Author: IGIHE

The process dubbed ‘Public Transport Generation Two (PT-G2)’ launched on Thursday is part of the national transformation process, which will officially come into force in May next year, running for five years until 2025.

PT-G2 described as a well planned, scheduled and prioritized public transport network, will replace the five-year PT-G1 launched in August 2013, which mainly focused on organizing and regulating public transport in the capital.

PT-G1 also replaced PT-G0 (before 2013), when the city was defined by low capacity vehicles with poor accessibility, operating on non-assigned routes, high revenue leakages between vehicle owners and drivers/conductors, and the government; abusive drivers and conductors; long waiting hours; unclean vehicles and unhygienic drivers and conductors.

Under PT-G2, the regulator will introduce vehicle schedule time at every bus station, improved route planning, introduce public transport application for smart-phones to facilitate passengers in their schedules on time when a bus will be at the station; driver duty board, which is filled by the driver on arrival and departure time at every bus station; and an intelligent service monitoring system, which helps the regulator to track buses in line with regard to arrival and departure time at stations.

Others include better vehicle mix, improved service contracts, increasing the commercial speed to influence use public transport rather than use of private means, which cause traffic jam; introduction of drivers’ shifts to preventing stress and accidents caused by long working hours, contracts for drivers to ensure job security, medical insurance, and organized salary payment process, all which is aimed at having professional drivers with access to financial loans since they will be having contracts.

This Thursday’s launch of the reforms process marked the official call for fresh interested parties to operate public transport in the City of Kigali, a process that will take two months.

Currently, there are 80 routes in the City of Kigali up from 41 routes in 2013, which are classified into four zones.

RURA’s Director-General, Patrick Nyirishema, while speaking, during the press conference, said that PT-G2 comes to implement the city master plan, which requires a transit-oriented city, sustainable transport network, and comprehensive transport system.

“We have moved a long journey from PT-G0 towards PT-G2 and to PT-G3 (which will start in 2026); we moved from a disorganized transport system where passengers had no right, but we are yet to get where this country wants to be, and we will get there in favorable steps and phases,” Nyirishema said.

He added that under the new public transport generation, passengers will hold transporters and drivers accountable through a real-time passenger information systems, fight traffic jams through prioritized public transport routes, and increase the use of public transport and preventing road accidents.

Currently, motorcycles account for the majority 60 percent means of transport in Kigali, private cars account for 34 percent, while public vehicles and cargo trucks account for 3 percent each.

A survey conducted this year indicates that there are 450 fleets in Kigali with a capacity of 18,394 passengers.

According to Nyirishema, the current fleet is enough to accommodate passenger capacity in Kigali, but the commercial speed is affected by the big number of private means of transport, which the new reforms will strive to address.

Generation Two will also look at the transport fare, improve operations monitoring system, public transport operator structure and governance.

Transport schedules will also take into consideration normal and peak hours, weekend and public holidays.

Nyirishema said that the reforms are meant to further ensure reliability and legibility, increase passengers’ satisfaction and improve traffic control.

Dr. Iyamuremye has been elected today during the swearing-in ceremony of new Senators who joined the country’s third Parliament. The ceremony was presided over by President Paul Kagame at the Parliamentary building in Kimihurura.

Esperance Nyirasafari, the former Minister of Sports and Culture has been elected the Vice-President of the Senate in charge of Legal Affairs and Control of Government Actions with 23 votes against her contestant Hadija Ndangiza Murangwa who got 3 votes.

Mukabaramba Alvera has been elected the Senate Vice-President in Charge of Finance and Administration with 22 votes against his competitor Adrien Umuhire who obtained 4 votes.

Dr. Iyamuremye thanked his colleagues for the trust bestowed on him.

“I would like to express my sincere gratefulness from the bottom of my heart for the trust bestowed upon me. I assure you of delivering to the best of my ability. My thanks go to fellow senators and co-chairs of the Senate Bureau. It is a great responsibility that we can only achieve success with every senator’s direct support,” he said.

