with the serpent of Wisdom drinking from it. The serpent is symbolic of resurrection, and the bowl health and medicine. Interestingly, this same serpent is found on the so-called Staff of Aesculapius and on the Caduceus, both widely recognizable symbols of medicine.

The serpent of Epidaurus hugging a cup appears, from 1222, in apothecaries of Padua (Italy) as a distinctive symbol of the pharmacy used as the main pattern of their banner. The serpent symbolizes the healing art, fertility and life.

Mortar and pestle with the Rx symbol:

This symbol is widely used in the Anglo-Saxon culture. It refers to a medical prescription but is also used as a symbol of pharmacy. Rx is an abbreviation of prescription, from the Latinrecipe, it means « recipe take thou » which means “take it in the name of god”. It also symbolizes the prayer to the God of medicine, Jupiter.

The mortar and pestle are two tools used since ancient times by the apothecaries and pharmacy technicians to grind various products of the pharmacopoeia for pharmaceutical preparations and compounded products. It is one of the most frequent symbol of compounding worldwide.

The red stylized letter A:

This symbol is used by all pharmacies in Austria and Germany. It is also sometimes found in their European neighboring countries. This Gothic letter A on white background is just the first letter of the word “Apotheke” or “Apotheker” synonym of Pharmacy and Pharmacist respectively.

By Fabrice Humura

The writer is a Pharmacy student at the University of Rwanda in the College of Medicine and Health sciences

Twitter @fhumura

April 26, 2017
Imagine WE Rwanda, spreading the love of reading

Imagine WE Rwanda is a social enterprise which aims at contributing to the growth of reading spirit among Rwandans by not only contributing to the creations of different libraries in schools, organizations and public hospitals but also publishing books, sharing stories from Rwanda in hope of creating awareness and inspire the growing generations.

Dominique UwaseAlonga, co-author of the ABC’s of Rwanda believes that the best way to boost opportunities for Rwandan youth is by empowering them to discover their potentials and value their talents and abilities to innovate and find solutions from within themselves.

Imagine We Rwanda’s story started in august 2014 when the young Dominique decided to create visibility of her project to a competition called Tigo Digital Change Makers and her goal was to support and encourage a passion to read. She started her company on the 1st of January in 2015 with only $1000 which was her savings.

In March the same year, she got funding. The organization compromises of less than 8 young creative minds and other volunteers who share the same vision.

The organization receives support from Reach for Change and Africa International Club and has won other competitions and grants from Imbuto Foundation, UK Aid and various other donors. Imagine We keeps growing and 2017 is set to be a tremendous year for them as they are planning to officially launch the ABC’s of Rwanda book on 29th of April and publish their first novel, create libraries in 5 hospitals, distribute books in schools and create a co-working space.

By Ivan Nyagatare

April 26, 2017
Tigo Rwanda launches free Facebook with ‘Facebook Flex’

Tigo Rwanda is excited to announce the launch of ‘Facebook Flex’, a service that allows every Tigo customer to access Facebook for free. This follows a recent agreement signed between Tigo Rwanda and Facebook, which aims to increase digital access for the over three million Tigo customers in Rwanda.

Only available to Tigo Rwanda customers, Facebook Flex provides free access to Facebook either through the Facebook app on Android or via facebook.com on all data-capable devices on Tigo. Facebook Flex enables Tigo customers to control their data usage when using Facebook through a button that switches access between Free and Paid modes.

Announcing Facebook Flex, Yaw AnkomaAgyapong, Tigo Rwanda Chief Commercial Officer said:

“At Tigo we believe in Internet For All. With Facebook Flex, even more Rwandans will be able to enjoy Facebook because you don’t need to have a smartphone or balance to enjoy the service. So, no matter where you live, as long as you are a Tigo data customer you will be able to like, comment and post as much as you want on your Facebook account”.

Facebook Flex FAQs

Q. How is Facebook Flex different from regular Facebook?

A. This version of Facebook allows people to flexibly move between two modes – free mode and data mode. Free mode is a lightweight version of Facebook where you can post, comment, like, and chat for free.

To view photos or videos, switch to data mode (full Facebook) by clicking the “View Photos” button. You will be charged for data (MBs) in this mode. Go back to free mode any time by clicking the “Go to Free” button.

