Antigua and Barbuda were elected to preside over the three organizations while Bulgaria, Sweden, and Kuwait were also elected to the board as co-vice presidents.
The Executive Board provides intergovernmental support and supervision for the activities of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS in accordance with the policy guidance of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the United Nations Charter.
Prior to her position in the UN, ambassador Rugwabiza served as Minister for East African Community from 2014 to 2016. Between 2013 and 2014, she was RDB’s Chief Executive Officer and Cabinet Member.
From 2005 to 2013, Rugwabiza was Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the first woman to ever hold that position.
Between 2000 and 2002, Rugwabiza was an advisor in Protection and Care of Families against HIV/AIDS (PACFA) which later became Imbuto Foundation. She holds a Master’s degree in sciences from former National University of Zaire. (Current Democratic Republic of Congo)
‘Ejo Heza’ scheme was established to support citizens in the agricultural sector, workers in small and micro enterprises, daily wage earners, domestic-helps, self-employed professionals and other informal sector non-salaried workers that are excluded from the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) pension program.
In a bid to spread and arouse interest about the benefits of saving with ‘Ejo Heza’, heads of cooperatives in the Western Province were offered training on December 12th, 2019 about the operational aspect of the scheme.
In general, cooperatives in Rwanda bring together at least 5 million citizens making 92% of people that have the potential of saving through Ejo Heza as they are not eligible for saving through RSSB.
currently, the number of Rwandans eligible for RSSB pension are only 8% given that it is strictly reserved for salaried employees who have signed contracts with their institutions.
The meeting brought together heads of agriculture, fishing, farming and service cooperatives. They concluded the meeting determined to recommend ‘Ejo Heza’ to the people they lead and support the initiatives of the Government of Rwanda to ensure dignified retirement of citizens in the informal sector.
Nsabimana Theophile, president of ‘Coopérative théicole de Gisovu-Muko’ (COTHEGIM) says they continuously recommend ‘Ejo Heza’ scheme to their cooperative members. “The scheme is now getting embraced in the region and many are willing to subscribe and be part of the revolution.”
COTHEGIM has so far subscribed 1200 members to ‘Ejo Heza’ long-term saving scheme.
Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) says that cooperative members have expressed much interest in using the saving scheme.
RCA representative in the Western Province, Hamisi Jean Damascene says that ‘Ejo Heza’ complements cooperatives agenda of improving the wellbeing of citizens especially those who own businesses.
Mugiraneza Emmanuel, RCA coordinator in the Western Province says that Ejo Heza was primarily established to support those in cooperatives. “They had no other scheme for saving and for retirement as salaried employees do.”
Ejo Heza regulations allow subscribers to save as their income permits. Those in the first and second Ubudehe category are required to save at least Rwf 15,000 per year and receive an additional Rwf 18,000 from the government.
Those in the third Ubudehe category are required to save at least Rwf 18,000 per year and receive an additional Rwf 9,000. As for those in the fourth Ubudehe category are required to save Rwf 72,000 per year with no additional funds from the government.
The money is collected monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or upfront and those who have saved with Ejo Heza will start receiving pension money once they are 55 years old. Those with large savings will be eligible to request loans to build or buy a house, pay school fees among others.
In the event one of Ejo Heza subscribers dies, their family will be compensated with Rwf 1,250,000 including a million to support the family and Rwf 250,000 for burial.
To subscribe to Ejo Heza saving scheme, you can dial *506# on Android or iOS and follow instructions.
Ejo Heza Long term Savings Scheme is currently administered by RSSB and it works with a diverse range of intermediaries spread across all Districts of Rwanda such as bank branches and agents, Umurenge SACCOs, MFIs, cooperatives, MNO agents, utility bill payment agencies and IREMBO that support citizens in education, enrolment, and subscriptions to the scheme.
The government of Rwanda has the goal of increasing saving from 10.6% to 23% in 2024.
With cyber-crimes, there are risks of data leaks and security breaches of companies’ digital assets. About 60 percent of small businesses globally fold within 6 months of a cyber-attack.
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From the time it was established in 2008 BSC has been at the forefront of ICT services in Rwanda with a lot of innovations.
Managed Security Services (MSS) were put into place to address potential vulnerabilities and provide protection from cyber-attacks.
Chief Commercial Officer at BSC, Gilbert Kayinamura, says they are targeting to deliver Managed Security Services to all BSC customers and other potential BSC clients who are into business and different areas ranging from agriculture, education, health-related institutions, and organizations.
To ensure that MSS reaches as many clients, affordability has been given due consideration.
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The contingents; FPU-1 and FPU-2 are commanded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Uwimana Safari and (SSP) Antoine Munyampundu, respectively.
The contingent under ACP Safari will conduct its peacekeeping operations in the capital Bangui, while that under SSP Munyampundu will be based in Kaga Bandora, in the north of the capital.
The deployed contingents replaced two others of the same number, which returned home later in the evening.
The returned FPU-1 was under the command of ACP Damas Gatare and FPU-2 commanded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Christian Safari.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Denis Basabose, presided over the departure and arrival of the contingents.
