Author: IGIHE

In 2014, President Kagame requested for the consolidation of all 416 Umurenge SACCO through the ‘Cooperative Bank’ project that was expected to broaden “financial inclusion” in the country, working through the Umurenge Saccos and increasing financial services in rural areas.

In February 2015, FinTech International Limited won the bid to consolidate all SACCOs but the project deadline ended without the completion of computerization and linking of SACCOs operations as it was expected.

However, after the project was handed over to IT experts in Rwanda, results are slowly but surely materializing where since January 4th, 2020, Rutunga district SACCO started benefiting from the program.

In an interview with IGIHE, Prof. Harelimana Jean Bosco, RCA Director-General said that the project is currently being managed by different institutions in Rwanda including RCA, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).

“We have conducted a pilot trial in three SACCOs including Rutunga, Gisenyi, and Kanombe and if results are satisfying, we expect to start using the same model in all SACCOs by the end of 2020.”

RCA mentioned that it is difficult to estimate the value of the project since it is being managed by IT experts who already work in different government institutions. “This is a locally tailored initiative and no plan was elaborated to estimate the exact value of the project.”

Linking all SACCOs to a common computer system is expected to curb corruption practices that have characterized SACCOs in the past and guarantee safety to stakeholders who complained that the co-operatives were not in any way supporting financial inclusiveness.

Prof Harelimana said that after the computerization of SACCOs’ operations, most issues that were reported in the past will be completely solved.

“We expect quicker services and daily reports that will allow for complains to be immediately addressed.”

Umurenge SACCO was launched by the Government of Rwanda in 2009 with the aim of pooling savings for members and providing them with credit facilities at low-interest rates, therefore, promoting financial inclusiveness.

There are currently 416 Umurenge SACCO across the country. In 2019, SACCOs reported a 2.7 million customer base, assets worth Rwf 120 million and savings worth Rwf 60 billion.

Mutangana would soon after receive a phone call from someone, who identified himself as Eric Tuyisenge.

The caller told Mutangana that he had accidentally sent Rwf34, 000 to her phone and requested her to wire at least Rwf30, 000 to a phone account he gave her.

Mutangana was quick to go to the Mobile Money agent identified as Julienne Musabyimana, without verifying the message she had received, and told the agent to wire Rwf30, 000 to the phone account she had been given.

On checking, she noticed that it was just an SMS. The scammer had succeeded using Mutangana to defraud Musabyimana.

“People should beware that fraudsters employ different tricks to achieve their criminal purpose, and be extra vigilant. Always verify messages and phone calls you receive,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said.

BNR invited bids on behalf of the Government of Rwanda and set the interest rate at 11.55% per annum.

The bond is a benchmark bond and will be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 5% for all investors.

In July 2019, BNR had opened another 20-year treasury bond worth Rwf 15 billion which attracted the attention of bidders on a 141.03% rate with more than 80 investors in different sectors across Rwanda.

Treasury bonds pay a fixed interest rate on a semi-annual basis. This interest is exempt from state and local taxes but is subject to federal income tax. Bonds are a safe-haven investment for investors since payments are directly made into the owner’s bank account. Owners earn interest until the bond matures.

Bonds can also be given as collateral to the ban when the owner is requesting for a loan. The owner can as well sell back the bond to the capital market.

All bids will be submitted to the National Bank of Rwanda through any of the licensed commercial banks or Capital Market intermediaries. The market will open from Monday, January 20th, 2020 to Wednesday, January 22nd,2020.

@CentralBankRw would like to inform the public that on behalf of @RwandaGov there is a Reopen of 7-year T-Bond worth 15.0 billion.

The market will be open from Monday January 20, 2020 to Wednesday January 22, 2020

Please refer to the prospectus for detailed information. pic.twitter.com/sgyT1570F8

— National Bank Rwanda (@CentralBankRw) January 6, 2020

The police found cannabis on Sunday, January 5, 2020, in Kivumu Cell, Musanze District.

The spokesperson of the police in the northern province, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana said that it is the woman’s neighbors who gave the police a tip-off about her illegal trade.

He said, “Basing on a tip-off from their neighbors, police officers went to arrest the old woman and her son. When they reached the suspects’ place, the police officers met the son who carried on his back a bag that upon seeing the police officers he dropped down and ran. They opened the bag and found 889 pellets of cannabis. The police officers found the woman at her house with 3,451 more pellets.”

The spokesperson adds that the old woman was taken to Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Muhoza branch, and, meanwhile, the police are still looking for her son who is on the run.

CIP Rugigana thanked citizens who shared information with the police and asked them to keep the practice to help in fighting crime.

