Author: John Mbaraga

Employees in informal sector celebrate Labour Day

The celebration in Kigali took place yesterday in Kimisagara Sector of Nyarugenge District.

Both the informal sector workers and former street vendors who are now working in modern markets appreciated the day saying that it is a gesture that their activities are recognized.

Former street vendors say that since they joined the markets, their living conditions have changed as they are settled and secured in a well-recognized place.

Both categories were joined in a syndicate, Trade Union of Independent Informal Economy Workers (SYTRIECI). The syndicate is made up by 4500 members.

Speaking at the event, Antoinette Nyinawumuntu, a vendor in Nyabugogo market said that they are working in good condition.

“The syndicate has facilitated us in combining efforts as they linked us with donors who facilitated us with Rwf100,000 to every person to use as a start-up capital. I can assure you that we are working in good conditions which are far more contrary to the previous,” she said.

SYTRIECI president, Jeannette Nyiramasengesho said that members have joined financial institutions.

“As a way to seek solutions from ourselves, we created a saving scheme where every member contributes Rwf100 daily. Today we have savings of over Rwf5 million,” she said.

Among the challenges, employees from the informal sector said, include working extra hours, not having insurance and not paying them social security.

The Chief Labour Inspector at the Ministry of Labour, Hobess Nkundimana told workers from informal sector that the labour law that is under review will solve all problems they face.

“90% of informal sector workers do not have some basic rights, but the new law will protect them 100%,” he explained.

The new law also will determine the minimum wage to all employees.

May 3, 2018
Cabinet discusses measures to mitigate disasters

The meeting follows separate cases of deaths and damages that were reported in last four months of the year.

According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), since January to April 30th, disasters have killed a total of 116 people.

Among the disasters that claimed many lives include thunderstorm which claimed 36 and landslides which claimed 42.

According to the statement of the cabinet decisions, the Cabinet Meeting expressed concern and sympathy to all Rwandans, especially families that have lost members and those impacted by the effects of the disasters caused by heavy rains.

The Cabinet Meeting 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,” the statement reads.

May 3, 2018
CIMERWA explains cement scarcity

Cement shortage started arising early in April when the plant embarked on renovation and upgrading activities which would lead to the production of cement that will satisfy the market.

Since they started the plant renovation, cement supplies reduced, affecting the market prices. The cost of a 50kg bag increased from Rwf8700 to between Rwf12000 and Rwf13000 depending on the geographical location.

Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Cimerwa Chief Executive Officer, Bheki Mtembu said that renovation activities are about to be completed.

“We were replacing old machines enable us produce quantities that will satisfy the local market. Once activities are completed, we project to produce 500,000 tonnes and 600,000 tonnes per annum in 2020,” he explained.

He said that a ban on importation of some raw materials from Tanzania also affected production and prices.

“We used to import raw materials from Tanzania, but they banned their exportation, then we changed the direction and decided to import from United Arab Emirates which take us long trajectory and sometimes the trucks reach the plant very late,” he added.

Mtembu said that new machines will have installed capacity of producing more 15% from the current levels.

Prior to renovation and upgrading activities, Cimerwa had been producing 380,000 tonnes per annum.

May 2, 2018
Police arrest 23 Congolese refugees in Kiziba over violence

According to Police, several refugees resorted to violence, throwing stones and attacking police officers with sharp objects which led to the arrest of 23 of them.

“They were handed over to relevant authorities for investigations. Refugees, like all residents of Rwanda, must abide by Rwandan laws,” Police said through twitter.

Police said that in partnership with different stakeholders, are working to restore calm and order atthe camp.

“Routine patrols continue in and around the camp to ensure safety for all refugees and other residents of the area,” Police said.

The arrest follows Monday decision by the government to dissolve the committee of refugees in the camp stating that the committee has been mobilising refugees to revolt against government officials and partner institutions, denying them access to the camp, and causing disorder among the refugees, thereby rendering the camp and its surroundings unsafe.

In February, also Refugees in Kiziba demonstrated, some marching out of the camp and camped at UNHCR offices in Karongi protesting over reduced food rations.

