On December 31st, 2019, Mbonabaheka who resided within Kisoro, Uganda was killed by unidentified individuals after running to the rescue of his neighbor who was being attacked by assailants who have not been identified as well.
Mbonabaheka had Ugandan citizenship and owned a decoration business. He was also involved in agriculture and worked on other jobs when business was not going well.
Nsabimana said that after he learned about the death of Mbonabaheka, he immediately went to look for his corpse but realized that the Ugandan Police had already buried it.
“He was killed on December 31st, 2019. On January 1st, I received a call informing me of his death and I immediately run to his place to see it for myself. It was a gruesome scene and the whole compound was covered in blood. I tried to learn about the whereabouts of his corpse but the Ugandan Police warned me to drop the case or risk being chased from Uganda and charged several million of Shillings.”
“Mbonabaheka was killed as he was running to the rescue of his neighbor, Bayavuge Denys who was being attacked by unidentified assailants. Bayavuge screamed for help but nobody came to his rescue because Ugandans despise Rwandans and cannot help in any case. Mbonabaheka was the only Rwandan in the neighborhood and he had to be the one to help but as soon as he crossed his doorstep, the assailants met him, mutilated him and left his lifeless body in his compound.”
He said that Mbonabaheka was buried in secrecy at Kisoro cemetery and no one including his family was informed about his whereabouts.
His family overwhelmed with sorrow said they were saddened by the fact that no one wanted to inform them about where Mbonabaheka was buried.
Mukamazera Beatrice, Mbonabaheka’s wife said she will never forget the unfortunate incident. “If only they had allowed us to bury him. Ugandan authorities must respond to this vile act. I wonder if I’ll be able to raise our 4 children by myself.”
Mbonabaheka had been residing in Uganda for 8 years and leaves a wife and four children. His family moved back to Rwanda and currently reside in Burera district, Kinoni sector.
Nsabimana says he will never return to Uganda and urged fellow Rwandans to avoid traveling to Uganda at all costs since Rwandans are not safe there.
Ngaboyisonga was arrested on Friday in Murambi village, Buhaza cell of Rubavu Sector, with over 1600 pellets of cannabis, Police said.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police Spokesperson for the Western region said reliable information about Ngaboyisonga’s “criminal business” was provided by local residents.
“The suspect was arrested red-handed after illegally crossing into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 1600 pellets of cannabis. He was heading to Rubavu town,” CIP Kayigi explained.
Ngaboyisonga is said to be part of a group that traffics cannabis into the country and distributes to other dealers in Rubavu and Kigali.
CIP Kayigi thanked the residents, who played part in the arrest of Ngaboyisonga and all other drug dealers arrested in the past.
“This partnership and responsive spirit to report drug traffickers and dealers in communities is crucial in order to ultimately break such chains of supply.”
“Combatting the vice of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances requires individual and collective ownership. From where we work or live, we have to work together and deny them any space to operate by identifying and reporting those involved so they can be arrested to face justice,” Kayigi emphasized.
According to Article 263 of the Penal Code, any person convicted for “severe drugs” faces between 20 years and life in prison.
Olivier Ndacyayisenga attempted to give a bribe of Rwf30, 000 to the officer in charge so he could bail his motorcycle, which had been impounded over traffic related offences.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police Spokesperson for the Southern region, said that Ndacyayisenga was earlier ‘found riding without a permit and his motorcycle in a dire state.’
“A traffic Police officer on duty, stopped Ndacyayisenga and required him to produce his driver’s license, which he didn’t have. When the officer conducted visual check, he found that the motorcycle had no functioning lights, so it was impounded,” said CIP Twajamahoro.
“Instead of following the legal process, he called the officer and requested to meet but the officer suspected something illegal and informed his superiors. Indeed Ndacyayisenga was caught red-handed giving the Rwf30, 000 to the officer.”
He advised motorists to respect traffic rules and regulations, as well as go through the legal process when they are penalized. Taking criminal shortcuts, like giving bribes, may lead to an arrest and eventually having to face the law.
According to Article 4 of the Law on Fighting Against Corruption, any person who offers, solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/herself or another person in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five years but not more than seven years, with a fine of three to five times the value of the illegal benefit solicited or received.