CP Basabose, while speaking to the returning contingent on arrival at KIA, thanked them for the good work and representing the country ably.
“You were given enough training prior to your deployment and it is good that you performed as expected; with discipline, teamwork, and professionalism; the awarded medals of service excellence define your good work of peacekeeping in the Central African Republic,” CP Basabose said.
He further urged them to use the acquired skills and experience from their completed mission, to serve the country.
While giving an overview of their one year peacekeeping mandate in CAR, SSP Alphonse Ngabonziza, who guided the contingents, said that the pre-deployment training helped them to overcome the challenging circumstances in the mission area.
He said that they successfully completed their mission thanks to the discipline, dedication, resilience, and professionalism exhibited by the officers as well as the good relations with the local population, which partly facilitated them to accomplish their duties.
“We are grateful to be back home. We are all safe, physically and mentally, ready to continue serving our country in other duties that we will be assigned,” he noted.
The contingents are charged with the protection of high profile officials, public order management, protection of internally displaced persons, key installations and infrastructures, patrols and escort duties, among others.
Rwanda is the second-largest police contributing country to the UN peacekeeping operations.
Twizeyimana was intercepted on Sunday in Remera Sector of Ngoma District with 100kgs of fertilizers. He was at the time smuggling the fertilizers on a motorcycle RC 169P, which was also impounded.
The suspect was buying the fertilizers from vulnerable beneficiaries in Kabarondo, Kayonza District and selling them to passion fruit farmers in Remera, Ngoma District, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
“Police, which was in an operation to arrest distillers, sellers and traffickers of illicit brew in Remera, became suspicious and stopped Theoneste Twizeyimana, who was carrying consignments in sacks on the motorcycle,” the spokesperson said.
He added: “When they searched the sacks they found they were loaded with industrial fertilizers, which he buys from vulnerable beneficiaries in Kayonza and sells them at a higher price to passion fruit farmers in Ngoma.”
The fertilizer, which are given to farmers, contain nutrients that play a key role in agricultural productivity.
“Beneficiaries and business community are encouraged to prevent such illegal businesses that negatively effect the government agricultural programme, and report those who hamper the national development efforts.”
The Ministry of Agriculture said these fertilizers are meant for the farmers at a subsidized price to increase their production.
“Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Ministry of Agriculture are currently working together to ensure that all those involved in such illegal businesses are caught and brought to justice” he said.
CIP Twizeyimana warned that it’s illegal to buy fertilizers from beneficiaries and advised beneficiaries to use them to increase production and fight poverty.
The ‘Korean Ambassador’s Cup 2019’ is an annual competition that was for this year organized by Tanzania Taekwondo Federation in partnership with the Embassy of Korea in Tanzania.
The annual Taekwondo competition, sponsored by the South Korean Embassy in Kigali, attracted several athletes from different clubs across the East African Community (EAC) and The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda won 5 gold medals from Uwababyeyi Delphine who plays in the ‘under 53kg’ category, Ndacyayisenga Aline who plays in the ‘Under 57kg’ category and Sekanyambo Jean-Paul who plays in the ‘Under 58kg’ category.
Munyakazi Vincent who plays in the ‘Under 74kg’ category and Mwemezi Cedric in the ‘Under 87kg’ also won gold medals while Kayitare Benoit in the ‘Under 63kg’ category won a silver medal.
In general, Rwanda won third place in the competition based on the addition of all medals won by individual players.
Rwandans also won the most valuable player (MVP) award in the women’s team from Uwababyeyi Delphine, the best trainer from Bagire Allain Irene and best referee from Mushambokazi Zura.
Concluding the competition, the Ambassador of Korea in Tanzania commended the contribution of Rwanda in the organization of the competition where Rwanda Taekwondo Federation lent scoring equipment for counting points during the competition and staff to operate them.
Rwanda Taekwondo Federation will land in Kigali on Tuesday, December 17th, 2019.
Taekwondo players will immediately return to their respective teams as they prepare for the annual ‘Gorilla Open Taekwondo Championships’ held in Kigali from December 20th to December 22nd, 2019.
The parents expressed the concern saying it is a challenge on teachers’ efficiency in evaluating performance of so many learners at once. In some classes, there are more than 60 students with 4 to 5 pupils sharing one bench.
Parents have demanded that more classrooms should be built to enable reduction of pupil-teacher ratio, saying that if nothing is done, pupils will continue to bear negative consequences.
Mukabucyana Valerie, one of the parents said that they are concerned about the inadequate learning environment of their children because it is clear that given the small classroom size, many will find it difficult to acquire knowledge with utmost efficiency.
“I once asked my daughter why she came home with no homework and she answered she was not able to write because she had nowhere to sit or stand in the classroom.”
Mazimpaka Evode whose child also goes to Musezero Primary School says that large class sizes do not only obscure the learning of their children but leaves them susceptible to diseases.
“In those conditions, I doubt anyone is capable of learning. Children are also at the risk of getting infected with diseases including skin and respiratory diseases. We have requested for intervention from the government because we see this as an urgent matter.”