He also asked those who abuse drugs to stop it as it negatively impacts their health and it is a crime punishable by law. He said that drugs drive abusers into such crimes as rape, theft, and violence.

Ingabire has bagged about 25 years of wealthy experience, having started working at a tender age of 18.

The mother of three is the current Director of Human Resources at Kigali Marriott Hotel; previously she was occupying the position of Human Resources Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel & Kigali Convention Centre. This makes her one of the few Rwandan women to have been trusted with such an important position in two distinguished hotels in Rwanda.

Ingabire was born in the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, from where she pursued her primary and secondary education in Literature, with focus in philosophy and Latin.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Universite Libre de Kigali (ULK), and she will soon be completing her Master’s program in Business Administration with focus in Human Resources at the Adventists University of Central Africa.

Growing up, Ingabire was very passionate about reading and writing and she always pressed her parents to tell her bedtime stories; this passion turned into her becoming an author of two books that are now on the market.

In the past 25 years, she has worked with nine employers. She joined Kigali Marriott Hotel on the 10th, December 2018 after a stint of two years with Radisson Blu.

Ingabire told IGIHE that she has not yet fully explored the depths of Human Resources Management but she is steadily walking the path towards the same.

She shares the journey of her career, giving insights and advice to those interested in working in the hospitality industry.

{{IGIHE: could you share with us your journey as a professional in this field?}}

{{Ingabire: }} I got my first permanent job in the Ocir Thé where I worked as a secretary in the Human Resources Department, after my temporary job with WFP. After six months, I relocated to what was then the Electrogaz working in the stores of Electrical and Plumber Equipment.

I was later appointed to different positions at Eletrogaz in Finance department, Human resources, Archives, and credit department among others.

Nine years later I was introduced to Global Fund, then left and joined UNICEF for a temporary contract as a Junior consultant working with a team that was studying the most effective way of removing children from the streets, and the Management of Excellence.

{{When did you start Human Resources Management as a career?
}}

It was in 2005 when I joined Rwandamotor, which was my first time working as a Head of Human Resources. I worked there for eight years and a half; I learned a great deal as it gave me time to get familiar with all Human Resources Functions.

I left Rwandamotor when I joined Plan International, then Radisson Blu & Kigali Convention Centre in 2016. That is when I was introduced to the hospitality Industry.

{{How did you join Kigali Marriott Hotel?}}

I joined Marriott as the Senior Human Resources Manager and after five months I was fortunate enough to be promoted to the Director of the Human Resources Department. I have 25-years working experience, 15 of which are in human resources management.

I do not shy away from change. I have worked in many places and in a way I think that you can’t grow if you are not curious about how other places operate.
{{
What benefits have you got working for two of the best hotels in Rwanda? }}

Working in five-star hotels opens many doors, and also teaches you a great deal. It is not easy but I have gained a lot of experience, from work ethics to dealing will all sorts of people. It is indeed a great experience!

{{How does it feel being the link between employers and employees?}}

The person in charge of Human Resources has to look at industrial relations from two perspectives in the process of making two parties work mutually for optimal results. You have to remain impartial at all cost; delivering great service to both parties. Understanding employee’s feelings, putting yourself in their shoes so as to solve their problems better; and also thinking as the business owner and finding the best solution even though there are times you cannot please everyone.

This is no easy task, but that is our responsibility. When you have executed well your work it makes your decision making easier.

{{After working hours what else do you love to spend time doing?}}

After I have taken care of my family, I enjoy writing. I have already published two books; the first was published in 2012 it is called ‘Le Bonheur Retrouvé’.

I first thought that writing was reserved to a certain kind of people, until I wrote something and shared it with my brother and he was impressed. Six months later my book was placed in the Multicom Publishing House and was accepted there and published. In 2018, AfricAvenir Editions in Cameroun read the book and decided to buy it as well made its second publication.

My second book was for children with the title ‘Urukwavu Rwanjye Rwiza’ meaning my beautiful bunny; it was published on the market by School Books Distributors (SBD) in 2016.

{{What is your advice for those that are interested in working in the hospitality Industry?}}

Working in the hospitality sector is good; you find great satisfaction even as you welcome a guest, and of course the thrill of meeting new people every day. It is an industry full of opportunities, growth and not limited to one country but global.

{{What are your plans for the future in this area?}}

I see far beyond where I am right now; I still have so many things to do. I want to progress so much so that as I retire I will have gotten experiences not only from here at Kigali Marriott Hotel but elsewhere around the world as well. Also would like the opportunity to share my experience and inspire the youth as something I do before retirement.