The warning follows 22 children who were recently rescued from rice plantations while others were found carrying crates of beer.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, 14 children were being used to distribute beer to different bars and customers in Muganza sector of Nyaruguru District, during the festive season.
They were being paid between Rwf100 and Rwf200, depending on the distance, per crate delivered.
Eight others were rescued on Thursday in a rice plantation in Ntyazo Sector in Nyaruguru District where they were working as casual labourers.
All the children are aged between 13 and 15.
“Some parents, who are contracted to cultivate, harvest or carry rice in Kanyamugenda marshland use their children, who almost spend the whole day in this hectic work. Other minors are directly contracted by rice farmers,” said CIP Twajamahoro.
“Parents and the community in general should take the primary responsibility to protect children from such hectic activities, which are harmful to their health,” he added.
“Several campaigns are being conducted to sensitize the public against child abuse and other child rights violations. Child protection is a collective responsibility; everyone should understand that whoever exploits or deprives a child of their rights will face the wrath of the laws,” he warned.
Article 6 of law No. 71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to the protection of the child defines a child as “any person under 18 years of age.”
Article 6 of the law regulating labor in Rwanda, prohibits subjecting a child below the age of 18 to any form of works, which are physically harmful to the child; work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined space; work with dangerous machinery, equipment, and tools or which involves manual handling or transport of heavy loads; work in an environment, which exposes the child to temperatures, noise levels or vibrations damaging his/her health; work for longer hours or during the night or performed in confined spaces.
On Thursday, petroleum products ignited fire which destroyed part of a house in Mukura Sector, Huye District.
The house belongs to one Francois Hakizimana, 27, who was using it to store petroleum products which he was selling on black market, Police said.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Vedaste Ruzigana, the acting District Police Commander (DPC) for Huye, the inflammable products were torched by a lit stove, which was placed nearby.
“The fire burnt all equipment that were inside the house and money. Diesel and petrol and dangerous inflammables… it’s suicide to keep them in the house. These are products that should be nowhere near a fire, that’s why they are controlled and only sold at petrol stations,” said CIP Ruzigana.
He thanked residents who intervened to put out the fire before destroying the entire house and spreading to other neighboring houses.
“Hakizimana had turned his house into a store for petroleum products selling to motorists, which everyone should understand that it’s unlawful and punishable by law,” the DPC warned.
The general public are reminded to always report anyone they suspect to be engaged in such illegal and risky businesses, fire or any disaster on; 111 fire and rescue, 112 emergency, 0788380853, 0788311224 and 0788311155.
This was during the press conference, which highlighted the security situation in the year under review.
“Increased operations, strengthened community policing and working with different groups facilitated successful response to attacks in some parts of our country, fighting drugs, protection of vulnerable groups like children,” said CP Kabera.
In 2019, RNP secured a total of 226 local and foreign events, including Youth Connekt, ICASA, Global Gender Summit, spiritual pilgrims and trade shows, among others.
According to the security report, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, theft, assault, child labour and defilement are some of the crimes that topped the list in 2019.
Over 287, 380kgs of cannabis, 15755 litres of kanyanga (crude gin) and 359,800 litres of locally distilled illicit brew were seized last year.
More than 2,100 drug dealers were also arrested, with majority in Burera, Gicumbi, Kirehe, Rubavu, Rusizi and Nyagatare districts.
76 suspected thieves including those behind 366 recovered school computer laptops, were also arrested in the same period.
Disasters related to fire (380 cases), floods, landslides and mine collapse (93 cases) were also among security challenges faced last year.
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There was a reduction in road traffic accidents by 17 percent, with 4,661 accidents registered in 2019 compared to 5,611 accidents recorded in the previous year.
Pedestrians were the majority victims with 223 fatalities, 184 motorcyclists and 130 cyclists.
The reduction in accidents was largely due to increased public education on road safety especially through Gerayo Amahoro, law enforcement and adopting IT-related services in traffic.
At least 309, 970 traffic tickets were issued to motorists who violated traffic rules; 186,636 vehicle roadworthness inspections, and 412 driver’s license tests were conducted last year.