Q. Will I have access to Facebook Flex even if I do not have an airtime/data balance?

A. The free mode of the Facebook Flex service can be accessed without data charges, therefore, when you have run out of data or airtime, you are able to enjoy the free mode of Facebook.

Q. Who is eligible for Facebook Flex and how do I access it?

A. All Tigo users can enjoy Facebook for free by default via Facebook Flex.

To access Facebook Flex, customers can go to facebook.com using a mobile browser on a data-capable phone with a Tigo SIM card. All major mobile browsers, such as Google Chrome, Android browser, Opera Mini, and Safari are supported. Internet Explorer mobile browser and Firefox browser for Android may be supported but are not guaranteed to be supported. WAP browsers are not supported.

Alternatively, customers can access Facebook Flex through the Facebook Android app. The core Facebook Flex feature is supported in the Facebook Android app version 43+ (released Oct 2015). Some user interface improvements were made in version 61+ (released Feb 2016). But the core toggling functionality between free mode and paid mode is available in version 43+.

Facebook iOS app, Facebook Windows Phone app, and Facebook BlackBerry app are not supported. Customers using these operating systems would need to use a supported mobile browser to access Facebook Flex.

Q. When I use Facebook Flex, I can see photos. Am I being charged?

A. If you are in free mode, you are not being charged. You can check if you are in free mode by looking at the top of your Facebook.

For new Facebook users or Facebook users that haven’t used Facebook in a while (last 30 days), you may still be able to see photos in free mode. This is a temporary promotion for your first 30 days on Facebook. Once these 30 days are complete, you will no longer be able to see photos in free mode.

Q.How can I view the full Facebook experience?

A. You can view the full Facebook experience with photos and videos by clicking on “See Photos” button, which switches you to data mode. Keep in mind that standard data charges will apply. You can go back to free mode anytime by clicking the “Go to Free” button.

Q. How do I opt out of using Facebook Flex?

A. On the initial screen that invites you to participate, simply click “No Thanks” instead of “Continue.” (See Facebook Flex “General User Flow” below, screen #1.)

Q. What if I initially clicked “No Thanks” to Facebook Flex but now I want to use it?

A. If you’re using the Facebook Android app, visit your bookmarks within the Facebook app and click “Facebook Flex” under Favorites. If using facebook.com, go to your Facebook menu and click “Facebook Flex” under Favorites. (See “Facebook Flex Opt-In/Opt-Out” screens in row two.)

Q. What if I started using Facebook Flex but now I don’t want to use it anymore?

A. To opt-out of Facebook Flex: When in data mode, click on the “?” next to “You’re in Data Mode.” (See “Facebook Flex Opt-In/Opt-Out” screens in row one.)You can also visit your Facebook bookmarks (if using the Facebook Android app) or Facebook menu (if using facebook.com) to opt-out.

Q. Is Facebook Messenger free in Facebook Flex?

A. Parts of Facebook Messenger are free. The customer is able to send/receive text and upload/view photos. Uploading and watching videos through Messenger is not free and the customer will be charged. Also, voice calls through Facebook Messenger are not free.

Q. If I click a link in Facebook Flex, is it free?

A. No. In Facebook Flex, you can chat, like, comment, post, share, and upload photos for free. If you want to view photos, watch videos, read articles, or make voice calls in Messenger, you will be charged your standard data rate by Tigo. If you try and click on a photo/video/link, you will be warned with a popup telling you that you are leaving free mode and will be charged at your standard rate.

Q. I registered for Facebook Flex with my Tigonumber, can I still access Facebook flex from a different operator?

A. If you access Facebook with a non-Tigo number, you will not receive Facebook Flex. Facebook Flex is exclusive to all Tigo users.

Q. I registered for Facebook with my Tigo number, now I cannot access Facebook Flex, Why?

A. Facebook Flex is available to all Tigo users. Please restart the Facebook Android App or refresh your Facebook on mobile browser, Facebook Flex should appear. If you are not able to see Facebook Flex, please call our customer care at 456 or 100.

April 26, 2017
Stalled district projects disappoint MPs

Members of Parliament have expressed dismay over the way budget allocated to districts is utilized with some having failed to even spend a half despite the fact that there are many projects meant to be executed but are stalled.

