Author: IGIHE

Bishop Rucyahana, Chairman of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi when he returned home from exile to a devastated country. When he assumed responsibility for the Shyira Diocese of Northwest Rwanda in 1997, the events of 1994 and years of proceeding violence sparked by the Genocide Against the Tutsi had destroyed the social fabric. This drove him to widely promote the message of healing, hope, repentance, and forgiveness to a post-genocide Rwanda.

The importance of unity and reconciliation was a common thread throughout the session, with the Bishop explaining that consolidation strategies are vital to our future security. To start the discussion, he retraced the colonial history. He explained how the UN failed Rwanda in 1994, and why this instruction remains important and needs the support of people globally, including Rwanda. He affirmed our responsibilities to support the UN as the People of Rwanda in first accepting that the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi happened, then opening up clear channels of communication to talk about it, and lastly fighting against the genocide ideology by living in harmony. “We need to use our unity as a source of energy to develop,” he explained.

These responsibilities were echoed by UGHE’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, who spoke about the unifying after effect of the Genocide and the importance of our contributions in supporting the most vulnerable.

“The strong willingness of Rwanda to recover after the Genocide Against the Tutsi pushed people to help and support each other. This continues and should continue to happen across the world today. All over the word we hear the words ‘Never Again’, and yet genocides still occur. So our responsibility as a University in educating students coming from all over the world to transmit to them the knowledge on why and how genocides occur and why and how to contribute to prevent it and give our student the willingness to do so”. By reimagining health education, UGHE’s mission is to provide quality care to every individual in every corner of the globe, and in doing so, it supports the growth and regeneration of our entire nation with a global vision of peace and human development.

The message of unity resonated with UGHE’s students, staff and faculty from around the world, as they identified the need for pan-African and global collaboration to eradicate harmful genocide ideologies and racism globally. This move will be spearheaded by people like themselves comprising young future leaders both from Africa and other continents. Salome Sijenyi from Kenya, a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) student at UGHE, spoke about how presenting ourselves as ‘One Africa’ would be a strong global statement, whilst not discrediting the unique identities of each country. Dr. Agazi Gebreselassie, an MGHD student from Ethiopia spoke about the importance of good communication to ensure these important messages are not misinterpreted.

The importance of good communication can be translated through advocacy, helping others understand what is needed to overcome emotional hardship and heal. Both Daniel Bangura (an MGHD student from Sierra Leone) and Dr. Chinonso Emmanuel Okorie (an MGHD student from Nigeria) advocated for the simple act of loving your neighbor, and encouraging others to do the same; ‘Teach the next person to love the next person’ Chinoso urged the audience, ‘Teach your child to love and be the bedrock of your family’. The discussion was both vibrant and passionate, students, faculty and staff evoking that whilst love is the starting point to progression, we also need to be actively developing and supporting the vulnerable for all of us to live in harmony.

The Bishop’s audience of aspiring global health leaders were encouraged to see Rwanda’s past, present, and future as intrinsically tied to tomorrow’s bold, transformational leadership. “Our rights and our destiny cannot be donated to us; we have to fight for it…The future of this nation is in your hands,” Bishop Rucyahana explained.

Bishop Rucyahana closed the session with a call to action, inspiring UGHE staff, students, and faculty to “leave a legacy behind us that will define who we are,” and in doing so, pave the way for restorative justice and societal transformation. UGHE’s Dean Abebe Bekele concluded the session by reminding the audience to ‘use this as an example globally to ensure this does not happen again’. UGHE looks forward to continued collaborations with CNLG as it expands its academic offerings and development opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

In 2020, the project will start with an upgrade for Remera Stadium from a seating capacity of 25,000 people to 45,000 people as well as an upgrade of Petit Stade which will be given the capacity to host international championships.

Claver Gatete, Minister of Infrastructure said that after the upgrade, Amahoro stadium will meet international standards after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disqualified it from hosting international championships.