Patience and teamwork are the foundation of all that I have achieved so far and I believe that anyone can do it if they work with commitment.

The numbers were announced recently during a staff meeting as REG management and staff reviewed 2019 performance in Kigali, Kamonyi, and Bugesera.

Ron Weiss, REG Chief Executive Officer reminded the staff about REG joint commitment with the Government of Rwanda to achieve 100% of households’ access to electricity by the year 2024.

To achieve the target, REG targets to have 500,000 new connections every year.
One of the objectives REG has for 2020 is to provide electricity to the remaining 10 geographical sectors that have no access to electricity so far.

REG also plans on increasing power supply by replacing single-phase motors to three-phase sharing transformers, with the aim of providing long-distance electricity supply that will be used in power grids, mobile towers, data centers, aircraft, shipboard, unmanned systems, as well as other electronic loads larger than 1000 watts.

REG thanked its staff for the commitment they exhibited in providing impeccable service and urged them to continue with the same spirit throughout the year.

Ingabire Marie Immaculée, Transparency International Chairperson observed that REG has made strides in fighting corruption.

In 2019, Transparency International Rwanda released the Rwanda Bribe Index report that placed REG at the top among institutions dedicated to fighting corruption. The report rated REG corruption cases at 5.3% from 12.93% in 2018.

Robert NYAMVUMBA, Chairperson of the Board at REG urged staff to embrace transparent practices and strive to provide better services to all Rwandans.

“We have a common objective of expanding from 221 Megawatts of grid power in 2018 to 556 Megawatts in 2024. We wish that by that time no Rwandan will be using torchlights or firewood. All that goes with effectively managing the resources we already have and putting them to use to serve Rwandans across the country.”

In a National Dialogue that was held at Lemigo Hotel on December 20th, 2019, and organized by the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS Network) in partnership with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Forest Landscape Restoration (FRL) Hub, the Centre for Geographic Information System (CGIS), Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management (CoEB) participants had discussions on Rwanda Wetlands Ecological Integrity under the theme “Rwanda Wetlands: Valuable but Vulnerable Asset”.

Participants maintained that wetland management should be given more than the consideration it is given currently in order to curb threats that damage their ecosystems.

Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, Founder and Executive Director of ARCOS said that measures should be established to monitor activities conducted in wetlands including sustainable agricultural activities.

“Wetland benefits reach a large spectrum and the challenges they face need to be addressed by all sectors. ARCOS Network will continue to support the cause as per its moto of Collaborative Action for Nature and People.”

Participants were informed about the findings from the rapid wetland assessment conducted by a multidisciplinary team of Rwandan experts coordinated by ARCOS since May 2019.

Over 1,627 georeferenced records of biodiversity data have been sampled in all 8 major wetland zones of Rwanda and published on ARCOS Biodiversity Information Management System.

The findings show that on average, the ecological integrity of some wetlands in Rwanda is estimated at 50% of its potential, while the ecological integrity of Akanyaru and City of Kigali wetland complexes were ranked low (20%-40%), and between (0%-20%) for Muvumba wetland complex as it is highly converted for agriculture intensification with less than 15% of its size remaining as a natural remnant forest of acacia trees.

Wetlands cover an estimated nine percent of the Earth’s land surface and contribute significantly to the global economy in terms of water supply, fisheries, agriculture, forestry, and tourism, as well as to climate change regulation.

Dr. Kanyamibwa said that more effort should be put in promoting the wise use of all wetlands.

“We need to reflect on wetlands as ecosystems that contribute to both biodiversity conservation and human well-being and base on that to promote their conservation and wise use.”

He urged agencies dedicated on protecting the environment to be vigilant to the threats.

Major threats in wetlands include draining for agricultural and construction activities, the introduction of invasive species that can damage the wetland ecosystem, pollution that kills the flora and fauna of wetlands as well as climate change.

The dialogue came after a research conducted by ARCOS Network on Rwanda Wetland Ecological Integrity Assessment through a two-year project funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation.

The results from the rapid assessment phase showed that the overall population status and trends of wetlands taxa is good with various species of special conservation concern, but the level of intensity and frequency of threats is very high.

Apart from Rugezi wetlands gazetted as RAMSAR site and Kamiranzovu wetlands located inside Nyungwe National Park, other different wetlands assessed found that more than 80% of their ecological integrityis threatened by different human activities as well as climate change and there is a desperate need to address the concern.

Statistics show that 10% of Rwanda’s area is covered by wetlands, 101 lakes, 861 rivers and up to 860 swamps. All the aforementioned water bodies are essential since humans and animals depend on water to sustain life.