This was unveiled yesterday during the general assembly in which parliament received a report from Deputies’ Committee on National Budget and National Patrimony on visits held in various districts assessing the execution of the budget.

The assessment is conducted before setting the new budget to identify how the previous budget was utilized, whether the district has debts or other problems.

Constance Mukayuhi Rwaka, the chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on Budget and National Patrimony revealed that there are gaps in spending practices and delays by partners to transfer pledged funds which arrests the progress of district projects.

“There has been poor utilization of funds budgeted for the financial year 2016 / 2017 which leaders attribute to late receipt of funds.

Honourable MP Constance Mukayuhi Rwaka reiterated that there is a new draft law expected to ease the way Rwandans pay taxes which will enable districts to find adequate budget.

The deputy speaker of lower parliament chamber, Mukama Abbas explained that some public institutions have not yet sent funds they owe to districts yet the annual budget remains with only two months to close.

“Why don’t such public institutions release the money which doesn’t belong to them? How do districts operate under such circumstances?” he wondered.

MP Muhongayire Christine unveiled that they realized a gap in the budget of development activities where only 34% was used and called for strategic measures in addressing the issue.

“You have presented that some launched projects get jeopardized in process. All such funds should be poured in the budget on time to fast-track execution of the projects,” she said.

“It should be better to complete existing projects other than launching others that will be jeopardized during execution,” she added.

MP Kalinijabo Barthélémy stressed the need to make a clean tax payers’ register in collaboration with Rwanda Revenue Authority to enable districts do proper budgeting based on real statistics other than expecting huge amounts they will not be able to collect.

April 26, 2017
New platform for power generation in Africa

Three international development agencies have come together to mobilise more than $1 billion for power generation across Africa, including the 147MW Ruzizi III project that will supply electricity to Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), its industrial and infrastructure development arm Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and CDC Group, the UK development finance arm, launched the joint power initiative with a promise to boost power generation, accelerate economic growth and benefit millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.

The partnership will focus on new power projects in greater East Africa (including DRC, Mozambique and Madagascar) and West Africa. IPS’s existing projects in Kenya and Uganda will be housed under the joint platform.

The partners will invest $140m, and mobilise project funding of $1bn for new power projects, including the Ruzizi III project in the Great Lakes region.

Ruzizi project

“Power infrastructure is vital for Africa’s economic growth and job creation and CDC has identified early-stage development as the area with the greatest need for investment in this priority sector. The market needs long-term, committed investors like CDC and AKFED to bring the capital, time horizons and expertise necessary to boost power generation for the continent,” said Diana Noble, CDC’s chief executive.

The Ruzizi III project, for instance, is expected to double Burundi’s current capacity, increase Rwanda’s capacity by 26 per cent and provide much needed base-load power in eastern DRC, a region that is otherwise isolated from DRC’s interconnected grid. It will also reduce reliance on thermal (diesel) generation in these countries.

National grids

Besides developing regional and national power projects, both IPS and CDC intend to partner on mini and off-grid projects that will directly provide reliable and affordable electricity to rural populations away from regional and national grids.

IPS has been involved in the development of power projects in East and West Africa for 20 years, including sub-Saharan Africa’s pioneering independent power projects — the Azito power plant in Côte d’Ivoire, the Kipevu II (Tsavo Power) plant in Kenya, as well as the Bujagali Hydropower Project in Uganda.

“It has been an evolving journey, involving both public and private partners, which has seen a recent shift in focusing investments on renewable energy, taking advantage of advancement in solar and wind technologies, as well continuing to provide the reliable baseload power which many sub-Saharan African countries need. We see in CDC a like-minded partner that is strategically aligned to our values and mandate for contributing to development, and have partnered with them previously on pioneering power projects in the region. This platform, therefore, will build on this existing partnership, accelerating and scaling the development of new power projects, spreading our impact across the sub-Saharan region and, ultimately, improving the quality of life of communities,” said Lutaf Kassam, the executive director of AKFED.

Local relationships

In 2015, CDC took direct ownership and control of Globeleq Africa, an independent power producer that partnered with IPS in the Azito Power project.

“With this new partnership, we are tapping into the AKFED Group’s proven power sector expertise, including in hydropower, and excellent local relationships, with the aim of bringing reliable power to many millions of individuals, families and businesses across Africa,” Ms Noble added.

Source:The East African

April 26, 2017