Amahoro stadium construction started in 1983 and it was inaugurated in 1987. In the past, the media complained about the stadium details stating that the pillars in the stadium made it challenging to capture every moment of a game on camera.

IGIHE sources say the government of Rwanda expects to complete construction activities in two years even though to date, no contractor was chosen.

Some infrastructures will be relocated

Minister Gatete said that to facilitate the construction of the sports hub in Remera, some institutions and other infrastructures will be relocated to avail the 35 Hectares needed to complete construction.

“Rwanda Biomedical Center, Remera Police Station, MTN service center, Remera dispensary, Remera Catholic school and other surrounding institutions towards Kimironko where a new hotel owned by Ferwafa is under construction, will be relocated to give space to the sports hub.”

The Master plan illustrating the sports hub have been completed with regards to sports Rwandans and tourists can play.

Minister Gatete said “We will upgrade Petit Stade and give it the capacity to welcome international competitions, Paralympic games, pools and other disciplines. “He stated that the Master plan also includes a space for 7 tennis courts and various other game fields. The construction activities will begin this year.

The Master Plan anticipates an auction to investors for RBC plot for building a mall that will complement the sports hub.

The sports hub will also be an addition to Kigali Golf Club which is currently under renovation. Once completed, the golf course will have thrice its previous size and will have the capacity to host international golf competitions.

Kigali Golf Club will be upgraded from a subset course of nine holes to a standard course with 18 holes.

Four years ago, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) published Gahanga stadium and Exhibition centre plan and final touches are being made promising construction activities to start soon.

The project delayed in 2014, after Bibilax Ltd, a Turkish contracting company presented a plan that was not approved. There is no information if Remera sports hub has replaced the construction of Gahanga stadium.

However, Minister Gatete stated the construction plan for Gahanga stadium was being finalized and that it will also include a sports academy.

On Thursday, January 30th, 2020, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, Minister of Sports hosted Paris St Germain representatives where they discussed different subjects to promote football in Rwanda and cooperation with Ferwafa.

Part of the agreement between RDB and Paris Saint-Germain says the team will support young Rwandan footballers to reach their full potential by organizing training programmes for both coaches and youth through a sports academy. Commentators linked it to the academy Minister Gatete mentioned that will be constructed in Gahanga.

Normally, anyone who wants to visit Rwanda pays Rwf 50,000 to acquire a visa.

Rwanda anticipates the new regime to be an advantage as it will double the number of visitors.

The decision was taken a few months after the directorate general of immigration and emigration announced that citizens of all countries were eligible for a 30 days visa upon arrival without prior application.

The visa-free regime might appear as an abrupt and disadvantageous decision since countries from the aforementioned communities make only ½ of the total number of visitors to Rwanda.

Clare Akamanzi, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer explained that the revenues the country received from visa fees are nothing compared to the opportunities that will be opened with the visa-free regime.

“We only receive Rwf 4 billion per year from visa fees but with the visa-free regime, our revenues will be incomparable. If a citizen from the AU, Commonwealth or Francophonie pays to say $50 to enter country and zero fees on visa, we anticipate that he will spend at least $300 inside the country and that is only a modest estimation.”

The visa-free regime is also in line with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held in Rwanda from the 22nd to the 27th of June, 2020.
During the annual diplomats’ luncheon on January 29th, 2020, President Kagame stated that the visa-free regime would apply to many more countries in the future.

“Our aim is to make travels to Rwanda as easy as possible and we plan to remove visa requirements for members of the AU, Commonwealth and La Francophonie. In the future, we will also think about applying the same regime to many other countries because we want to promote our tourism sector in every possible way.”

News about the visa-free regime sparked enthusiasm from foreigners who say it is a thoughtful step to promoting international trade.

Margret, a French citizen said “I think it is a great idea because so many people wish to travel to Rwanda but are restricted by visa application and fees.”