According to Police, the protests turned violent and left five dead and others including police officers injured.

Due to the demonstrations, 21 refugees were arrested and arraigned in Muhanga Intermediate Court.

May 2, 2018
Kigali Marriott Chef Sindayigaya scoops regional Silver Chef award

Sindayigaya was awarded with a trip to Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park after outshining other seven chefs from each of Rwanda and Uganda and one from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Organised by Gorilla Highlands, the 4th edition of Silver Chef competition was held at Marriot Hotel over the last weekend whereby every chef was provided with different food items and required to prepare two types of meals, one with and another without meat. They all got to know the present items on the kitchen spot.

The jury tasted each chef’s dishes on Saturday and announced on Sunday that Mr. Sindayigaya Ramadhan had emerged the best chef.

Chef Rama as he is widely known had also won the second prize at the same competition in 2017.

In an interview with IGIHE prior to the competition, Sindayigaya, who usually specialises in Italian cuisine at the Marriott’s Cucina Restaurant, had expressed confidence to win the competition adding that besides the appreciation accorded to the winner, the competition also helps them showcase their abilities and build up their fame.

“This competition puts us in touch with other chefs from different countries to share skills as we learn from one another. It also markets us broadly because it attracts many people,” he said.

Gorilla Highlands Managing Director, Miha Logar, said the competition which had come to Rwanda for the first time intends to bring together chefs and other tourism practitioners in the three countries in order to build up synergies and develop the industry.

Mr. Logar said much as every country has its specific activities in tourism, they all share gorilla population, therefore bringing together DRC, Rwanda and Uganda will showcase the region’s tourism potentials and attract many visitors.

All other chefs were recognised with certificates of participation. Those include Mukungu Akimu from Grand Legacy Hotel in Kigali and Jean Bosco Birindwa from Ihusi Hotel in Goma, DRC, who were recognised as the best Ugandan and Congolese chefs respectively.

Others are Manishimwe Jean Bosco from Lake Kivu Serena Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda; Musasa Marcellin Tshite from Virunga Lodge in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda; Odeke Silver from Cephas Inn in Kabale, Uganda; Otim Amos from Protea Hotel in Kampala, Uganda; Emmanuel Murwanashyaka from ParkInn by Radisson in Kigali, Rwanda; Sam Mbabazi from Bunyonyi Overland Resort in Kabale, Uganda and Paul Mulyampiti from BirdNest Resort in Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

May 1, 2018
Rwandan students in China commemorate genocide

At the event that took place yesterday, the students were joined by hundreds of friends to learn from Rwanda’s genocide history.

The President of Rwandan students’ community at Ningbo University, Benjamin Kirenga thanked the participants at the event and said that Rwanda has suffered a lot in the past.

He said that it is important to commemorate, honour the memory of the victims and being in solidarity with survivors.

“The commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi is a special annual programme showing this horrible segment history of our country. In Rwanda, people were killed because of the heinous politics of discrimination, divisionism and hatred that led to the genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.

During the ceremony, youth shared message of peace, hope, history and renewal through poems, songs and guitar playing.

A majority at the event were Rwandan students who were born after the genocide.

“Though we were born after the genocide, we should remember and get to know what happened during the genocide, fight against its ideology and make Rwanda a peaceful country,” said 20-year-old Munezero Inema.

At the event, participants lit candles as a sign of hope for the future.

May 1, 2018
2018/2019 National Budget increases by over 300 billion

Ndagijimana yesterday presented the Budget Framework Paper and the midterm budget estimates to Parliament, outlining Government’s economic policies over the medium term that help lay the foundations of the next fiscal budget.

Under the next fiscal year, according to Ndagijimana, government will continue to promote import substitution and diversify exports with the aim of reducing the exposure to external shocks and imbalances over the medium term.

“The implementation of Made in Rwanda policy will continue to play a key role in narrowing the current account deficit in the short to long run and help to consolidate private sector domestic activities, create jobs and boost economic growth,” he said.

Domestic revenues, both tax and non-tax are projected at Rwf1508.7 billion representing 62% of the total 2018/19 budget.

