Diane Rwigara was represented by Lawyer Célestin Buhuru and her mother Mukangemanyi Counsel Gatera Gashabana.
Before the hearing started, Gashabana requested the presiding judge to adjourn the hearing as he had another hearing at the same time in Supreme Court, and Lawyer Buhuru Okayed the request saying that he has no worry with the adjournment.
Prosecution, represented by Rugambwa Ndibwami , did not oppose the adjournment. The presiding judge decided to adjourn the hearing to May 22nd 2018.
Diane Rwigara is accused of forgery related charges, a crime she allegedly committed when she was seeking signatures to endorse her candidacy to run in last year’s presidential elections. Her mother Mukangemanyi is accused of divisionism and discrimination. The duo jointly face charges related to inciting insurrection.
The duo had been accused with Anne Rwigara who was granted bail in October last year by Nyarugenge Intermediate Court saying that there was no evidence connecting her to the accusations.
The plan to dedicate some routes to public transport buses was announced last year and city officials said that the move would have been in place at the beginning of this year.
The idea was to dedicate these routes to public buses starting from 6:00am to 8:30am.
Speaking to National Broadcaster, RBA yesterday, the City Engineer, Dr Alphonse Nkurunziza said that there are different activities which they are still putting in place before the programme starts.
“The most fundamental activity we are still implementing is roads expansion, after expansion activities, we will then start dedicated bus routes,” he said.
“After having dedicated bus lanes, the flow of traffic will become easy. We are conducting a feasibility study on how bus stops would have ways to communicate passengers on the time of the bus arrival and time it would spend there. That exercise would be possible when the bus has no hindrances along the roads,” he added.
Speaking to IGIHE, Nkurunziza said that he is optimistic that the programme will have started by August 2018.
“We expect that this programme will go in place when the roads which are under construction are completed. We expected that they would be completed by the end of June but, due to heavy rains, roads construction works have been suspended, so, that is a challenge and roads can’t be completed in June. We expect that it will not go beyond August and then start dedicated bus lanes programme,” he explained.
Nkurunziza said that they will use advanced technology in traffic lights so that they will ease traffic flow for public buses.
“Traffic lights will be able to sensor public bus and speed up so that the bus will not spend time,” he added.
Among the roads being expanded to meet dedicated bus lanes standards include the Rwandex-Sonatube section and Sonatube-Remera road.
The road from City Centre to Nyabugogo bus terminal has been completed and Nyabugogo-Gatsata, among others is still underway.
Under the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Single Digital Market’, the four-day meeting will bring together over 4,000 participants including Heads of State and Government, First Ladies, UN Broadband Commissioners, Ministers, Public and Private Sector, international organisations, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, Young innovators, Civil Society and Academia.
Transform Africa Summit 2018 has been designed to foster constructive conversation towards building a Smart Africa and facilitate meetings of like minds seeking policy and opportunities to accelerate the continent towards socio economic transformation.
In the meeting, delegates will have a high level platform ‘Transform Africa Economic Forum’ for discussing the disruptive but also the enabling and strategic role of ICT for the rapid transformation of Africa by Smart Africa, the Government of Rwanda, African Development Bank, Econet Wireless, Afro Champions and UNDP.
The summit will also be an opportunity for captains of industry and leading entrepreneurs to make business deals.
There will also be a high level dialogue between Heads of State, private sector business leaders and executives of international organizations on creating a single digital market for Africa.
The meeting will explore, how Africa will adopt and harness the technology driven innovation that is already disrupting healthcare across the globe by increasing capabilities and improving experiences between medical professionals and patients.
In the meeting, Robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, IoT, big data will be explored in detail with presentations and roundtable discussions.
There will also be an exhibition where exhibitors will showcase their innovations and technologies that will transform governments and business in Africa into a digital economy and society.
With the hugest number ever implemented in such a span of time compared to 52 reforms that were previously implemented in the last 15 years, Rwanda can only expect to improve in the next World Bank Doing Business ranking 2019 from the current 41st globally and second in Africa.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, RDB’s Chief Operations Officer Emmanuel Hategeka said the major reforms have reduced bureaucracy in construction, amount of time for electricity provision for investors, time exporters spend at customs and legal backlog, among other issues affecting the business climate.