Iyamuremye promised efficiency towards citizens’ common interests
A trained veterinary doctor, Iyamuremye, 74, is a vastly experienced senior PSD politician. His political career spans over three decades. He served under previous regimes, including as prefet (governor) of then Gitarama prefecture, Head of Intelligence, among other key roles.

During the post-1994 period, he served in different Cabinet portfolios, including Agriculture, Information, and Foreign Affairs. He also served as a senator, presidential advisor, among other roles.

He is among the four senate-designates who joined the Senate as a presidential appointee in September 2019.

Other presidential appointees include Espérance Nyirasafari, François Habiyakare and Alvera Mukabaramba.

Until his recent appointment, Iyamuremye was serving as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF), a role reserved for people who have proven experience and ability in addressing national challenges.

Prior to her appointment as Senator, Nyirasafari also served as Minister of Gender and Family Promotion for the Government of Rwanda since October 4th, 2016.

She served as a Member of Parliament Chamber of Deputies Standing Committee on Political and Gender Affairs since October 06th, 2013.

She also held the positions of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice from January 2007 to May 2011, National Prosecutor from 2004 to 2007 and the Chief Prosecutor in former Gitarama Province from February 2001 to July 2004.

From 1999 to 2001, Mrs. Nyirasafari Espérance worked with the Civil Society in the field of women and children’s rights in Haguruka Association.

Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba – the former presidential candidate (2003/2010), was elected the Senate Vice President in charge of Administration and Finance.
She returns to the Senate for the second time.

Mukabaramba is a Paediatrician who graduated at the First Pavlov State Medical University in Russia. Dr. Mukabaramba who is the President of the Party of Progress and Concord (PPC), was the Minister of State for Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government.

They were handed the sentence on 6th July 2018 following two months of appeal in the Paris Court d’Assises. They later filed a complaint to the Court of Cessation which held the verdict on 16th October 2019.

Octavian Ngenzi and Tito Barahira were successive Mayors (Bourgmestres) of the former Kabarondo Commune, now in the current Kayonza District between 1977-1994.

The Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), a rights group that works to bring Genocide suspects living in France to book has welcomed the decision.

The Chairperson of CPCR, Alain Gauthier said: “The duo is additional to Pascal Simbikangwa convicted of genocide crimes in 2016 making it only three genocidaires handed life sentence in France in 25 years. It is unfortunate.”

Tito and Ngenzi were convicted for taking part in the killings of Tutsi who fled to former Kabarondo commune offices.

Octavien Ngenzi, 61, and Tito Barahira, 68, were handed life sentences in 2016 and upheld during the appeal hearing in 2018.

IGIHE learnt that Gen Rwigamba breathed his last in Cairo International Medical Center where he went for treatment.

Rwigamba assumed different offices as the Commissioner General of Rwanda National Police prior to 2008 when he was relieved of his duties and replaced by Emmanuel Gasana in 2013.

The post was temporarily being filled by Deputy Commissioner General, Mary Gahonzire who was at the time appointed Head the National Prisons Services.

Andrew Rwigamba was sent to retirement from RDF at the rank of Brigadier General in October 2013 along with other senior and non-commissioned officers.

He was among the first batch of senior officers sent into retirement that took part in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Following his retirement, Gen Rwigamba was appointed the Director-General in charge of Foreign Military Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.

The Government of Rwanda introduced land registration in 2009 to enhance transparency and put an end to land-sharing related disputes. The exercise was completed in 2013 but some parcels remain unregistered.

RLMUA statement released on 15th October 2019 has given a three-month deadline for people with unregistered land.

It is said that some landowners provided incomplete and wrong registration details resulting in rejection by the data entry system.

They were requested to provide evidence proving them right owners but 14% of the land remains unregistered.

RLMUA figures indicate that a total of 11,5 million land documents have been issued based on land identification number known as Unique Parcel Identifier (UPI) while the rest remaining 1.5 million parcels are not registered.

The institution also reports 18,000 parcels involved in disputes.