Ahmed, an Egyptian citizen said “It is a sign that everyone is welcome to Rwanda and I can only hope other countries can take example on this initiative and allow visa-free travels.”

In 2018, Rwanda received an estimated 1.7 million tourists and 1.6 million tourists in 2019.

The minister made the call during his address at the launch of a $3 million joint program on accelerating policy interventions in social protection in Rwanda with the United Nations support. The project will be implemented in five districts including Kirehe, Karongi, Burera, Nyamagabe, and Rutsiro.

As part of the program, low-income families will be supported financially to start micro-businesses and lift themselves out of poverty. From 2020 to 2022, the project will cost an estimated $3,040,000 (Rwf 2.8 billion)

The Fifth Integrated Household Living Survey (EICV5) that was conducted from October 2016 to October 2017 showed that the total population of Rwanda was 11.8 million and that 38.2% lived in poverty while 16.0% lived in extreme poverty.

Nyamasheke, Gisagara, Rulindo, Karongi, and Nyaruguru districts recorded the highest number of low-income and poor residents.

People who don’t earn at least Rwf 159, 375 in a year are counted below the poverty line while those who don’t earn at least Rwf 105, 064 in a year are counted extremely poor.

Minister Shyaka explained that the reason why the government of Rwanda initiated the project in the five districts is to eradicate the extreme poverty which still lingers there.

“For this program to maximize its full potential, district leaders must avoid embezzling funds at all costs and distribute them impartially so that only the extremely poor families can benefit from it. A joint effort is needed both from leaders and citizens to eradicate poverty.”

Fodé Ndiaye, One UN coordinator in Rwanda commended the efforts of the government of Rwanda in eradicating poverty over the past 25 years. However, he said that the number of people under the poverty line is still high particularly in rural areas where 32.1% are under the poverty line compared to 13.4% in cities. “Since 2013, the government of Rwanda initiated various projects to fight against poverty and that the new program will be an addition to lifting Rwandans out of poverty.”

Statistics show that in 2000/2001, 58.9% of Rwandans were under the poverty line, 56.7% in 2005/2006, 44.9% in 2010/11, 39.1% in 2013/14 and 38.2% in 2016/17.

The classrooms were inaugurated on Tuesday, 28th January 2020.

Kamabuye residents applauded the initiative as it will solve the problem of overcrowded classrooms and school dropouts.

Semana Damien, a resident of Kamabuye told IGIHE that the new school is a solution they desperately needed because children had to walk long distances to go to school.

“Our children walked two or three kilometers every morning to go to school. The new school is truly a solution we needed.”

Nzabonimpa Agnes who also resides in Kamabuye said that it was hard for children to walk long distances especially during rainy seasons and that some of them dropped out of school because of it.

“Our children had to walk to school even in the rain. It was hard on them and it also impacted negatively their grades.”

Apart from contributing to building the school, Plan International also donated sewing machines to a 100 under 18 girls who were impregnated. The girls received an 8-month training in couture.

Sebareze Jean Lambert, Plan International Rwanda representative said that as a humanitarian organization, the initiative was one of their duties.

“We are relentless in driving change to advance children’s rights and equality for girls. Building a school and donating sewing machines to underage girls who were unexpectedly impregnated is our contribution to promoting better lives and one of our core duties.”

Mutabazi Richard, Bugesera mayor emphasized on the positive impact the school will have including reducing the number of school dropouts.

“Walking kilometers to school every day was unbearable for children but with the new school in Munzenze, we are confident they won’t be dropping out of school anymore.”

The new school will also facilitate handicapped children to access education.

In early January this year, Uganda released 9 Rwandans among hundreds of others who remain prisoners till today. Some of them had been in jail for two years, suffering daily torture and denied the right to be tried in court.

Rwanda condemns Uganda for arresting Rwandans illegally, torturing them to the extent of permanent handicap and also supporting anti-Rwanda terrorist groups including RNC of Kayumba Nyamwasa. All that led to Rwanda advising its citizens to stop travels to Uganda for security matters.

