Author: IGIHE

The activity brought together heads of investigations including Maj Pascal Munyankindi in charge of investigation in the Western Province and 33 other officers from DRC.

Captain Dieudonné Kasereka, the South Kivu Operational Sector Military Spokesperson said that it is continuous activity since DRC started a manhunt against militia fighters earlier this month. “We have launched a manhunt against CNRD militia fighters and so far we have captured a good number in Kilehe and Walungu in South Kivu and we will be heading to Mwenga next.

Kasereka mentioned that most fighters are hiding in Mwenga since DRC started the manhunt. “They have been hiding in Kaseka forests in Mwenga but I can promise they won’t be hiding for long.”

On December 16th, 2019, 291 fighters and 11 members of their families were handed over to Rwanda while 1471 more and 71 members of their families were handed over on December 21st, 2019.

From November 2019, RDC soldiers launched attacks against militias and terrorist groups operating inside DRC territory and announced having captured 2000 fighters only last week.

On December 25th, 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo announced having captured two CNRD leaders including Uiyamu Mutabazi who was the secretary-general and François Muvuni, who was a politician in the CNRD terrorist group.

The sculptures are a mesmerizingly vivid depiction of the Rwandan culture as it shows two female dancers in the midst of a common dance in Rwanda known as “Gushayaya” and a male drummer ‘Umukaraza’ beating a drum to match the rythm of the dance.

The two dancers are dressed in the traditional dancing attire known as ‘Inshabure’ with a closely-fitting bustier while the drummer is dressed in a wrapped skirt bunched at the hips and ornaments including ankle and head-band typical of warriors’ regalia in ancient Rwanda.

Pudence Rubingisa, the Mayor of Kigali said that the sculpture was created to spark strong emotions, especially from visitors as it is strategically located at a junction linking Kicukiro, Remera and the City center. “The sculpture will also be an attraction for tourists who will be visiting Rwanda once Bugesera International Airport will be completed.”

The iconic piece of art was sculpted by Pascal Bushayija, a graduate from Nyundo School of Art and Music who has participated in various art exhibitions both locally and internationally notably in Uganda and France.

The sculpture is mounted on a circular landscape ornated with the trending ‘Imigongo’ patterns and renders a true narrative masterpiece carved into the metal.

The dancing and graceful posture represents hospitality as a deeply-rooted Rwandan virtue as well as broader themes of unity and gender inclusiveness.

According to the City of Kigali master plan, 6% of land in Kigali has been allocated to recreational spaces. Recently, the City unveiled a Public Park at City Hall in town which construction started in January 2019 and two other public parks are under construction in Nyandungu and Gikondo.

The City also announced that it is planning on building eight more roundabouts across Kigali in a bid of promoting the creative scene in Rwanda and curating a cultural hub through art.

Using cars with automatic transmissions is allowed in Rwanda but until this day, driving license tests were given using cars with manual transmissions.

In his letter to the Parliament of Rwanda, Shumbusho said that only allowing manual cars to be used while conducting driving license tests reduces the chances of so many people acquiring driving licenses when it would have otherwise been easier with automatic cars.

“Cars with automatic transmission are legally purchased just as manual ones but when it comes to tests for driving license, drivers of automatic cars are not given the same opportunity as drivers of manual cars.”

Alfred Byiringiro, Division Manager for Transport at MININFRA told IGIHE that even though there are no specific figures for the number of automatic cars already in the country, it is a fact that most cars currently being imported have automatic transmission.

“The concern was raised by a private citizen who reiterated that in other countries, drivers are allowed to test for driving licenses using automatic cars and we found that in fact, there is no reason why we shouldn’t reform the laws to allow automatic cars to be used in driving license tests.”

He said that the law is being thoroughly assessed and that after cabinet approves it, the Parliament of Rwanda will have its say too and the law will be published in the official gazette.

Habimana Alexis, Sales Executive at Akagera Motors said that given the evolution of technology, in a few years, only cars with automatic transmission will be in circulation.

“Cars are sold according to the customer’s taste. Some will tell you they want automatic and other manual cars but if we judge by how the automotive industry is evolving, automatic vehicles will win the market.”

