Author: IGIHE

According to Police, they received credible information on Uwayezu’s criminal dealings, and acting on it, they arrested him red-handed in Cyanya Cell.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for Eastern Region said that Uwayezu was at the time traveling from Kigali to Rwamagana District by public means, and paid a fake note of Rwf1, 000, on arrival at his destination.

“Uwayezu attempted to pay the fare using counterfeit notes, but it was detected by the conductor; they immediately called the police and officers arrived shortly before he could leave the venue. When they searched him they recovered 17 other fake notes in denomination of Rwf5, 000, Rwf2, 000 and Rwf1, 000 on him,” CIP Twizeyimana explained.

The spokesperson added that the suspect disclosed another person connected to this counterfeit case. Uwayezu had bought fake money amounting to Rwf50, 000 at Rwf25, 000.

CIP Twizeyimana warned against such tendencies of dealing in counterfeit currencies and called for vigilance and partnership in identifying and arresting individuals involved. He further appealed to the general public to always be vigilant when receiving money.

“The general public, especially the business community are required to always be vigilant and check the given currency notes thoroughly to fight and prevent such financial crimes, which have ill-impact on the economy,” he advised.

“The effects of counterfeit to a trader are grave as they could easily lead them out of business. This is why we continuously request the public to be cautious about fake money,” added CIP Twizeyimana.

Article 269 of the Penal Code states that, “Any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or banknotes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.”

The duo was at the time of their arrest trying to con people promising to magically double the money they give, Police said.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorrette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that information about the alleged criminal acts was reported by some of the victims.

“These suspects were going around manipulating people that they have magic to make money, and would require their target to give them a certain amount of money they want doubled,” CIP Umutesi said.

Apparently, the suspects would wrap papers cut in form of currency notes in a handkerchief, which they would give to their target before vanishing with their money.

They were targeting anyone with anything valuable, including jewelry, CIP Umutesi explained.

“People should be vigilant; look at someone trying to convince you that they have the magic to make you rich. Why can’t they use their magic to get those riches themselves?” she wondered.

“When you see such people, know that they are fraudsters trying to defraud you; always be quick to call the Police to prevent them from victimizing others,” the spokesperson emphasized.

Article 174 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, states that “Any person, who by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than three years, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.”

Radebe who was the Minister of Infrastructure and currently one of top leaders of the country’ leading political party, ANC came to Rwanda following visits to other African countries including Ghana where he held talks with President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Attacks to foreigners was reported in Gautenf and Western Cape .

Apart from discussing policies against xenophobia, there several areas of concern both countries can discuss.

Rwanda and South Africa have been working towards revitalizing relations that soured in 2014 over political crises related to hosting convicted fugitives including Kayumba Nyamwasa convicted of terrorism acts that involved grenade attacks in different parts of Kigali taking lives of many people.

At the time, South Africa also accused Rwanda of being behind an armed attack on Kayumba’s home in South Africa.

This saw South Africa suspending the issuance of Visa to Rwandans heading to the country using ordinary passports and deported three Rwandan diplomats in Pretoria. In return, Rwanda expelled six South Africa’s diplomats.

As President Ramaphosa attended African Union Summit in Kigali 2018, he revealed that he had agreed with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to facilitate both countries’ Foreign Affairs Ministers to deal with the issue amicably and make a report for implementation. No progress has so far been reported.

George Nkosinati Twala was the last South Africa Ambassador to Rwanda. He was recalled after ending a 6-year term limit but has not yet been replaced.

The conference gathered over 150 energy and nuclear professionals from across the globe. Representatives from key African countries that are planning or already implementing their respective programs for developing peaceful nuclear technologies included Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia.

The topics key issues for the development of nuclear on the continent: international collaboration, technology development, infrastructure, financing, and regulation.

Speaking at the panel on global nuclear trends, Dmitry Shornikov, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, emphasized the advantages of joining the atomic club through creating nuclear industries in newcomer countries and gave an overview of projects with the maximum positive effect on the industrial development, enhancing the quality of life and developing knowledge economy.

He noted: “We are the only ones in the world who are fully vertically integrated in absolutely every segment of the nuclear value chain. We utilize this competitive advantage to create additional value by providing full support for the national nuclear energy program of the customer country at all its stages and provide access to the entire line of products and services throughout the entire life of a nuclear power plant from a single supplier. Rosatom offers solutions to partner countries in the field of energy and food security, health, education, and science, improving the quality and standard of living of the population”.

Ryan Collyer, Deputy CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa highlighted the reliability and versatility of small modular nuclear power plants.

He spoke of several tried and tested solutions in the field: “One of our latest and most exciting solutions is a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP).