On Wednesday, January 29th, 2020, President Kagame hosted over 60 members of the Diplomatic Corps at the annual diplomats’ luncheon. He said that he declined Uganda’s request to let Rwandans travel to Uganda again.

“The other side says, you see we have shown a good gesture. Now you must also do something. We say what? Something that tells Rwandans to start traveling to Uganda. And I asked one of the officials who came to see me and told me that: I can easily say that make a statement that you released nine people, everything is okay, you can start going to Uganda.”

“I told this official, suppose I start doing that, and the next and another day more Rwandans are arrested and those still in custody are not released. Are you suggesting I would go tell these Rwandans, you know what? I was deceived. Again, stop going there.”

President Kagame said that due to the tensions with Uganda, chairing the East African Community proved itself more difficult.

“Even with fewer countries, being the chair of the Community this past year is more difficult than leading the entire continent. I am sure you are aware of the challenge we had in our country with our neighbor, let me say neighbors, but particularly the neighbor to our North, which is Uganda.”

He said that the objective of the EAC is freedom of movement and people as well as good diplomatic relations between but that collaboration is a priority to achieve it.

“If my neighbor tells me, If I find you in my home compound, I will do something to you. What that results into is you are now creating a border, a line between your home and mine. Just by the statement. If I am moving around and loitering and find myself in your compound, and you say this is a no-go area, don’t step here. You have already created a border between us.”

President Kagame said that the integration between communities does not happen automatically.

“The integration of regions and communities does not happen just because you are making a slogan about it. No, it happens because you are doing what must be done to make it a reality.’

President Kagame concluded his speech by commending President Tshisekedi and the Congolese Armed Forces to stabilize Eastern Congo and called upon African countries to sustain international collaboration on common issues including climate change, global trade and security.

Previous directives from RSSB required RAMA cardholders to only use their insurance card while requesting medical services in different hospitals and dispensaries or purchasing medicines at pharmaceutical outlets.

RSSB will collaborate with the National Identification Agency (NIDA) to link all RAMA cards to their owners’ ID cards starting February 1st.

However, RAMA cardholders are advised to carry their cards to hospitals in case NIDA might have skipped them so that they could provide their details and get registered.

RSSB has provided a platform for RAMA users to fill an online form linking their insurance cards to their IDs.

An announcement published on January 28th, 2020 and signed by Richard Tushabe, RSSB Director General stated that RAMA cardholders can visit RSSB branches across the country to verify that they have been added to NIDA database of RAMA cardholders.

In addition, starting July 1st, 2020, ID cards will permanently replace RAMA cards.

In high school, Girumugisha pursued electronics and ICT at ETO Nyamata and holds a Computer Science degree from ULK.

He told IGIHE that he loved sports and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.

“I represented Rwanda many times in South Africa and China and was ranked among under 17 promising Rwandan footballers. When I was 17, I had an injury that stopped all my chances of ever becoming a footballer. However, the doctors advised me to work out frequently to get back in shape and maintain fitness. That is where I developed my interest of becoming a personal trainer. I said ‘If I can get back in shape after a severe injury, I am sure I can support other people in achieving their fitness goals as well.”

After his studies in computer science, he opted to become a personal trainer. He acquired a certificate in fitness in 2011. In over 3 years at Kigali Marriott Hotel, Girumugisha has trained and motivated gym enthusiasts to achieve their fitness goals every step of the way.

In 2010, Kigali Serena Hotel hired him as a receptionist but he would sometimes go to the gym facility, learn a thing or two and gradually adopted it as his new hobby.

At Kigali Serena hotel, he attended training from foreign professional trainers and acquired the competencies of becoming one himself.

He was later recruited by Kigali Marriott Hotel as a personal trainer and has ever since supported gym subscribers by designing safe and effective exercise programs and delivering one-to-one training.