He added that automotive industries across the world are now manufacturing more automatic cars than manual given that the clutch discs on automatic vehicles allow the transmission system to deliver power from the engine to the transmission way easier.

Andrei Gromyko, an expert in the automotive industry recently told IGIHE that reforms regarding driving licenses should be versatile.

“The laws should consider that it is not easy for everyone to coordinate movements while driving manual vehicles. Keeping your eyes straight on the road while changing speed gears and hitting brakes is not easy to coordinate at all.”

Gromyco said that once the new law is approved, it will solve the problem of drivers whose temporary licenses expire before they have had the chance of working for a permanent license.

It is expected that the new law will be set into motion by 2021.

Most recently, as part of its Christmas outreach program, Unimoni organised a special event for underprivileged children, between the ages of 8 and 15, at the Sanitas Hotel in Kanombe Sector, in the city of Kigali, Rwanda. The event saw many children from lesser-privileged backgrounds, their parents, community volunteers and staff come together to celebrate the season of joy with much gusto.

The children, who live in Kanombe and go to different schools, got into the spirit of the holidays as they enjoyed fun activities at the event that included games, singing, dancing, face painting and bouncy castle. The day-long celebration was marked with cake-cutting and a festive lunch. As gifts, the children received school supplies and educational material such as books, stationery and bags.

One of the parents, Karimunda Franck, was overjoyed to be a part of the event. “We are thankful that in Rwanda we have companies that still think about communities like us by spending their resources on the well-being of underprivileged children. We are so grateful to Unimoni for the support they have provided. My kids are studying and getting the items they need for their school and education is very difficult for me. Now, with these gifts from Unimoni, I feel a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” said a happy Karimunda.

Commenting on the event, Peeush Pillai, Managing Director/Country Head of Unimoni Rwanda, said, “At Unimoni, each one of us is an active and responsible member of the society, reflecting the values of the brand. Besides providing our customers with convenient and cost-effective financial services that help them to fulfil their dreams and ambitions, we continuously look for ways to give back to the community. As a brand that’s focused on improving the lives of people through our business and beyond, we are thrilled to have organised this event that not only brought smiles all around but also gave us the opportunity to provide educational material to children who need it the most.”

Giving back to the community is a vital part of Unimoni’s culture. In 2018, representatives from Unimoni Rwanda visited children at the Gisimba Memorial Center (GMC) in Kigali and celebrated Christmas through a host of activities such as arts & crafts, painting, dancing and singing.

Unimoni also believes in the power of sports as a vehicle for building stronger communities and plays an active role in nurturing Rwanda’s cricketing talent. In fact, Unimoni has a long and fruitful partnership with the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) and has been the title sponsor of the RCA Premier League for the past six years.

Currently, Unimoni operates five branches across Rwanda and has a suite of customer-centric services such as international money transfer, currency exchange, and the recently introduced utility bill payments in association with Mobicash, among others. Its investments in people, processes and technology enable Unimoni, a Finablr company, to deliver exceptional customer experiences that combine convenience, speed and value. Constantly innovating and expanding, the brand continues to strengthen its portfolio of products and partnerships to further enhance its offerings to customers in Rwanda.

The caution follows Wednesday night heavy rains which claimed the lives of at least 12 people in different parts of the country.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that some people become victims due to “lack of compliance” to weather and disaster advisories.

“Weather advisories issued by Rwanda Meteorology Agency and Rwanda National Police warning about floods and affected roads like the case of Wednesday, are ignored or violated and the end results are in most cases fatal,” CP Kabera said.

He added: “When it started raining on Wednesday, we advised people against using some routes which were impassable due to life-threatening floods and roads blocked by trees. Unfortunately, some motorists violated these instructions and the end results were fatal. It is strictly forbidden to force your way through a Police stop. Forcing your way through flooded roads is suicidal.”

He advised the public to always heed the weather warning and Police instructions and “avoid areas with potential danger during heavy rains.”

“Areas with roads known for getting flooded are Kanogo-poid lourd, Nyabugogo-Kinamba and Kigali Parents School across the mash land. These areas should be avoided when it’s raining heavily.”

CP Kabera further advised against standing under bridges and trees when it is raining, which is dangerous.