The first plant, fondly named “Akademik Lomonosov” after famous Russian polymath, scientist, and writer Mikhail Lomonosov, is a unique and pioneering solution in the area of small modular reactors. ”

‘Akademik Lomonosov’ twin KLT-40 reactor system has a capacity of 77 MW, which is sufficient to satisfy the electricity needs of a city with a population of about 100 thousand people.

Due to its mobility, FNPP’s offer an excellent solution for power supply in remote and poorly accessible coastal territories.

The versatile FNPP has numerous other applications such as heat generation and desalination depending on the needs and location of the region. ‘Akademik Lomonosov’ will be ready to start commercial operation on the shore of the Arctic Ocean in the Far East region of Russia in December 2019

Mr. Collyer also noted that Rosatom offers land-based small modular reactors known as RITM-200: “A modular approach allows for easier and more cost effective electrical capacity expansion, as additional reactor units and turbine equipment are able to utilize existing auxiliary infrastructure”.

It is said that students’ mattresses and other equipment inside were burnt to ashes.

The fire caught the dormitory this Friday around 10 am.

The mayor of Rulindo district, Kayiranga Emmanuel has told IGIHE that investigation is underway to establish the cause.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been established but investigations are underway. We have held a meeting to devise means of helping students with alternative accommodation so they can continue with their exams,” he said.

Police Fire and Rescue Brigade rushed to extinguish the fire soon as it was alerted.
It is the second time that the fire incident is reported at the school this year.

Damaged cement was provided by the Ministry of Defense through the Reserve Forces one year ago following the heavy rain that left a number of houses destroyed in Rubavu district.

Tuyisenge Felix, one of the disaster-affected residents said the cement was long-awaited to complete their houses.

“Following disasters, the Government rented accommodation for vulnerable residents but others with means rebuilt houses. I am among those who managed to set up other buildings. It would be better we get the cement to make final touches,” he said.

Rubavu district vice mayor for economic affairs, Nzabonimpa Déogratias said they have assigned a team to inspect the number of damaged sacks and hold accountable the people behind the negligence.

“There are at least 700 sacks of cement that might have wasted in-store within a year. We have delegated a team following up on the matter to identify non-damaged cement to be used. We need the cement to build 400 houses of vulnerable residents this year. We shall opt for the court to bring to book whoever is responsible for the waste,” he said.

IGIHE has learned from credible sources that 5078 sacks were damaged in store though the vice mayor reduced the number to 700.

The heavy downpour of 3rd March 2018 resulted in the flooding of River Sebeya hence completely destroying 26 houses and dampened over 900. Most of the victims are still housed by good Samaritans.

Mudathiru is one of 25 RNC combatants arrested recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo and arraigned in the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo.

The group comprises of members from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and one Tanzanian-born with Malawi nationality.

All the 25 suspects were charged with four counts, namely; being part of an unlawful military outfit, treason, forming an illegal military outfit, and conniving with foreign countries to destabilize Rwanda.

Mudathiru admitted charges this Friday as he and co-accused recently repatriated from DRC appeared in the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo for hearing.
Mudathiru pleaded guilty of all the counts but explained that the rebel group’s plans were not executed.

“I apologize for that,” he said.

Mudathiru’s defense lawyer, Paola requested the beginning of the client’s trial in depth without remand period since the client pleaded guilty of counts cited by the prosecution.

Prosecution explained that court procedures must be determined by laws.
Other co-accused said they were promised job opportunities like driving, health care and mining among others to seduce them and later diveted into joining P5.

Retired army Major Habib Madhatiru, 53, is a former officer in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He has been walking on crutches due to a leg injury he sustained at the time of his capture.

Prosecutors say Mudathiru was in charge of operations and training in Congo for the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a rebel group founded by Kayumba Nyamwasa.

P5 is a coalition political parties against the government of Rwanda known as P5 including People’s Congress (AMAHORO-PC), Forces Démocratiques Unifées-Inkingi (FDU INKINGI), People’s Defence Pact-Imanzi (PDP-IMANZI), Socialist Party-Imberakuri (PS IMBERAKURI) and Rwanda National Congress (RNC) chaired by Kayumba.

With 84 weekly flights to 17 destinations in 16 countries, Africa is a crucial part of Brussels Airlines’ long haul network. The airline offers more than 1.2 million seats on its African flights this year and has a vast knowledge in operating to the continent, specifically to sub-Saharan Africa. The success of its flights to and from Africa lies partly in the connections to the rest of the Brussels Airlines network via its base at Brussels Airport, as more than 70% of travelers connect to or from other destinations in Europe and the US.

