Author: IGIHE

We wish that we all enter 2020 safely, which is why we take this opportunity to remind you that no celebration is worth risking your life for. Don’t drink and drive.

Don’t forget the dangers of drunk-driving &over-speeding. Neither you nor someone else should be a victim.

For your safety, bear in mind that there are some wrongdoers – like drunk drivers- who exploit the festive season to rob you of your happiness. It’s your right to be safe and it’s our responsibility to ensure your safety. Report them to us and you will have saved a life or two.

Security organs are ready to ensure security & safety for all during the festive season; however, it requires everyone’s active involvement. If you’ have a car and intend to drink alcohol while enjoying the festive season, make sure you have a sober person to drive you after.

There is some level of excitement that comes with the festive season and understandably so. However, do not use it as an excuse to violate traffic regulations and endanger your life and that of others – speed kills.

There may be traffic diversion here and there, we ask that you (as you always do) bear with the inconvenience and comply. These are always done in good faith and our traffic officers are always available to facilitate you to easily accessible alternate routes.

Those who wish to host events during this festive season should inform local authorities ahead of time. The aim is to secure the premises so that you host your entertainment event without fear of any harm to yourself and anyone at the event.

Pubs and bar owners, be part of the good cause of keeping our communities safe.

These are your customers and your business needs them to be repeat customers: Do NOT serve alcohol to someone who is already drunk.

This also goes to all premises where alcohol is served: We remind that it is prohibited to serve alcohol to minors – that is persons under 18 years of age. Let’s work together to protect our children; they are Rwanda’s future.

So far, several events have been organized across the country. Some have secured the appropriate license; others are in the process of securing them. These licenses carry with them responsibilities. We appeal to all to abide by the relevant laws and regulations.

As always, RNP officers will be available for any questions or clarifications. They are prepared to serve you, so feel free to engage any one of them at any place or time.
In case of an emergency, here are the RNP Toll-Free Lines: *

*For all emergencies 112
* Traffic Accidents 113 * Ambulance services 912
* Fire Brigade 111
* Marine 110
* Complaints against a police officer 3511

Rwanda-Europe Business Week 2020 will be held in Brussels, Belgium from February 20th to February 22nd, 2020. It is a historic event since Rwanda will be the first country in Africa to bring together investors and institutions from across Europe to market its products and services.

The event was initiated by BEREXINVEST, BerexInvest Corporation, an export and investment Europe-based company founded by Rwandan Ntasinzira Dieudonné. It will be a unique opportunity to inform European business owners that Rwanda is one of the best attractions for business today and number 1 in the East African community.

The event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), National Agricultural Export Development (NAEB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sectors that will be exhibiting their products and services include energy, technology, investment, tourism, construction, agriculture and farming among others.

It is expected that Rwanda will be showcasing tourism projects, the investment opportunities available in that sector and the Rwandan culture at large.

Ntasinzira Dieudonné, BEREXINVEST founder told IGIHE that 8 embassies in Europe have started partnering with businesses that will be exhibiting in the event.

“Eight embassies, tourism institutions, investors and Rwandan diaspora-owned businesses contributed to the organization of the event.”

He said that Rwanda-Europe Business Week 2020 will be a platform to promote Made in Rwanda products and services in Europe.

“It will be an opportunity to link private and government-owned businesses in Rwanda with European institutions and investors and that will contribute to promoting trade between the two parts.”

“The business week will also allow the Rwandan diaspora in Europe to access products from Rwanda since they don’t get a chance to travel to Rwanda frequently. Banking, insurance, land and revenue services will also be available.”

During the three-day exhibit, attendees will be sensitized about the benefits of investing in Rwanda.

A world Bank report on investments placed Rwanda on the second place in Africa on the list of countries to facilitate trade and on the 38th place worldwide.

European and Rwandan institutions will also be able to sign partnership agreements and it will boost economic cooperation between Rwanda and Europe.

Ntazinzira said that since Rwandair travels to Europe, it will ease the cooperation. “We need to boost exports from Rwanda including tea, coffee, vegetables, and other agricultural products which still have a low exportation rate.”

Government of Rwanda agencies like RDB, and Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and others will be invited to provide more insights on their various services.
Currently, the Rwandan diaspora in Europe is estimated to be 52,200 including 35,000 residing in Belgium.

For subscribing to Rwanda-Europe Business Week 2020, business will contact BEREXINVEST at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

After a series of mellifluous competitive shows that commenced on August 23, 2019, Battle of Bands came to a close on December 18, 2019, in a spectacular event that took place at Kigali Marriott Hotel.

From a plethora of 10 bands that entered the competition in August, the melody left only three giants in the battle pitied against each other; Umurage Live Band, Symphony Band, and Salus Music Band.

Revelers that attended the final show of the might of melodies were treated to a variety of expressive rhythms characterized by dance and classy instrumentals.

The competition was initiated with the aim of identifying and bringing to surface and unlimited exposure of talents of Rwandan musicians, best instrumentalists, and vocalists in the country with the involvement of the fans.