“Ten years ago, the Government embarked on a strong agenda to transform our business environment in order to boost investment and private sector growth. One of the key tools that we relied on to guide this transformation is the World Bank Doing Business global report. Through strong leadership and consistent commitment to reforming the business environment, Rwanda implemented numerous business reforms over the last ten years”, said Hategeka.
The Doing Business report is a flagship World Bank publication which measures the relative ease of doing business across 190 economies, using a set of 10 indicators that track the entire lifecycle of a business such as what it takes to start, run and grow a business in a given country through the lens of business operators.
Reaffirming Rwanda’s vision to become competitive among the best globally, Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent Munyeshyaka committed the Government of Rwanda to more reforms to make business environment increasingly competitive for local businesses and foreign investors alike.
“We must remain engaged with our private sector, understand the reforms needed for further growth and dynamism in the sector and uncover opportunities that will unleash the full potential of our private sector,” he said.
Munyeshyaka urged all institutions mainly RDB to double efforts for further improvements in business sector, saying that Rwanda has high ambitions as do many other economies, making the space of global trade and investment extremely competitive.
“As such, we must always ensure that our nation is able to compete among the best,” said the Minister.
Areas that require improvement include dealing with construction permit and getting electricity where Rwanda was ranked 122nd and 117th globally in Doing Business 2018. The power outage exceeding five minutes was also raised as an issue but as part of the solution, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority has adopted a regulation to administer fines for power outages exceeding 10 minutes.
{{Major reforms implemented}}
Noting that all the reforms are crucial, Hategeka said that some are more notable and those include a software application that can be installed on any electronic device to replace the electronic billing machine (EBM) in processing value added tax (VAT) invoices. This system will eliminate the cost implications of buying an EBM that has often ignited outcry among business community.
In dealing with construction permits, buildings are now categorized according to the nature and magnitude of the anticipated risk and this therefore determines which projects must undergo a full or partial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Geotechnical studies for buildings that fall in category DB as not exceeding 200 square meters and two floors has been eliminated, as well as topographic surveys for all types of buildings.
Another reform in dealing with construction permits is the removal of the requirement to fill a form notifying the One Stop Center at RDB of the commencement date of the project. Water connection now also takes two weeks, down from the previous 30 days.
Getting electricity connection has also improved, reducing the number of days from 34 to 20. The recently launched automated system also records and monitors power outages, improving transparency in the reliability of supply of energy in Rwanda.
In paying taxes, it now takes five hours to file for VAT since the introduction of the automatic VAT reconciliation online process. This advancement comes with the reduction of tax audit procedures and the opportunity to correct erroneous information entered after the deadline date.
As the Government of Rwanda is also focused on reducing the trade deficit by increasing exports, certain reforms such as the issuance of an online certificate of origin, the introduction of a risk based approach in inspection of exports, joint inspection of both exports and imports by agencies, and extension of working hours at Gatuna and Rusumo borders were introduced to reduce time and cost implications for investors.
In enforcing contracts, a new law on civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedures was passed with a provision for small claims procedures. Another reform includes a law limiting the grounds for adjournment for unforeseen and exceptional circumstances. On resolving insolvency, a new law particularly in relation to out of court voluntary mechanisms and individual bankruptcy was passed.
RDB also announced more key reforms in the offing including online auctions through a platform on which properties under auction can be viewed, bids entered and payments made; electronic titling to upgrade of the land administration system, just to mention but a few.
Pump prices increased to Rwf1,065 from Rwf1,048 and Rwf1,005 from Rwf994 per litre of petrol and diesel respectively.
The new prices take effect from this Friday 4th May, according to a statement signed by the regulator’s Director General, Lt. Col. Patrick Nyirishema.
The new prices represent an increase of Rwf23 for each litre of petrol and Rwf43 for diesel going by prices that had been set in January when the tariffs had also increased by Rwf11 per a litre of petrol and Rwf12 for diesel.
The statement by UNHCR also calls Rwandan Authorities to avoid tensions that could lead to further loss of life.
The call follows Wednesday death of one refugee who succumbed to injuries due to confrontation with Police Officers.
UNHCR says that Police patrols are reportedly facing provocations by refugees and calls for clarification.
UNHCR’s Country Representative, Ahmed Baba Fall said that during confrontations, one refugee was injured and died upon arrival at Kibuye Hospital. He said that the circumstances surrounding the incident are to be clarified.