“We had a situation on that day where motorcyclists used the bridge connecting the city centre and Kinamba to shelter them from the rain. Apart from the fact that tens of their motorcycles were washed away by floods, such rain can also destroy the bridge and many lives could be lost.”

“Take shelter in safer places but not under bridges, water channels or trees.”

The spokesperson also called for timely information sharing on disasters like floods, landslides, trees falling in the middle of the road and other places where it affects movements or posing threat to people’s lives, for a quick response.

“Don’t be a bystander; your call could save someone’s life. Don’t undermine floods, find safer places when floods start entering your house especially when it’s raining heavily.”

For disaster response, he urged the public to always call 112 (emergency), 111 (Fire and Rescue Brigade), 113 (traffic accidents), 110 (Marine security), 0788380953, 0788311224 and 0788311155.

The arrest of Theophile Ndaruhutse came after Police and local leaders found three boys at his bar called Chez Ndaruhutse, drinking alcohol.

The three boys all aged 17, were also drunk at the time, Police said.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, Police spokesperson for the Eastern region said that “Ndaruhutse put his business ahead of the health and rights of the three minors.”

“When law enforcement organs were conducting their usual patrols they found three boys in Ndaruhutse’s bar drinking. They were served by Ndaruhutse himself, a crime he was arrested to answer in courts of law,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

Article 27 of law on child protection, states that any person, who offers a child alcoholic beverages or tobacco, commits an offense.

A person, who sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child, causes or encourages a child to drink alcoholic beverages, to smoke or to go to bars commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three months but less than six months and a fine of between Rwf100, 000 and Rwf200, 000.

CIP Twizeyimana observed that “bar owners take advantage of such festivities to make money without taking into consideration the law and the prohibited age group.”

“By serving alcohol to children, the suspect violated their rights l, and broke the law despite several warnings issued by Rwanda National Police as well as other law enforcement organs and concerned authorities against selling or serving alcoholic beverages to minors,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

“Vigilance in child protection is needed especially in this festive period when children tend to drink alcohol, smoke and abuse drugs as a way of celebrating.”

“Owners of bars are reminded to allow minors in their premises only when they are in company of responsible relatives or guardians, and ensure that they are not served alcohol or enticed to engage in other malpractices like abusing drugs, smoking or being lured into sexual acts, especially girls,” the spokesperson emphasized.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their children to ensure they are in the “right place at the right time.”

The national police has attributed the accident-free celebrations to strong road-safety intervention such as the Gerayo Amahoro campaign that calls on drivers and pedestrians to use the roads with the utmost caution, following all the traffic rules.

According to information from Rwanda National Police, nine accidents happened on Christmas, leaving no one dead or injured compared to 2018 where one person died and 30 were injured in eight accidents; 2017, 20 road accidents happened while on the Christmas of 2016, 16 accidents had taken place, killing four people and injuring 14.

The police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera told the media, “With the efforts put into it, people are understanding the Gerayo Amahoro program. We will keep reducing the number of these accidents.”

Kabera explained that most of the road accidents are preventable.

He said, “It is necessary that people understand that OMS’s report show that 80% of accidents can successfully be avoided.”

He added, “These accidents are due to negligence and bad habits, reason why Gerayo Amahoro aims at teaching people who use roads to change their habits.”

Sherrie Silver, through her charity, Children of Destiny, in partnership with Onomo Hotel Kigali brought some Christmas enjoyment to around 120 children coming from poor families and children born with a disability.

The event started with lunch for the children at Onomo Hotel Kigali and culminated in fun. The children had time to play. As a Grammy award-winning Choreographer, Sherrie Silver brought her passion of dance to the kids who competed in dancing and the winners deservingly rewarded.

Onomo Hotel General Manager, Mr. Emile Nizey, highlighted the importance of such an event.
“ During Christmas, people tend to be busy on themselves and their families but forget those in need around them who may still need some holiday cheer from them. Through our social responsibility program, we thought it would be a great idea to bring some Christmas smiles to these kids and you could see it. They had fun and we are happy they did. Sherrie Silver is a friend and partner of Onomo Hotel Kigali and we are glad our partnership created this noble act.”

The Ministry of Education has announced that 2020 academic year will officially start on January 6th, 2020 but that students will reach schools depending on where they go.

