The event included the distribution of educational materials on the spread and prevention of the Ebola virus. It focused on increasing EVD community mobilization and mass media communication and the cooperation from the people of Japan with the aim to strengthen partnership, promote cooperation and coordination for preparedness and readiness for EVD and other Public Health concerns. Communities and school children of the Sector were present and participated also in a quiz on Ebola Virus Disease. The winners received awards.
This event is a part of a WHO project of USD 1million which was founded by the Government of Japan to strengthen the capacity of Rwanda at national and district level to prevent, timely detect and effectively respond to possible spread of the 2018 Ebola virus disease(EVD) outbreak from DRC, as well as to ensure capabilities for detection and response to the other priority public health emergencies outlined in the National Action Plan on Health Security.
“The Government of Japan focuses on development cooperation to protect and empower individuals, and realize human security. We understand how important it is to prevent EVD outbreak before it happens in Rwanda and it is a great honour for us to contribute to EVD prevention,” said the Japanese Ambassador.
“We express gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the WHO Rwanda for carrying out this important project.” He added.
State Minster for Health, Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi said community engagement in Ebola preparedness is was so important and the sure way to overcome the epidemic in case an outbreak happens. He called on Rwandans to be keen on Ebola symptoms while practicing a hygienic lifestyle.
“Wash your hands with clean water and soap at all times, report any suspected ebola victim to the nearest health centre, don’t touch a person with Ebola symptoms,” advised Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi.
Since 1 August 2018, when the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo notified WHO of a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in North Kivu Province, in the eastern part of the country, the Ebola virus has killed thousands of people in the DRC.Rwanda is bordering the DRC with some districts being near to the Ebola affected areas.
The Government of Rwanda initiated preparedness mechanisms to minimize the risk of importation/cross border transmission of EVD as well as ensure an effective response. Risk Communication and Community Engagement is one of the pillars of preparedness and outbreak response.
Today, Airtel prides itself with an indoor coverage boost covering 98% of Rwanda with 628 sites serving both lines. Airtel spearheads bridging the digital divide in Rwanda to the growing demand of data users and the increase of smartphone penetration. It aims to deploy stronger spectrums that allow good transmission of voice, messages, and data.
Amit Chawal, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director said, “We have placed a huge investment in our network consolidation to enable our customers to have improved data experience. This infrastructure plays a key role in economic development, which can create a virtuous cycle where incomes improve and access increases.”
Airtel’s mobile network operations in Rwanda cover over 98 percent of the country, offering voice, data and mobile commerce services on its 3G network. With the improved 3G network upgrade, this means that there is a shift by Airtel to 900Mhz from the 2100Mhz band meaning that signals will travel a longer distance — the higher the frequency band, the lesser the distance and the poorer the quality. The 900 MHz band has 30 percent to 40 percent better coverage than the 2100 MHz band. With this Airtel prides itself to be the fastest and most affordable data network in Rwanda.
Airtel has improved penetration in buildings across major towns to enable improved data experience for its customers.
Our customers can now enjoy the widest internet coverage in Rwanda. Enjoy our affordable data packs, dial *255*2# on your devices to enjoy this service. The youth can also continue to enjoy the Jama packs on *154#.
To check the data bundle balance, Airtel subscribers can *131*1#. For more information, kindly reach us on our social media or through our call center number 100 or WhatsApp us on this number: 0722123000
The Senate comprises of four permanent commissions and the disciplinary commission mandated to carry out an assessment on senators’ discipline, conduct and guarding their immunity.
These include; Committee for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security; the Committee on Economic Development and Finance; Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Human Rights and the Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance.
Dushimimana Lambert has been elected the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee for Political Affairs and Good Governance as Murangwa Hadidja deputizes him.
Other senators in the same committee include Karangwa Chrysologue, Nsengiyumva Fulgence, Ntidendereza William and Uwera Pélagie.
Nkusi Juvénal who formely served in the Chamber of Deputies heading the Public Accountant Committee has been elected the chairperson of the Senatorial Standing Committee on Economic Development and Finance deputized by Uwimana Consolée.
Other members of the committee are; Kalimba Zephyrin, Mupenzi George, Nkurunziza Innocent, and Nyinawamwiza Laetitia.