“UNHCR is deeply saddened and concerned by this tragedy and share its empathy with the family and other members of the refugee community,” says Ahmed.
“UNHCR urged at several occasions the refugees to respect local laws and express grievances through dialogue, while calling on authorities to handle the situation with calm and restraint” he says.
UNHCR says that on April 20th, UNHCR was made aware of the deployment of a large number of Police officers in and around Kiziba camp.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) informed UNCHR that the increase in the number of police officers is due to the rise of tensions in the camp and they are there to ensure security and safety of refugees, staff and host communities
MIDIMAR reiterated that there is no operation and that the Government of Rwanda will continue to promote the rule of law, law enforcement and justice for all.
The statement says that UNHCR recognizes that the RNP has the right to patrol on all the territory of Rwanda and is calling upon the refugees to stay calm.
As the demonstrations started in February, where refugees were claiming insufficient food rations and being denied other rights, UNHCR says that is advocating with donors to address the gaps in humanitarian funding and urgent needs of refugees.
To date, UNHCR’s 2018 appeal for USD 98.8 million to support refugees in Rwanda is only funded at 13%.
Among properties damaged are houses, over 4000 hectares of crops, bridges, roads among other infrastructures.
Speaking in a post-Cabinet Meeting press conference yesterday in Kigali, the Minister of Local Governance, Francis Kaboneka said that the government has committed to support families who were affected by disasters.
He said that the government continues to call upon those living in high-risk zones to relocate before they are affected by disasters.
“We encourage Rwandans to relocate, where it is necessary we can use other means; when we do this it doesn’t imply that the government hates its people, it is a way to save their lives,” he said.
Using an example, Kaboneka urged people to understand why leaders ask them to relocate.
“On April 2nd night, ten families in Ngororero District were asked to relocate. The day they relocated, all the houses in the area were destroyed by floods,” he explained.
He said that in Western Province, a total of 500 houses were registered and leaders requested their owners to relocate. Until April 4th, 115 houses of them had been destroyed.
“When leaders come telling you that there is a problem, people should understand, they should implement because it is in their benefits,” he said.
“As leaders who have the responsibilities to protect our people, sometimes, we do it by force so that we save lives,” he noted.
He said that they registered houses which can put lives of people in danger and a number of them were relocated. He said that if the exercise had not been conducted, the problem would have taken another level.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the heavy rains continue in North-West and South-West of the country until May 10th. In other parts of the country, he said the rain will be moderate.
“My message is that as the rain continues, we encourage people to follow the weather forecast,” he said.
“More measures are needed to be put in place in partnership with people, but mostly we urge them to abide by leaders’ advice,” he added.
He urged people to put in place measures like water harvesting, planting trees and parents take care of their children so that they will not be victims of the floods.
The Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday discussed strategies and mechanisms that will continue to support those affected by disasters and to fast-track repair of damaged properties.
The Cabinet Meeting resolved to strengthen efforts to mitigate natural disasters in the long term with special emphasis on environmental protection, infrastructure development and maintenance, organized settlement as well as improved agriculture practices.
According to MIDIMAR, among the disasters that claimed many lives include thunderstorm which claimed 36 and landslides which claimed 42.
Sadly though, not a lot of people pay attention to what they put on their mouth (oral care) until they begin to suffer some type of pain or discomfort. If you aren’t mindful of what you eat and drink, you can risk your oral health. Here are some of the things we do that expose us to Ill oral health.
{{Biting on hard surfaces with your teeth}}
I know a lot of people who use their teeth as a cork opener, and a hard wire cutter. The teeth may seem indestructible, but it actually can get damaged. It can pull or get chipped if used wrongly. The teeth are for soft food only.
{{Consuming excessive soft drinks}}
Soft drinks taste good, and they can be addictive, but the truth is that they have a lot of sugar and acidic content that can wear off the teeth enamel over time.
{{Chewing on lozenges}}
They are good for soothing sore throats but most have some sugar added. If you happen to chew them, they coat your teeth just as regular candy would. So, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to avoid cavities.
{{Chewing on ice}}
It’s very fun to do it, however, it’s a dangerous habit that can ruin your teeth. Allow your frozen drinks and food to defrost before consuming them to avoid weakening or chipping your teeth.
{{Tongue piercing}}
While it may seem like a fashion statement, you pose the risk of infection. Also, metal consistently rubbing against your gum can weaken the gum.