Each band performed twice, and the panel of judges could rate it on criteria of vocals, choice of songs, the ambiance their performance created, and the way they played musical instruments. The panel of judges was made up of Danny Beats, Mugiraneza Parfait, Eric Soul, and Remmygious Lubega.

The bands played different songs including some by Rwandans, especially old school music and from across the world.

Salus Music Band played “Katerina” a song by Bruce Melodie, “Maguru” by Holly Jah Doves, “Nzokujana” by Kidumu, “None Twaza” by Cecile Kayirebwa and others.

Symphony Band played “Urubambye ingwe” by Cecile Kayirebwa, “Gbona”, “Anybody”, and “On The Low” by Burna Boy, “Baba Lao” by Diamond Platinumz, “Ku Gasima” by Bushali, “Inama” by Diamond Platinumz and Fally Ipupa and others.

Umurage Live Band played “Tarihinda” by Cecile Kayirebwa, “Naraye Ndose” by Kamaliza, “Nyaruguru” by Jean Paul Samputu, “La Bamba” by the Real Ritchie Valens and others.

After all performances, the judges put together their marks, as well as the fan votes which contributed 40% to the decision and announced Salus Music Band as the winner.

As the winner, Salus Music Band was given a one-year contract to entertain patrons at Kigali Marriott Hotel, beginning with the New Year celebrations and producing music with Made Beats Studio where Danny Beats is a producer.

Battle of Bands competition was held for the second time. Neptunez Band won the first-ever title in 2018.

‘Vision 2050 is a set of long-term, income-based goals that aim for upper-middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050. With this vision, Rwanda has aligned itself with the successful East Asian economies that began their development journey with a similar vision.

Dr. Ndagijimana made the statement on December 20th, 2019 as he was addressing more than 2000 Rwandans during the annual National Dialogue

“Umushyikirano 2019”. He said that in 15 years, Rwanda has set the goal of transitioning to an upper-middle-income status and a high-income status by 2050.

“By 2035, we predicted that our GDP per capita will at least be $4000 per year. That is Rwf 4 million and in 2050, GDP per Capita is expected to rise to $12,000 per year.”

Dr. Ndagijimana said that the vision will require much more effort to be achieved. “We need to use the resources already available since the journey is far from the end. We need to at least have an increase in GDP of 10% per year to achieve that goal. We have made growth in GDP of up to 12% in the past and that is proof enough that we can do better. Industries and the agricultural sector need to Amp up their production capacity and more services need to be introduced through innovation, diversification, and technology.”

He added that for Rwanda to be able to compete on the international market, agricultural yield should be improved to allow food self-sufficiency and also produce for exports. He said that even if a lot of Made in Rwanda industries are being created, production has to increase just so they can also produce for the African or global market.

Yusuf Murangwa, the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) said that in the past 18 years, the economy of Rwanda has increased on an 8% rate and says it is an impressive milestone since Rwanda is second on the list of countries with improving economy after Ethiopia.

“Basing on how fast Rwanda has been moving, we expect Rwanda to be the first on the list of fast developing countries in Africa by 2020.”

He said that when you consider the agriculture sector, the annual yield has remarkably increased and in the past 10 years, we did not have most of the industries that are functional now. We are progressing in the hospitality sector, in health, education and financial institutions in a very remarkable way.”

Murangwa said that annual growth in GDP leads to the creation of at least 160,000 jobs outside of the agricultural sector.

“If 160,000 jobs are created for 200,000 graduates every year, it means that 40,000 graduates remain unemployed. There is a large gap we still need to fill.”

“GDP growth should be at least 10% every year with agricultural yield increasing by 8%, industries by 15% and the service sector by 12%”.

Currently, Rwanda is investing more in technology where registering a new business takes only 6 hours while getting land permit has been made easier through online portals.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Kigali, CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi said, “Our mission is to lead digital for a brighter Rwanda. We see ourselves as a partner on this digitization journey that Rwanda is on. We’d like to see a Rwanda where everyone is connected to the digital world. In order to make this happen, we will over the next few months, run a number of initiatives to increase smartphone penetration and increase internet usage.”

On the details of the campaign, Chief Marketing Officer Richard Acheampong explained that this is a comprehensive 360˚ campaign.

The first part of the campaign is a Smartphone Pledge, which aims at involving the general public to help connect the unconnected by donating smartphones.

People can follow this challenge on MTN Rwanda’s Twitter page and can donate in form of physical devices which can be taken to MTN Service Centres nation-wide or through Cash and Mobile Money.

All smartphones collected will be distributed to Rwandans that do not have.

“With the #ConnectRwanda Smartphone Pledge, we can all pull together to connect the unconnected in Rwanda. Each one can connect at least one” added Acheampong.

The second part of the campaign aims at giving Internet users more freedom by removing the expiry on certain bundles. MTN “Tuuuza” is the first of its kind Internet Bundles that have no expiry. These bundles can be accessed by dialing *345#.

The campaign also includes a new affordable Mobicel “Taci” smartphone and Unlimited 4G bundles.

This Campaign is backed by a high-impact, multi-channel marketing strategy that includes a combination of market-specific print, digital, outdoor and mobile creative executions featuring local actors and comedians Niyitegeka Gratien of Seburikoko and Papa Sava fame, as well as Clapton ‘Kibonge’ of Daymakers Edutainment.