In 2020, ARCOS Network plans on conducting further research especially in City of Kigali wetlands Complex, rweru-mugesera Wetland complex, Akanyaru Wetland complex, Southern and Eastern Kirehe wetland complex.

The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS Network) is a Regional NGO established in 1995 with the mission “To enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the Albertine Rift region and beyond, through the promotion of collaborative conservation action for nature and people”.

Today, ARCOS has programs extending in the Albertine Rift region, Africa Great Lakes and African Mountains.

The research was published by Oxfam on Sunday, January 5th, 2020.

On Sunday, January 12th, 2020, one British citizen will have contributed to the release of an amount of CO2 equal to what one citizen from countries like Madagascar, Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Guinea and Burkina Faso will contribute in a year.

The research showed that in a year, Rwandans contribute to the release of CO2 equal to 0.09 tons, 0.19 tons in Malawi, 0.25 tons in Burkina Faso, 0.49 tons in Nigeria and 1.68 tons in India.

On average, one person on earth contributes to the release of 4.7 tons of CO2 per year with one British citizen contributing to 8.3 tons per year.

Despite the high amount of Carbon Dioxide released in Britain, the British government continued to establish measures to fight pollution that can lead to an unhealthy environment and cause noncommunicable diseases like strokes, heart conditions, cancers, and chronic respiratory disease, mostly attributable to air pollution.

Extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases the greenhouse effect causing the planet to be warmer than it naturally should be and other calamities including the melting of ice caps and rising ocean levels, which cause flooding.

In the past 100 years, human activities led to the increase of global warming by 2.5 Celsius degrees and that resulted in climate change, floods, and extinction of several animal species.

In a study by Dr. Curt Stager, a researcher from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, she remarked that the Sahara Desert once had abundant lakes, plants, animals and a moister, semiarid climate. She maintained that human activities altered the region’s precipitation patterns and led to a desert.

Scientific reports show that the snows of Kilimanjaro are rapidly disappearing and will be gone by 2033 and all that is due to global warming and the unnatural increase in temperatures.

Carbon Dioxide causes many health hazards including aggravated respiratory diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma and also reduced resistance to infections, fatigue and lung damage to mention a few.

Research shows that climate change will impact Rwanda’s GDP by a 4.5% reduction in its total capacity by 2030.

The research was published by the Vulnerable Twenty (V20), a dedicated cooperation initiative of economies systemically vulnerable to climate change. The research maintained that Rwandans face so many health hazards if nothing is done to tackle global climate change.

In May 2018, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) announced that air pollution was the leading cause of noncommunicable diseases and that major pollutants in Rwanda included smoke from motor vehicles, charcoal, and wood among others. REMA also mentioned that particulate matter in smokes was mostly hazardous. REMA recommended the use of renewable energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions to reduce pollution.

The acceptable amount of particulate matter is 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air but in summer, the amount reaches between 100 and 150 micrograms due to pollution. To curb pollution, Rwanda has established measures including planting trees where currently trees occupy 30% of Rwanda’s total surface.

Recently Rwanda has also launched vehicles that use electricity in a bid to reduce pollution including Volkswagen ‘e-Golf’ as well as Ampersand motorcycles electric taxi motorcycles

He sounded the caution during his remarks as he launched Itorero training for teachers with a focus on the History of Rwanda in Nyanza district.

He said that some historians distort historical records and re-interpret facts in a negationist fashion and that teachers should be careful about how they convey historical facts to students as some books are misleading.

“We organized this training to remind teachers about the right way to convey knowledge to students in history not necessarily according to what is written in books but mostly based on the historical facts we are aware of as Rwandans.”

Lt Col Migambi explained that a lot of history books about African countries were written by colonial masters who introduced narratives based on new evidence and biased sources.

“Historical revisionism in books leads teachers in Rwanda to convey biased facts written to counter the known and accepted narrative and that may mislead students about the values to champion based on their history.”

Dr. Ndayambaje Irené, the Director-General of Rwanda Education Board (REB) reminded teachers to use history books prepared by REB in order to avoid entirely fabricated historical facts.

He quoted Marcus Garvey saying that “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Mukakimenyi Mathilde, a history teacher from Ruhango district said that the training was helpful as it taught them to mind about forged history documents that are presented as genuine.

They were also reminded that it is up to history teachers to use their professional discretion to establish the truth.

Teachers requested REB to plan for more training and study trips for them to learn about the history of Rwanda from its roots.

Itorero training for teachers was organized by the Ministry of Education in partnership with REB and NIC. It brought together more than 1600 high school teachers at Mater Dei, College du Christ Roi and College Louis de Montfort schools in Nyanza district.