The Senate assembly also elected Bideri John Bonds as the head of the Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security and Mukakalisa Jean d’Arc as the vice-chairperson to coordinate with other members of the committee including Kanyarukiga Ephrem, Nyagahura Marguerite, and Uyisenga Charles.
The Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Human Rights Biro had Umuhire Adrie as the chairperson deputized by Habineza Faustin.
Other members include; Habiyakare François, Havugimana Emmanuel, Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, and Niyomugabo Cyprien.
Senators have also elected Karangwa Chrysologue as the chairperson of the Senate Disciplinary Committee deputized by Uwera Pélagie. Other members are; Havugimana Emmanuel, Mupenzi George, and Mureshyankwano Marie Rose.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a five-year term, renewable once.
Bayigamba appeared in Nyarugenge Primary court this Wednesday for bail application hearing as investigations are underway.
Bayigamba appeared in court around 10:30 putting on glasses, a black jacket, Kaki trouser and shower sandals.
He told the judge that he is not ready for trial citing the absence of his defense lawyer. He requested time to negotiate his legal representative to which prosecution said that it is part of the suspect’s rights to get legal representation.
Prosecution explained that Bayigamba had a defense lawyer during interrogations at Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) but was not informed of his client’s hearing when called to clarify reasons for his absence in the morning.
The judge requested to update Bayigamba’s defense lawyer the next day for hearing on Wednesday 6th November 2019.
Bayigamba was arrested on 22nd October 2019.
RIB explained that Bayigamba is suspected of applying fraudulent practices to rip off and selling of another person’s item.
The encouragement was made on Tuesday during the YouthConnekt Awards 2019 finals in the Southern Province where youth were told to invest in the capital market products to be able to reap profits.
Robert Mwesigwa, the Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council urged the youth on the need to embrace entrepreneurship and to take advantage of the available opportunities to develop themselves and contribute towards the country’s growth as we have several programmes that seek to empower the young people.
CMA initiated an interactive and educational forum to enable the general public understand the benefits of savings and investing through the capital market. These sessions help the youth to understand the benefits of the capital market so that they can be able to contribute to the country’s development efforts by saving and investing through the local capital market.
“Capital market is the best place for young people to invest for the future; when you buy a share of stock, you are actually buying ownership into that company. Over time, these companies will release more products, gain more customers, increase earnings and grow,” stressed by Magnifique Migisha, the Public Relations Officer at the Capital Market Authority. He added that “In addition to that there is a possibility to invest in the Government Treasury Bond and in the unit trust schemes in Rwanda.”
Solange Uwera, young innovator from Muhanga District who runs a successful sewing business said that young people should understand the importance of the capital market.
She stressed that “I now understand the benefits of saving and investing in the capital market products as it pay back in the future so that we can be able to grow our businesses easily and contribute easily to the country’s development as the capital market is vital for the government and individuals to develop.”
The Capital Market Authority aims to help youth from across the country to know more about saving and investing through the capital market at a young age, and assist them to understand the capital market operations as capital market is a saving and investment destination for everyone.
The fifth edition of Qatar Information Technology and Communication Conference and Exhibition is running from 29th to 1st November under the theme “Safe Smart Cities”.
QITCOM 2019 is showcasing innovative and various technologies by creating a knowledge-sharing platform for technology providers, policy-makers, industry experts and thought-leaders.
Kagame made the remarks today morning as he delivered a Keynote Address at the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM2019) hosted by the Qatar Ministry of Transport and Communication, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim BinHamad, the Emir of Qatar.
Kagame said that urbanization has been a powerful driver of wealth, culture and science throughout history given that urban life brings people of diverse backgrounds into close contact with the opportunity to learn from each other.
He explained that cities have also generated significantly higher levels of economic productivity as well as creativity adding that urbanization creates the conditions for more complex economies, powered by innovation and services.
“In short, urbanization is a key step on any society’s pathway to prosperity,” said Kagame.
He underscored that Africa still has some of the world’s lowest rates of urbanization which is among the factors that have kept Africa from advancing as quickly as it should have due to inherent advantages
“However, the human geography of Africa is in a state of rapid change. The rate of growth of Africa’s cities is on average the highest in the world. For example, in Rwanda, our urbanization rate is around 6 percent a year, compared to the global average of around 2 percent,” said Kagame.