He says there are so many benefits that come with working with a big brand such as Kigali Marriott Hotel as they have modern equipment that allow him to optimize sessions to fulfill the needs of clients.

“With the modern gym equipment at Kigali Marriott, I am capable of creating a tailored training program for clients, depending on their needs, abilities, and goals.”

Girumugisha says he owes getting where he is today to discipline. “I deal with clients who have different attitudes and some of them think the advice of a personal trainer is uncalled for but throughout gym sessions, I manage to help them get familiar with the machines, and show them more in-depth sessions that can help them perfect their form and at the end of the day, they are nothing but grateful.”

He says our bodies are unique and optimal fitness is never a one-size-fits-all package.

“For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your program will include specific weight-loss exercises. I will monitor and adapt your plan based on your progress.”

During Miss Rwanda 2019 competitions, he trained the 20 contestants to prepare ahead of the finale. A task he says was not easy, as many of the contestants were not used to exercising. He said that some of them continued exercising even after the contest, which is why he is excited and looks forward to training this year’s contestants to shape as well.

Girumugisha says that exercising is a good habit as it is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system.

Apart from the gym facility, Kigali Marriott allows customers to rest and stay fit at their Saray spa equipped with experienced massage therapists, sauna & steam areas with a state of the art relaxing area.

The advisory reads: “Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organization to ensure preparedness of health professionals in screening and administering care to those with symptoms of the Coronavirus.”

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties and in advanced stages, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China but continues to spread to different other countries in the world. It has so far claimed the lives of more than a hundred people among 4000 who were infected since its outbreak.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said that although the virus appears to spread at a high speed, there is no need to be alarmed given the fact that 85% of infected people can be cured. “Of 100 people who contract the virus, 85% can be cured and only 25% develop symptoms.”

The World Health Organization reported that currently, 4000 people from 10 countries especially in Asia have contracted the virus but are receiving medical care. Apart from China, the virus has spread to other countries including France, Japan, the United States, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, and Ivory Coast.

The Coronavirus spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization advises regular handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

A communication published on January 28th, 2020, announcing decisions of an extraordinary cabinet meeting that was held at Village Urugwiro the same day read:

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda informed the Cabinet meeting of a pardon granted to 18 youth who were serving sentences in Nyagatare prison that displayed good conduct and scored highly in the national examinations.”

On January 29th, 2020, Busingye Johnston, the Minister of Justice posted on his Twitter account that President Kagame granted a presidential pardon for the fourth time in a row since 2017.

“Yes. His Excellency Paul Kagame did it, again, the fourth time in a row, since 2017. For good conduct and good academic performance, the juvenile convicts have earned themselves a Presidential Pardon and, with it, a brand-new lease of life. They will walk out ASAP. Thank you, Your Excellency.”

13 of the youths who were pardoned sat for Primary School National Examinations and 8 of them passed with distinction, 5 with satisfaction. For those who sat for Ordinary level, 5 passed with distinction and one with satisfaction. One is still waiting for advanced level results.

In 2019, President Kagame granted pardon to 16 other convicted youths including 3 girls who were serving their sentences in Nyagatare Prison. They were convicted for different crimes including rape, minor defilement, drug abuse and terrorism acts.

Article 109 of the Constitution of Rwanda states: “The President of the Republic has the authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy in accordance with the procedures provided for by law and after consultation with the Supreme Court.”

The President of the Republic has the authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy in accordance with the procedures provided for by law and after consultation with the Supreme Court.

Convicts dossiers are submitted for re-evaluation to prosecution and then handed to the Ministry of Justice who is required to submit a decision within 3 months and send a report to the President of the Republic who makes the final decision.

The President of the Republic can grant mercy or parole without following any written procedure or by assigning the parolee responsibilities to fulfill. A parolee who doesn’t follow the rules risks going back into custody.