The mayor of Musanze district, Mrs. Nuwumuremyi Jeannine says that the matter has been communicated and that new classrooms will be built starting early next year.
“A good education is a precious heritage and to ensure that it is assured for children in Musanze, the problem of overcrowded classrooms will soon be addressed. Starting next year, new classrooms will be constructed to accommodate smaller numbers for every class.”
Musanze District is among the top districts in Rwanda that face the problem of overcrowded and old classrooms but starting 2020, the district has in its plans to renovate and build new classrooms to enable teachers in structuring small learning teams and make an evaluation of child performance much easier.
During his address, he said that he believes the police officers have acquired enough knowledge and skills to fulfill their mission in the Central African Republic.
“You all have to know that your actions in the country you will be deployed to, reflect the image of Rwanda. Before anyone talks with you, they will first spot the Rwandan flag on your uniforms. Make sure your actions reflect the impeccable image the Rwandan Police is renowned for.”
He said that the mission they have been given is not an easy one and that they need to make some sacrifices for their country. “Completing your mission will not only be a good record for you but for the country.”
He urged the police officers to show empathy and support those in need. He reminded them that even though they will be sent by the United Nations, they have other duties to fulfill for the country like supporting vulnerable communities and sensitizing citizens in the host country to develop a sense of independence rather than always waiting for their government to support them.
He also reminded police officers who have negative habits including drunkenness to behave and avoid staining the image of the country.
He called upon police officers to be strong and defend themselves and the citizens they will be charged with protecting in tense situations where the enemy will be threatening to assault them.
Deployed police officers are in two teams with one team of 140 led by ACP Uwimana Safari and it is the 6th cohort to be sent to the CAR while the second team is led by SSP Antoine Munyampundu and is the fifth cohort to be sent to the CAR.
The police officers will leave for the CAR today, December 16th, 2019 and will be replacing another cohort of 280 who were also divided into two teams.
The decision comes after different methods of field preparation and seed invigoration were introduced where it is predicted that some crops seeds will stop being imported from abroad.
The announcement was made Friday, December 14th during the USAID-funded project ‘Feed the Future HingaWeze Project’ end of the year party.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture says more seed preparation methods have been introduced for crops like maize, wheat, soybeans, Irish potatoes, beans, and sweet potatoes.
He added that the Government of Rwanda has been spending more than Rwf 4 billion every year to import wheat, soybean and 3000 tons of maize seeds.
“We have established enough facilities to allow farmers to grow maize locally and be able to prepare seeds on their own.”
Musabyimana says the new methods will solve the scarcity of seeds and reduce import costs.
A research conducted by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in August, 2019 shows that the supply of maize seeds is on 73%, beans on 69%, wheat on 73% and soybeans on 78%.
Adequate seed preparation has increased from 3% to 12.5% for small-scale agriculture and by 53.1% for large-scale farming.
Musabyimana says that for now, the focus is seed preparation for small-scale farming but that more will be done to produce for large-scale farming. “I believe that in the next two agricultural seasons, we will not be importing seeds but this does not mean farmers have no right to import whenever they wish.”
He added that MINAGRI continuously supports institutions involved in seed preparation and distribution across the country and overlooks their activities to ensure all the necessary actions are taken.
“We have staff in charge of research to find the types of seeds appropriate to our lands and climate. Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) for example, focuses on overlooking farming practices across the country while private institutions do the rest.”
Daniel Gies, Chief of Party of the USAID Hinga Weze Activity said that the three-year project will support more than 530,000 farmers to increase their crop yield, improve diets for women and children and growing crop varieties which are resilient to climate change.
“So far, the project has increased crop yield by 50% for 26488 small-scale farmers. Regarding soil conservation, 818.9 hectares were terraced while 50 hectares of swamplands were prepared.”
A project performance report indicates that 238,480 farmers benefited from it where 60,113 hectares are being used for modern farming with an investment of US $1,102,689.
The report also shows that 36, 718 farmers were brought together in saving cooperatives consisting of 8775 families all enjoying healthy diets while 22,271 children under the age of 2 also have access to healthy diets.
The workshop was devoted to enabling educators from UNESCO-associated schools experience and practice peace value education in the field through presentation sessions on peace education materials and pilot class.
HWPL says that peace education serves as a global platform with the aim of “leaving peace as a legacy to the future generations” by raising awareness of building peace from citizens and fostering a culture of peace to challenge the threat from war and violence.
Ms. Dorah Kitala, principal education officer of Ministry of Education said, “Peace education textbooks and the curricula are innovative. After the demonstration, I could feel that peace education is necessary for Kenya and would work with HWPL in the future.”
With the need for teaching values of peace to Kenyan students, 20 educators from UNESCO associated schools signed an agreement, which says they teach the right character for those who would carry the future of the country and to disperse peace education in Kenya.
HWPL has endorsed peace education in over 220 educational institutions globally and established a partnership with government agencies (ministry of education) to introduce peace education for students, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Guatemala. HWPL, KNATCOM and the Ministry of Education of Kenya are considering formalizing peace education activities throughout the country.