{{Eating a lot of starchy food}}
Starchy foods like potato chips, yam, plantain, etc can cause harm to the teeth when they stay in there longer than necessary because of their nature. After you eat them, they are broken down into acids, so unless you brush thoroughly or floss, you risk teeth damage.
{{Grinding the teeth}}
It’s a crazy habit, but one so many people do — sometimes, unconsciously, especially in their sleep. Over time, this habit can wear the teeth and even cause pain. It is best to wear a mouth guard at night if you suffer this problem.
Keep your teeth safe. You may not get another.
{{Source: www.elcrema.com
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Ngirente was speaking on Thursday while opening the 23rd Governing Council of the World Customs Organization – East and Southern Africa Region (WCO-ESA) that is taking place in Kigali.
WCO-ESA is a 24-member country organization which mission is to provide leadership in the WCO East and Southern Africa Region in the areas of sustainable customs capacity building and change management.
Speaking at the event Ngirente said that the meeting comes at an opportune time following recent launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by African Union leaders.
He said that Africans deserve a continent which is developed and influential on global affairs, a move which will be facilitated by Customs organisations.
“Africa we want and deserve, is an Africa that is: developed, strong, united, trade with each other, resilient and influential on global affairs. To realise this, we must deepen our regional integration and boost economical abilities. Customs organisations will play a key role,” he said.
He said that the government of Rwanda hails the role of the World Customs Organization – East and Southern Africa Region in providing capacity building leadership and managing innovations in the areas of sustainable customs.
Ngirente urged on continued capacity building with modern methods of conducting customs activities to officers in charge of collecting and managing customs.
“Though a lot has been done in building the capacity of officers in charge of collecting and managing customs in East and Southern Africa Region, equipping them further with modern methods of conducting customs activities including application of IT needs to continue,” he added.
He said that equipping staff in customs with modern methods of conducting customs activities is key as Countries work against issues that do with cross border such as security, illegal importation of illicit drugs, human trafficking and trading in counterfeits.
“I urge all delegates to deliberate on these issues aiming at providing tangible measures. Special focus must also be put on modernisation of customs by ensuring that all World Customs Organization tools and packages are effectively utilized,” he urged.
The WCO East and Southern Africa Region consist of 24 Member Countries which are Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This was revealed on Wednesday in Kigali during the launch of a report on findings about ‘Inventory of Sources of Air Pollution; Determination of future trends and development of a national Air Quality Control Strategy’.
The meeting brought together policy makers, stakeholders in the environment and health sectors as well as other stakeholders to discuss the findings of the air quality monitoring study.
The 2017 State of Global Air Report, long-term exposure to air pollution contributed to the deaths of 6.1 million people in 2016 with strokes, heart attacks, lung disease and lung cancer causing many of them.
Air pollution is the fourth-highest cause of death worldwide, trailing smoking, high blood pressure and diet related diseases, and the majority of these deaths are recorded in poorer nations.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that air pollution challenge is also affecting Rwanda. He said that in 2012 more than 2,000 deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution.
Between 2012 and 2015, the number of hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections in health centres across the country increased by almost double to more than 3.3 million.
“Today, air pollution is not only an environmental challenge, but also a risk to our national development. That’s why the Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority commissioned the study to assess the major sources of air pollution. Only by knowing the problem can we adequately respond to address it,” he said.
He said the study review provides an understanding of air quality in Rwanda by identifying sources of pollution, establishing a baseline and developing related strategy and policy recommendations to mitigate air pollution.
The study indicates that vehicle emissions are the leading cause of air pollution in the City of Kigali and other urban areas, while domestic biomass cook stoves from wood and charcoal and open fire burning in fields are the primary contributor to poor air quality in residential and rural areas.
“It is troubling that a three month study conducted in Kigali last year found that particulate matter concentrations in the city occasionally exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines. However, it was also reassuring to note that the high concentrations of these pollutants, which were largely attributed to vehicle emissions, greatly reduced during holidays and car-free days. This clearly demonstrates that we must continue to clean up our transport sector and look to new, cleaner technologies and innovative policy measures to reduce air pollution,” he said.
In January 2015, the government of Rwanda enacted new vehicle emission regulations, representing one of the first large-scale air pollution mitigation steps in the region. In 2016, a revised law governing the preservation of air quality and prevention of air pollution was passed.