Espérance Mukamana, the Director-General of RLMUA has said that people with unregistered land are given a three-month deadline while those with disputed land have one month to settle the issue or face penalties including registration of the land as Government property.

“We have not yet taken possession of the land but we want all parcels registered to owners. All people coming with evidence proving they are right owners will have the land registered to them. The main intention is to avoid incomplete data,” she said.

RLMUA indicates that 331,110 of registered parcels belong to the Government that those whose owners are not registered will become Government properties very soon.

The Accreditation Ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, Secretaries of State and senior officials of the Ministry of External Relations, and senior officials in the office of the President as well as Diplomats of the Rwandan Embassy in Angola.

On July 16, 2019, President Paul Kagame appointed Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to Angola.

During his audience with the President of the Republic of Angola H.E João Lourenço the Rwandan Ambassador to Angola, thanked him for the excellent and growing cooperation between the two countries and for the role Angola is playing in bringing peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

The Ambassador also expressed his desire to strengthen and develop the already existing relations between both countries and accelerate the signing of the joint Permanent Co.

The President of the Republic of Angola, H.E. João Lourenço observed that he honors the excellent relations, friendship and mutual understanding that exists between the Republic of Angola and the Republic of Rwanda.

Rwanda and Angola are both members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and have cooperation agreements in the fields of Diplomatic, civil aviation, security, and public order.

The authorities of both countries have been working to diversify cooperation by adopting means that help to identify common interests with mutual benefits for both countries.

The decorated hybrid force under Rwanda Formed Police Unit-One (RWAFPU-1) deployed in Malakal, Upper Nile headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, is one of the three Rwandan Formed Police Units (FPUs) operating under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

UNMISS Head of Field Office (HOFO) in Malakal Mrs. Hazel Dewet presided over the medal ceremony held in their base camp.

It was also attended by UN Police (UNPOL) Chief of Staff, ACP Barthelemy Rugwizangonga, who represented UNMISS Police Commissioner, UNMISS Sector-North Commander Brig. Gen Johnson Akou Adjei Koffi, Malakal Police commissioner Maj. Gen Chol Atem, commanders of peacekeepers from other countries, among other high-ranking UNMISS and South Sudan officials.

The medal ceremony was characterized by a parade, martial arts and cultural performance by the decorated Rwandan peacekeepers.

Mrs. Dewet hailed the Rwandan peacekeepers for their professionalism in contributing to the peace agreement in South Sudan. She particularly appreciated the role played by the Rwandan women under RWAFPU-3, adding “it’s an indication that peace-building is not only the work of men.”

“Your limitless efforts showed that you were prepared enough and brave people to endure any challenging situation; it erased doubts you would accomplish any assigned tasks with resolute efficiency and extreme professionalism even in the face of fragile and volatile environment,” Mrs. Dewet said.

She stated that the awarded medals define Rwandan peacekeepers’ commitment to the unification and peace for the people of South Sudan, adding that the UN appreciates “Rwanda’s commitment to international peace.”

The UNPOL Chief of Staff, ACP Barthelemy Rugwizangoga conveyed his gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its contribution to UNPOL and for bridging the gender parity gap in peacekeeping.

He thanked the decorated officers for their confidence and trust building patrols, cordon and search operations, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence as well as operational support to the mandated activities of the Individual Police Officers (IPOs), UN and humanitarian actors.

In his remarks, the RWAFPU-1 contingent commander, ACP Paul Gatambira stated receiving the medal was an honor for the decorated peacekeepers, and thanked the UN, South Sudan government; UNMISS leadership and the people of South Sudan for their support, which facilitated them to effectively discharge their duties.

“I would like to acknowledge that it would not have been easier without support, encouragement, cooperation, and guidance of the UNMISS leadership like; UNPOL/IPOs, Military components, UNDSS [United Nations Department of Safety and Security], and all civilian components without forgetting humanitarian agencies,” ACP Gatambira said.