“Rwanda National Police initiated and enhanced IT services in traffic such as e-ticketing, cameras, speed governors and online driver’s license testing centres; these continue to play a large part in traffic control and prevention of fatal or serious accidents,” said CP Mujiji.
Fatal accidents resulting from human behaviours such as speeding, drunk-driving, use of phone were reduced by 42 percent, which is attributed to Gerayo Amahoro campaign.
Last year, RNP established 18 online driver’s license testing centres in different parts of the country. The centres provide a platform on daily basis for those doing tests for provisional license.
More 10 centres are expected to be opened this year.
CP Kabera further appealed to the public to utilize the available Police communication channels to report bad services and crime.
These include 110 marine, 111 fire and rescue, 112 emergency, 113 traffic, 997 anti-corruption and 3511 abuse by Police officer.
CP Kabera also disclosed that a separate campaign dubbed ‘Rengera Umwana’ aimed at protecting children (against child labour, teen pregnancy and delinquency…) will also be part of RNP public education programmes this year (2020).
The year 2020 is arriving. From China’s capital Beijing, I would like to extend my New Year wishes to you all!
In 2019, we sweated and we toiled as we pressed ahead with concrete efforts for achievements. Thanks to our steady pursuit of high-quality development, China’s GDP is expected to edge close to 100 trillion yuan with the per capita figure reaching the level of 10,000 U.S. dollars.
Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in three tough battles.
Coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Yangtze River Delta, all accelerated. Ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin have become national strategies.
About 340 impoverished counties and more than 10 million people have been lifted out of poverty. Our lunar probe Chang’e-4, for the first time in human history, landed on the far side of the moon; the Long March-5 Y3 rocket was successfully launched; the Xuelong 2 icebreaker set sail on its maiden voyage to the Antarctic; the construction of the global network of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is sprinting towards the finish line; the commercial application of 5G technology is accelerating; the Beijing Daxing International Airport “phoenix spread its wings”… all these achievements are the result of the efforts and sweat of those who strive in the new era, and they demonstrate extraordinary Chinese splendor and Chinese strength.
Over the past year, reform and opening-up has continuously generated vigor for development. The reform of Party and government institutions has been successfully completed.
We have set up another batch of pilot free trade zones, and expanded the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone.
The Science and Technology Innovation Board was launched smoothly. We have cut taxes and fees by more than 2 trillion yuan, and raised the individual income tax threshold.
Many types of commonly-used medicines have seen their prices drop, while cheaper and faster internet connection has enabled faster flow of information. Garbage sorting is leading the new trend of a low-carbon lifestyle.
This year we have also streamlined the work of officials at the grassroots level. New changes are taking place everywhere and the country is taking on a fresh look.
Over the past year, we have steadily pushed forward reforms in our national defense and military systems.
The armed forces have taken on a new look of a strong army in the new era. We held a grand military parade on National Day, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Navy and the Air Force, and also hosted the 7th Military World Games.
The country’s first self-developed aircraft carrier was commissioned. The people’s army will always serve as a great wall of steel that guards our motherland. Let’s salute those loyal soldiers who safeguard our home.
The most memorable moment of 2019 was the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
We cheered for the glorious achievements the People’s Republic has made over the past 70 years, and were overwhelmed by the sheer force of patriotism.
The formations during the military parade were powerful, and the mass pageant thrilling. Tiananmen Square was turned into a sea of happiness.
All of China was arrayed in red with proud smiles on all faces as the song “My Motherland and I” played throughout the streets and alleys. Patriotic feelings brought tears to our eyes, and patriotic spirit forms the backbone of the Chinese nation.
All these merge into a surging current that sings an ode to New China and inspires us to work harder in the new era, filling us with boundless energy.
Over the past year, I have visited many places. Construction of Xiong’an New Area is progressing, Tianjin Port is booming, Beijing’s sub-center is thriving, grasslands in Inner Mongolia are splendid, the Hexi Corridor, after thousands of years, is teeming with new life.
The winding Yellow River, where the sky is high and waters are wide, sometimes turbulent, sometimes calm; on both banks of the Huangpu River, there is plenty and prosperity, and ribbons of light shine in the night.
Everything is flourishing across our motherland. I traced the routes of China’s revolution to strengthen my original aspiration.