“In 1962, Rwanda’s capital Kigali had only around 6,000 residents. Today, Kigali is home to nearly 1.5 million people. Still, less than 20 percent of Rwanda’s population lives in urban areas. Our target is to raise that to 35 percent, in the coming years,” he added.
The President said that such a wave of urbanization is also occurring elsewhere in Africa and represents a historic window of opportunity for investment, growth and human development.
He, therefore, stressed the need for effective planning and do things right.
“We cannot afford to leave urbanization to chance or go back and fix mistakes later after costs and damage have already been incurred. This is where technology has a huge role to play,” said Kagame.
He emphasized that Africa is fortunate to be undergoing its urban revolution at this particular time when smart cities technologies are evolving and maturing and shared Rwanda’s strides.
“In Kigali, wi-fi has been made available on public transportation, whereby the way, you pay for your ticket using a tap-and-go card, not cash. Essential public services, such as identity documents, land titles and business registration are accessed through our e-government platform, known as Irembo,” he said.
“Rwandans are also using mobile money applications to pay for water and electricity, as well as their taxes. Digital payment not only makes those services more accessible to consumers, it also reduces the vectors for corruption,” added Kagame.
Kagame commended the Emir of Qatar for his foresight in establishing the annual Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-corruption Excellence Award.
Rwanda has been selected as the host for this year’s award ceremony in Kigali on December 9th.
Kagame said these competitive prizes recognize exemplary efforts to build corruption-free societies around the world.
The President further stated: “ As our cities grow, we will remain open to collaborating with partners, such as those represented at this exhibition. We wish to work together to deploy relevant technologies, to manage the consequences of urban expansion and make sure that our citizens and visitors get the most out of our cities.”
He stressed two important considerations to keep in mind, at all times as countries strive to build smart cities.
“First, smart cities are about people not computers. The mission is not to invest in technology for its own sake, but to do so strategically, to make life measurably better for the people who live in our cities,” noted Kagame.
Secondly, the President said that the foundation of smart cities is trust whereby much of urban technology depends on the data generated by residents.
“If we want our citizens and customers to remain open to the benefits of high-tech cities, we need to be responsible with their data at every stage, from collection to storage and usage,” he said.
“The public and private sectors must work closely together to foster the necessary environment of trust for smart cities to flourish,” added Kagame.
He emphasized that the current primary task is to accelerate the implementation of development vision, ‘in order to rapidly achieve the good results witnessed in this country, among other positive examples around the world’.
Kagame called for collaboration to apply the power of technology to enhance the quality of cities and the future of the people who live in them.
Rwandan companies participating in Smart City Expo in Doha include AC Group, Ampersand, BSC, Irembo, Pascal Technology, QT Software, and a youth-led recycling start-up, Wastezon.
The study trip was aimed at learning and exploring opportunities, deeper insights into the development and role of technology in daily lives.
The students from Software Development at Muhabura Integrated Polytechnic College expressed gratitude for acquired knowledge giving them more courage to concentrate on their lessons.
Inoventyk was selected for expertise in technology services delivery being the force behind the design of websites for majority strong institutions in Rwanda.
Ukobizaba Baptiste who represented the students said: “It was a great pleasure because students were thirsty to explore how theoretical studies can be put into practice and learn from Inoventyk’s employees’ expertise. They have learned a lot from the interactive sessions with them.”
“The institution has up to date equipment and performing well. It encouraged our students to be dedicated on their choices, give it a priority and much time,” added Ukobizaba.
Having started at the beginning of 2019, Inoventyk is located in Kigali city at Ndamage building.
Offered services range from website design, hosting and maintenance among others.
The CEO of Inoventyk, Paterne Nsengiyumva has told IGIHE that the session was meant to share expertise with students and tip them on areas of priority.
“The study trip was meant to equip students with hands-on skills in technology-related courses mainly website design, software development and making reports among others,” he said.
“We usually offer training and offer internship opportunities to students and different schools. These students visited us to be updated on required digital skills and competences at the labor market ahead of starting internship next year,” added Nsengiyumva.