Under the next year budget, the external grants are estimated at Rwf396.3 billion equivalent to 16% of total budget while external loans are projected at Rwf400.9 billion representing 16% of total budget.

Domestic loans are projected at Rwf137.7 billion representing 6% of total budget. On the expenditure front, the recurrent budget is projected at Rwf1,305.7 billion.

Development expenditure is estimated at Rwf897.1 billion while net lending is projected at Rwf190 billion which will be used to finance key government projects such as construction of Bugesera airport, expansion of Rwandair operations among others.

May 1, 2018
Malian President Keita joins Rwandan community in genocide commemoration event

The event that took place in Mali capital city, Bamako was attended by over 2500 people.

At the event also was the African Union High Representative for Mali and Sahel, Pierre Buyoya, the Deputy Special Representatives of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Mbaranga Gasarabwe.

Speaking at the event, the president of Rwandan community in Mali explained that the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda was systematically planned.

He said that Tutsi faced adverse atrocities. He revolved around the reason for commemoration saying that it is an opportunity to remember the hardships which slain victims faced.

The Ambassador of Rwanda in Mali, Dr Mathias Harebamungu said that commemorating the genocide committed against the Tutsi is not intended to draw sympathy from the World but remembering precious lives so brutally taken.

He thanked the Malian government through President Keita for standing with Rwandans in different ways.

President Keita saluted the bravery of Rwandans in overcoming dark history and becoming a role model country in Africa.

In the event, President Keita and Ambassador Harebamungu light the the flame of remembrance.

April 30, 2018
Kaboneka promises Ruhango genocide survivors on decent houses

This was announced on Sunday in Ruhango District while commemorating the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and giving decent burial to 124 remains of the genocide victims.

Speaking at the event, the president of survivor association in Amayaga region, Alexis Rusagara said that survivors have different problems including shelters.

“Among problems survivors face include houses which need rehabilitation and others which need to be reconstructed. We should save our relatives from houses that could collapse on them,” he said.

The houses which need urgent rehabilitation were constructed between 1996 and 2004.

In Ntongwe sector alone, 80 houses need rehabilitation as twenty families need new shelters. Also in Kinazi sector, 50 houses need renovation as 25 will be newly constructed.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Local Governance, Francis Kaboneka said that the government has taken into account the problem of shelters for genocide survivors.

“Shelter problem is being discussed. The government is putting together resources for our relatives to get shelter. This is an exercise that will be done very soon,” he said.

April 30, 2018
Govt dissolves Kiziba Refugee Camp committee over protests

In February, Refugees in Kiziba demonstrated, some marching out of the camp and camped at UNHCR offices in Karongi protesting over reduced food rations.

According to Police, the protests turned violent and left five dead and others including police officers injured.

According to MIDIMAR, preliminary findings about the cause of the protests have established that a core issue was the refugees’ executive committee, which was established to help in the management of the camp, but instead mobilized them to protest.

“The committee has been mobilising refugees to revolt against government officials and partner institutions, denying them access to the camp, and causing disorder among the refugees, thereby rendering the camp and its surroundings unsafe,” reads MIDIMAR statement issued on Monday.

The statement says that MIDIMAR has, pursuant to Ministerial instructions N0 0I/2017 of 3 November 2017 on conduct of elections in refugee settings, decided to dissolve the refugees’ executive committee with immediate effect, as one of the measures to restore law and order in the camp and its surroundings.

The Ministry has also directed that violent, unruly and provocative conduct in the camp is unlawful and must stop immediately to restore peace, law and order, as well as allow for dialogue to resolve any existing or emerging challenges.

MIDIMAR said that the Government of Rwanda is duty bound to provide safety to all Rwandans and refugees the country hosts.

The Ministry called on all refugees to cooperate in restoring normalcy in the camp, and noted that any person attempting to interfere with the process will be in violation of the law and will be held to account.

MIDIMAR said that the Government of Rwanda will continue to work with various partners, including UN agencies, to improve the well-being and protection of all refugees living in Rwanda.

April 30, 2018