For students in boarding schools in Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyanza, Huye, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro and Gasabo districts, school will start on January 3rd, 2020.

For students going to schools located in the Northern and Eastern provinces, school will start on January 4th, 2020.

Finally, for students going to schools in Ruhango, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Rubavu and Nyabihu districts, school will start on January 5th, 2020.

MINEDUC announced the dates but has not yet released national examination results for primary school pupils and O’ level students.

Many people are complaining saying that it is inadmissible that dates for starting the academic year have already been announced but not the national examination results and that it does not give enough time to students to prepare for school.

One parent expressed his concern saying that MINEDUC is being late to publish results and it does not give enough time to parents and students to prepare for school especially for those who will be sent to new schools.

He added that before announcing when the academic year will start, national examination results should first be published.

Dr. Munyakazi told IGIHE that there won’t be any change regarding the start of the academic year and added that national examination results will be published in a few days along with schools students will be admitted to.

“We will soon announce the national examination results along with schools students have been admitted to. That process requires thorough analysis and is mainly the reason why we take our time to publish the results.”

He announced that the academic year for 2020 will start on January 6th, 2020 and that any change that might occur will be communicated.

About parents who complained that national examination results have delayed, he said that it is not true and advised parents to start preparing their children for school the moment the academic year dates are announced without waiting for results.

“There was absolutely no delay for us since the academic year dates have already been announced. Parents should have started buying school materials the moment they learned about it.”

Dr. Munyakazi added that it is actually the first time the Ministry of Education took a relatively short time to announce the national examination results.

It was the first time that the Government of Rwanda was expressing concerns regarding the safety of citizens who travel, reside or work in Uganda.

It has been three years now that the conflict between Rwanda and Uganda started.

The Government of Rwanda expressively continues to warn Rwandans to avoid crossing to Uganda at all costs after testimonies prove many have been incarcerated, assaulted and tortured on allegations that they are spies while they are just there for making a living.

Investigations showed that besides abusing Rwandans, Uganda also hosts terrorist groups aiming at destabilizing security in Rwanda including FDLR and RNC which is led by Kayumba Nyamwasa. Uganda categorically denied the allegations.

Rwandans who are apprehended are detained in different prisons across Uganda where they are beaten and tortured resulting into a handicap for some of them. They are also subjected to forced labor including cultivation and molding bricks.

From January 2018, 1438 Rwandans have been chased from Uganda after spending days in detention on orders of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the Internal Security Organisation.

On Tuesday, December 24th, 2019, during a breakfast interaction meeting between members of Rwandan Community Living Abroad and Rwandan officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperations many topics were discussed including the opportunities available to the Rwandan community abroad as well as their important role and contribution in the national development.

The Rwandan diaspora in South Sudan asked about the state of the Rwanda-Uganda conflict.

Safari Jumapili, the Rwandan diaspora representative in South Sudan said that there are Rwandans living and conducting business in South Sudan as well as soldiers and police officers in peacekeeping missions.

“The conflict between Rwanda and Uganda is concerning since Rwandana who live in South Sudan passed by Uganda to get here using cars and buses but cannot anymore due to obvious reasons. Something needs to be done about that issue.”

Currently, 285 Rwandans reside in Juba, the Capital City of South Sudan.

Amb Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community said that Rwanda took the precaution of warning Rwandans not to travel to Uganda because Rwandans who pass by Uganda to reach other countries and those who simply step on Ugandan territory are continuously arrested, assaulted and tortured.

“It is true that Rwandans are not safe to travel to Uganda. We have tried to solve the matter since the beginning of the year but there is no will to establish peace on Uganda’s part.”

Amb Nduhungirehe said that Rwandans are illegally detained and abused in Uganda and added that even those who conduct business on the Ugandan territory especially those who pass by there going to Kenya and other countries are not safe.

He advised the Rwandan diaspora in South Sudan to stop going to Uganda at all costs.
He said that there are other routes that could be used instead of passing by Uganda and risking death.

After several agreements and negotiations to solve the ongoing conflict, Uganda still hasn’t done anything to stop the assault and illegal incarceration of Rwandans and still supports anti-Rwanda terrorist groups.