Although most of Brussels Airlines’ destinations in Africa have a primary focus on corporate travelers and passengers who visit their friends and relatives abroad (VFR) in Europe and the US, more and more holidaymakers find their way to the beautiful coasts and nature of Africa. Brussels Airlines sees an increasing holiday trend to beach destinations like Dakar (Senegal) and Banjul (The Gambia). Entebbe (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda) are year after year attracting more hikers and adventurers who want to visit the mountain gorillas in the wild. Last but not least, Sierra Leone with its pristine beaches is slowly but surely becoming a go-to destination for adventurous surf lovers from all over the world.

To better serve all of its travelers, the airline introduced a “boutique hotel in the air”, a brand new travel experience in its retrofitted A330 aircraft. By investing in a completely new Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, Brussels Airlines wants to offer a personal experience, recreating a boutique hotel feel at 30,000 feet. Next to a renewed Business Class and Economy Class, the airline also introduces Premium Economy, a brand new travel class. As more retrofitted aircraft enter the fleet, the new class will gradually be rolled out to more African destinations (see a detailed schedule below). From now on, Premium Economy is available on flights to and from Kinshasa and Luanda.

With a focus on comfort, personal space and hospitality, Premium Economy aims to respond to customers who want to have a high quality service and superior comfort, but do not wish to pay a Business Class fare. In Premium Economy, customers can expect 23% more legroom than Economy Class, a wider seat with a bigger headrest and a generous 40° seat recline. Premium Economy is separated from the other cabins for maximum privacy and rest.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization that provides insight and influences the public discourse on critical global issues.

The Council was formed on February 20, 1922. Originally named The Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, the organization was established as a neutral forum for discussing foreign affairs during a period of isolationism in the United States after World War I.

The delegation that arrived in Rwanda from Ethiopia held talks with Kagame yesterday revolving around Rwanda’s politics in the 25 years journey, economy and citizens’ wellbeing.

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe said that guests have a lot of things to learn from Rwanda including the country’s 25 years transformational journey.

He further stated that the delegation was thirsty to learn from Rwanda’s resilience over the past 25 years.

“Many foreigners still doubt about Rwanda’s transformational journey looking at the current progress and the situation in 1994. They hailed a lot concerning implemented economic policy, Rwanda’s Governance and culture among priorities promoting Rwandans unity,” he said.

Before meeting with Kagame, the delegation held talks with other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.

The head of the delegation said that they had extraordinary discussions with the President of Rwanda, what lessons the Unites States might be able to learn from Rwanda about how the society is brought together and what other states might do to continue to be a great good partner of Rwanda.

Kagame made the call yesterday as he officiated the swearing-in of the new Senate, Airforce Chief of Staff, and the new CEO and Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

“You were elected Senators based on your values, your patriotism, knowledge, and strengths. This forms the basis of why Rwandans expect you to use your strengths and abilities to improve their lives,” he said.

“Transforming the lives of our citizens will require to work closely with them, to help solve the challenges they still face and advise them on how to confront those that are laying ahead of us,” added the President.

Kagame reminded them that their job is to make sure that Rwandans get all they need and deserve towards living healthier lives.

He emphasized that security and good governance are foundations of their work that should be upheld as everyone’s responsibility.

“Good politics and good governance are things that each one of us should play a role in. This is what has brought us to where we are today. We are not yet where we want to be, but we are on the right path. It is important that we keep owning it and putting in all our efforts,” said the President.

Kagame congratulated new senators who took their oath of office to serve their country, the incoming Senate Bureau; the new Senate President and Vice Presidents and wished them success in their new duties.

He also thanked the outgoing Senate and its Bureau noting that their achievements will serve as the foundation for the incoming Senate’s activities and help the country to keep moving forward.

The newly sworn-in 20 senators will serve the country’s third Parliament for a five-year term.

They joined six others whose mandate will end next year.

Senators sworn-in yesterday at the parliament include Hadija Ndangiza Murangwa, Juvénal Nkusi, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, Espérance Nyirasafari, Marie Rose Mureshyankwano, Professor Cyprien Niyomugabo, Dr. Laetitia Nyinawamwiza, Dr. Augustin Iyamuremye, Lambert Dushimimana, Dr. Habineza Faustin, Bideri John, Mupenzi George, Ntidendereza William, and Habiyakare François.

Others include Fulgence Nsengiyumva, Prof. Ephraim Kanyarukiga, Pelagie Uwera, Adrie Umuhire, Innocent Nkurunziza. The senators of the second mandate who are welcoming the new ones include Consolée Uwimana, Charles Uyisenga, Jeanne d’ Arc Mukakalisa, Chrysologue Karangwa, Zephyrin Kalimba, and Margaret Nyagahura.

After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.

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.