He further noted that they have gained more experience, exposure, diversity, and resilience in handling “unpredictable and challenging circumstances,” which will be shared back in their home country and beyond.

ACP Gatambira also thanked the decorated officers under his command for their professionalism, commitment, teamwork, and hard work, and expressed gratitude to the people of Malakal for being “partners in peacekeeping activities.”

RWANFPU-1 was deployed in UNMISS, Malakal in November last year, where they were largely charged with the protection of over 32,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and communities in the vicinity and conducted varied human security activities, including communal work—Umuganda.

The signing took place during Kagame’s one-day official visit to Bangui and was reached following bilateral talks.

The agreements focus on defense, oil, investment promotion, mining and oil, investment promotion and a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

While in Bangui, Kagame attended a State Luncheon hosted in his honor by President Touadéra, where he was awarded the highest decoration “Grand Croix de la Reconnaissance” and a symbolic key to the City of Bangui as the city’s honorary resident.

Kagame welcomed the award and commended the signing of bilateral agreements noting that it was an indication of a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two countries.

“This occasion marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, between Rwanda and the Central African Republic,” he said.

“Today, we signed a number of important agreements which put our joint endeavors on solid footing. And this is just the beginning. These agreements should be diligently implemented, so we can build on them to achieve even more together, in the years ahead,” highlighted Kagame.

President reminisced on both countries’ shared history and observed that nothing should hold back their progress because there are possibilities to shape a dignified future.

“Both our countries have endured difficult histories. There is no doubt about it. However, no nation is forever hostage to its past. There is always a choice that can be made, collectively, to build a future, in which every citizen has a sense of dignity and belonging,” he noted.

“We also seek to learn from the efforts of others, including the Central African Republic. In a small but significant way, this kind of practical cooperation gives meaning to the tragedy we went through. Rwanda stands ready to continue accompanying the people of the Central African Republic, as you move forward,” added the President.

The central African Republic has been in turmoil since a violent takeover of power in 2013. The aftermath saw widespread violence as armed militia fought each other and took revenge on the population.

The March 2016 election of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra brought an initial lull but was followed by more fighting in late 2016 and early 2017 between armed groups including ex-Seleka factions and anti-balaka militias – both controlling vast areas of the country.

Rwanda experienced a tragic past during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took the lives of over 1 million victims. Following the mayhem, Rwanda introduced unity and reconciliation programs that all Rwandans were brought together under one common identity and worked hard for the country’s resilience.

For Rwanda, Kagame said, the key factor in the country’s peacebuilding process was a firm commitment to national unity whereby Rwandans endeavor to find solutions to their problems through dialogue and consensus.

He highlighted that Politics should bring people together to promote the well-being of everyone, not create divisions and commended the President and the people of the Central African Republic for the steps taken towards peace and reconciliation.
Kagame’s visit was the first of its kind since Touadera assumed office in 2016.

Rwanda is the top contributor of peacekeeping forces in the CAR with a mission of 1,370 army troops as well as 430 police personnel.

He replaces Vincent Karega who was appointed to represent Rwanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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 Project brings together African troop-contributing countries, the other UN Member States and the UN Department of Field Support.

It aims at enhancing the capacity of engineering contingents or sub-units through training and equipping.

While giving his closing remarks on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, RDF Chief of Logistics, Brig-Gen Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa emphasized that RDF has no doubt that the trained personnel will use the acquired skills to effectively perform their tasks.

“Having an operator graduating from using one machine to using more than two machines is quite an achievement for our operators. Being able to train our personnel is important in capacity building, and this requires skills improvement for a good instructor as well as a good student,” he said.

“You will work with trainees all over the country where we have projects.
Take care of the reference materials that you have been given, they will make your work easier,” Brig-Gen Rurangwa added.

He further stated that the skills acquired are also crucial for deploying Engineering Component Squadron in UN Peacekeeping Mission, noting that the squadron is composed of combat engineers, construction engineers, and equipment.
The training was organized in partnership with the governments of Rwanda, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, and the UN.