“We’re really excited about the journey we’re embarking on and we’re confident that these efforts to drive smartphone and internet penetration will make a difference in this country. We hope that everyone will join us as we Connect Rwanda”, CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi said.

On, November 22, the former head of Rwandan diplomacy terminated the functions of the last directors appointed by her predecessor Michaëlle Jean: Nita Deerpalsing (Programming and Strategic Development), Youma Fall (French language), and Nicodème Adzra (Administration Finance).

Alioune Koné, the human resources manager, and Narjess Saidane, the representative to the UN in New York, were also sent off and an interim management team was set up on November 25.

On December 9, Georges Nakseu Nguefang, Director of Political Affairs for Michaëlle Jean, was appointed permanent representative of the OIF to the United Nations in Geneva. He succeeds Henri Monceau, promoted to director of economic and digital Francophonie.

Finally, Éric Adja, director of the Regional Office for West Africa, headquartered in Lome, Togo, also appointed by Jean, was sacked on December 11 ‘following disciplinary proceedings’.

Louise Mushikiwabo took the reins of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) in January 2019. After Michaëlle Jean, she is the second woman to hold this position.

Habimana was arrested on December 20th, 2019. He is accused of having conned a lot of people asking them for money and promising them jobs at WDA.

IGIHE uncovered the copy of a letter showing payment receipts to a person, Habimana had coined as he was attempting to spoil evidence and impede an ongoing investigation on his case.

Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)’s Spokesperson, Marie Michelle Umuhoza has confirmed the arrest of Dr. Habimana.

“It is true he has been arrested as he is suspected of corruption and bribery crimes.”

Dr. Habimana is currently detained at RIB Kicukiro station

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the band was founded in 1979, has over 20 albums, and 12 solo albums by its members.

Kassav’ will stop by Kigali on their way to DRC for a performance on a festival.
The venue of their performance is not yet selected.

This band was previously been in Rwanda on July 31, 2010, in the closing party of the seventh edition of FESPAD, a Pan-African Dance Festival.

It says that the current laws do not help in solving the drinking problem that is high among the youth.

Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Nyirahabimana Solina said that the legal age might be lifted to between 20 to 25.

Nyirahabimana said that the consumption of alcoholic drinks among young people is increasing. She called all concerned people to fight this problem.

She said that the changes are still under debate but citizens will be informed once they culminate into law.

The manager of alcohol and drug use disorders at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dynamo Ndacyayisenga said that in protecting young people from alcohol, it is necessary to think about the minimum legal drinking age.

He said that the human brain keeps developing until one turns 25, so drinking before this age retards it.

He said, “Raising the legal drinking age can help solve problems related to health, deaths, and diseases in families.”

According to a 2015 research by RBC, 1.6% of 200,000 Rwandans who are in the age range 14-64 faced effects of drinking alcohol, while 7.6% of Rwandans under 35 years of age are addicted to alcohol or faced a problem due to it.

In 2018, a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa called Rwanda to fight the rise in the use of alcohol, since it was listed second in the region in high consumption of alcohol.

Ndacyayisenga says that raising the minimum legal drinking age is not the only solution to the problem.

He said, “The Rwandan community, schools, local authorities, and churches need to help in fighting this problem. This problem is rooted in the way of thinking and the way of life of people, way beyond the capacity of laws.”

Emmanuelle Mahoro, a psychologist, said, “There is no good age for drinking alcohol, but at least above 20 years of age, the thinking and body of a person can manage alcohol’s impacts he might face.”

Gilbert Ndoli who owns a pub in Kigali says that most of his clients fall between ages 18 to 35, so in case the legal drinking age is raised, he risks to lose 20% of the clients.

However, he adds that raising the age will help protect young people from alcohol and drug use.

A public transport vehicle: RAC 813W, Toyota Hiace was intercepted along Kirambo-Burera road, heading to the City of Kigali.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alex Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, the successful operation was based on credible information shared by residents that some of the vehicles coming from Burera do not comply with traffic rules.

“Police in Burera has mounted a roadblock to check all vehicles using the road Kirambo-Burera-Base, to see if they comply with traffic rules and regulations. They checked passengers and searched their luggage, and in the process, they found a bag full of pellets of cannabis, 1912 pellets to be exact, but the owner escaped,” the spokesperson said.

He added, “Passengers in the taxi identified the suspect as Munyenshongore aged between 50 and 55 as he was the one, sitting where the bag was found but escaped pretending to go for a short call, but never returned.”

CIP Rugigana also thanked the vigilance and responsiveness of the residents and called upon the general public to always report suspected drug dealers or anything suspicious to supplement the ongoing joint efforts to break chains of supply.

“Even if you suspect someone to be a drug dealer alert the Police to authenticate the information because drug dealers tend to apply different tricks to avoid being identified,” said the spokesperson.

Under article 263 of penal code, any person who unlawfully produces transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sell narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commit an offense. Upon conviction, he or she is liable to between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine between Rwf15 million and Rwf30 million.