From Yudu in Jiangxi Province where the Red Army gathered for their Long March, to the Revolution Museum in Xinxian County in Henan Province, the former capital of the Hubei-Henan-Anhui revolutionary base, from the Monument to the West Route Army in Gaotai, Gansu Province, to the revolutionary memorial site in the Fragrant Hills in Beijing, all these places aroused many feelings and thoughts in my mind.
Our original aspiration and mission are our inexhaustible source of motivation during our Long March of the new era.
As usual, no matter how busy I was, I spent time visiting people in the countryside. People shared many of their innermost thoughts with me, and I always keep them in mind. I have also received letters from villagers of the Dulong ethnic group in Gongshan, Yunnan Province; residents of Xiadang township, Shouning County in Fujian Province; soldiers of the Wang Jie Squad; the graduate students of the Class of Champions at Beijing Sport University; and children and senior volunteers from Macao.
In my reply letters, I applauded the achievements they had made and sent my best wishes.
Over the past year, many people and their stories touched us deeply. Zhang Fuqing has kept a low profile and stayed true to his original heart despite the great contributions he’s made to the nation; Huang Wenxiu dedicated her youth and life to poverty alleviation; 31 fire fighters sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in Muli, Sichuan Province; Du Fuguo sacrificed himself to protect his teammates; and China’s Women’s National Volleyball Team won the World Cup in an eleven-match winning streak. Numerous unsung heroes, with neither complaint nor regret, with dedication. Ordinary people living extraordinary lives.
In the year of 2019, China continued to open its arms wide to embrace the world. We hosted the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, and the second China International Import Expo, showcasing a civilized, open and inclusive China to the rest of the world.
I held meetings with many heads of state and government, sharing with them China’s proposals, promoting friendship and deepening consensus. A few countries joined hands with us. The number of countries that have diplomatic ties with China now stands at 180. We have friends in every corner of the world.
2020 will be a year of milestone significance. We will finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realize the first centenary goal. 2020 will also be a year of decisive victory for the elimination of poverty.
The bugle has sounded. We shall all of one heart “add oil.” The greater the difficulties, the further we advance, strengthening our weak links even more and laying a more solid foundation to win the hard battle against poverty with determination, to lift all impoverished rural residents and counties out of poverty by current standards as scheduled.
Several days ago, I attended the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and felt heartened for the prosperity and stability in Macao. The successful practice of Macao indicates that the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” is fully applicable, achievable, and popular. In recent months, our hearts have been concerned about the situation in Hong Kong.
Without a harmonious and stable environment, how can people live in peace and enjoy their work! I sincerely wish Hong Kong well and our Hong Kong compatriots well. Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability is the wish of Hong Kong compatriots and the expectation of people of our motherland.
Human history, like a river, runs forever, witnessing both peaceful moments and great disturbances. We are not afraid of storms and dangers and barriers. China is determined to walk along the road of peaceful development and will resolutely safeguard world peace and promote common development.
We are willing to join hands with people of all countries in the world to build together the Belt and Road Initiative, and push forward the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and make unremitting efforts for the creation of a beautiful future for mankind.
At this moment, many people are still at their posts, many people are safeguarding peace and security, and many people are working tirelessly. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
Let’s seize the day and live it to the full, and greet the arrival of the year 2020 together. I wish you all a happy new year!
According to the Ministry of Education, the first term for the academic year 2020, kicks off on Monday, January, 6.
Students started heading to school this Friday depending on the proximity of the schools.
Friday, January, 3, is reserved for students going to schools in Muhanga, Kamonyi, Nyanza, Huye, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and the City of Kigali.
All students going to schools in Eastern and Northern provinces will depart Saturday.
Sunday is for students going to schools in Ruhango, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Rubavu and Nyabihu.
However, students joining Senior One and Senior Four were given a week-long extension to their holidays following the release of their national exam results early this week. They will begin on January 13, to allow them time to prepare for the new term.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the Commissioner of Traffic and Road Safety Department, assured the public that traffic police were prepared to facilitate traffic movement for the upcoming academic year and urged drivers to respect traffic rules.
“We urge transporters to facilitate students to get to school in time. Students are required to put on school uniform for easy identification, and be at bus stations early,” CP Mujiji said.