One of these students for study tour at Inoventyk who already made a website was promised support to improve it for effective communication to the right audience.
Inoventyk seeks to create innovative digital solutions and helping Rwandans to tap into technology advantages aligning with the country’s vision to promote knowledge based economy.
Harerimana allegedly murdered his wife on the night of 16th September 2019 around 11 pm by hitting her with an axe on the head at their home where they lived with six children sired together of whom the youngest and the eldest are respectively aged 6 and 19.
Harerimana fled immediately following the murder and arrested hiding at a neighbor’s home.
His trial under public hearing started on 15th October 2019 where Harerimana pleaded guilty and apologized for the heinous crime.
Prosecution put it that the man planned the murder, bought a bayonet which he kept in their sleeping room.
Among others, the family was ensnared in persistent wrangles that the husband had filed a request for divorce before the court.
The presiding judge said the ruling was based on evidence provided by the prosecution and the fact that Harerimana admitted alleged crimes.
The public welcomed the ruling but called for the Government’s support to children.
The motorcycle, registration number RE 328S belonging to one Eric Nzabahimana, was allegedly stolen in the night of October 27, when he was ambushed by two men in Ntunga, along Rwamagana-Kigali highway.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, disclosed that the motorcycle was recovered on Monday in Kadasumbwa Village, Ntunga Cell of Mwulire Sector in Rwamagana, from the suspected thief identified as Damascene Niyitegeka, 36, who was also arrested.
“On October 27, Niyitegeka hired Nzabahimana in Rwamagana town to take him to Nyagasambu. When they reached Ntunga at about 9pm, Niyitegeka allegedly requested the rider to stop somewhere along the road, another man appeared from the nearby bush, and together with Niyitegeka they assaulted Nzabahimana before taking his motorcycle,” CIP Twizeyimana explained.
Nzabahimana immediately reported the theft to Ntunga Police station.
“The following day on October 28, residents of Ntunga called the Police after seeing a motorcycle in Niyitegeka’s house. He didn’t have a motorcycle, so they became suspicious, they informed local authorities, who in turn called the Police; coincidentally, the motorcycle was the same, which had been reported stolen the previous night. Niyitegeka was immediately taken into custody,” CIP Twizeyimana added.
The suspect has since been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kigabiro station.
CIP Twizeyimana thanked the residents, who facilitated the recovery of the motorcycle and arrest of the prime suspect.
“Law enforcement agencies are working together to locate and arrest Niyitegeka’s accomplice. Whenever you see something suspicious or suspect anyone to be engaged in criminal acts, always inform local authorities and Police; that’s the importance of community policing to fight and prevent crimes,” he emphasized.
The lecturers in the seminar include some of the leading academic scholars of new religious movements from the United States and Europe.
At the seminar titled, “Intolerance and discrimination against new religious movements: an international problem”, the participating experts covered the current issues of destructive damages caused by human rights violations, focusing on religious minorities targeted by the majority groups.
Introducing the cases of forced conversion and deprogramming in China, Japan, Russia, and the United States, two scholars from CESNUR and HRWF illuminated the recent discoveries of unyielding violent behaviors against religious minorities in South Korea.
Back on July 3rd, Coordination of Associations & Private for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC) as a UN ECOSOC special consultative status issued and submitted a written statement on “Forcible deprogramming in the Republic of Korea” to the UN Human Right Council (UNHRC) in order to raise awareness of the deaths, family breakdown and mental trauma of over 1,200 Korean citizens due to the forced conversion committed by the Christian Council of Korea.
The open letter, signed by 15 international NGOs including CAP-LC and HRWF, to the South Korean President Moon Jae In on July 24th, read that ‘South Korea may well be the last democratic country in the world where deprogramming is still tolerated’ and asked the President to ‘investigate in-depth accusations of forcible deprogramming, put a stop to this obnoxious practice, and hold those responsible fully accountable’.
Even though the deprogramming has taken the lives of the victims since 2007, the South Korean government or the President has not yet responded to this issue.
Meanwhile, South Korea was elected to serve the 5th term on the United Nations Human Rights Council on October 17th. South Korea’s mission to the UN said that it plans “to participate in the international efforts to respond to human rights crises around the world.”