He further urged drivers to drive responsibly without rushing or violating road safety standards.
“As usual, don’t overload, regulate your speed and put your phone away when driving.”
CP Mujiji noted that transportation of students should be done in a smooth manner with no “violations and interruptions.”
“Transporters shouldn’t violate road safety standards like over speeding to rush for more trips, which can result into accidents,” CP Mujiji reiterated.
“As an institution charged with public safety, RNP is mandated to ensure that students travel back to school safely, and that other passengers proceed with their businesses without major interruptions,” said CP Mujiji.
“Some drivers have a tendency of speeding so that they can make many rounds, this is completely unacceptable… it’s exposing people’s lives to risks. As usual, Police officers are there to ensure drivers follow road safety standards.”
He appealed to transporters to also ensure that their vehicles are in proper mechanical conditions, and urged passengers to refuse any bad driving or violation of traffic rules and regulations, which put their lives in danger.
The general public and students in particular can report bad driving or any other traffic violations by calling 112, 113, 0788311110 and 0788311155.
The police announced the number of penalties on January 3rd, 2020 in a press conference that focused on road security measures that were implemented in 2019 as well as those planned for 2020.
The Commissioner of Police for Traffic and Road Safety Department, CP Rafiki Mujiji said that it is the norm that a drunk driver receives money penalties and gets imprisoned for 5 days while further investigation is being conducted.
“2597 drunk drivers were arrested for exceeding the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits which is set at 0.08% in Rwanda. 12,744 others were punished due to speeding while 30,042 drivers were penalized for not respecting the annual mandatory vehicle inspection.”
The law states that drunk drivers receive a penalty of Rwf 150,000 and a 5-day imprisonment. Drivers who defy speed governor policies receive a Rwf 200,000 and if they are caught speeding, an additional Rwf 50,000 is charged.
Research shows that alcohol and other drugs impairs drivers’ vision and mental capacity and can result into accidents, fatal injuries and/or death.
Rwanda National Police confirmed that although there are many causes of accidents, implementing measures to prevent drunk driving can considerably reduce the rate of road accidents.
RNP reported that from January to September 2019, 532 people were victims of road accidents while 705 were severely injured, 1007 had minor injuries and up to 1200 properties were destroyed.
The acceptable limit of blood alcohol content in Rwanda is currently 0.08% but the government is considering reducing it to 0.04%.
The ‘Connect Rwanda’ challenge was launched in November 2019 by MTN Rwanda CEO, Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi. It aims at distributing smartphones citizens who cannot afford them in Rwanda.
Individuals and different institutions across the country participate in the challenge through social media by pledging a number of smartphones they will be providing and tagging other people to participate as well.
BRD pledged 500 smartphones on Monday, 30th December 2019 after the Ministry of Infrastructures donated 730 smartphones.
In a tweet by Claver Gatete, the Minister of Infrastructure in the Rwandan Cabinet, he said: “Joining the Connect Rwanda challenge, the Ministry of Infrastructure and affiliated agencies pledge to give 730 Mara Phones to unconnected households, plus another 730 solar home systems, which come with a charging system.”
On Tuesday, 31st December 2019, Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT and Innovation announced that the challenge had led to people pledging at least 31,000 smartphones so far.
However, adding the 500 smartphones that will be provided by BRD and the 730 smartphones from the Ministry of Infrastructure, the total number has now reached 32,000 smartphones.
Several institutions across the country have participated in the challenge including Rwanda National Police (RNP) that pledged 1200 smartphones.
The smartphones that will be distributed will allow owners to select a language of choice between Kinyarwanda, French, and English.
The smartphones will have pre-installed applications including Irembo, Banking, health and education services as well as Smart Nkunganire System (SNS), a supply chain management system built by BK TecHouse Ltd in collaboration with Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) to digitalize the end to end value chain of the Agro-Input Subsidy program.
The smartphones will assist poor families in accessing government services without having to go through or be assisted by a third party.
Mara Phones are in two types with Mara X sold at Rwf 139,000 and Mara Z sold at Rwf 180,000.
To support the challenge, Mara Phones will provide a discount on Mara X from Rwf 139,000 to only Rwf 100,000.
