During a press briefing held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Minister Kayikwamba addressed questions surrounding the peace agreement recently signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington. The discussion focused particularly on the FDLR and its role in the continued insecurity in eastern DRC.
When asked about her country’s commitment to dismantling the FDLR, Minister Kayikwamba affirmed that the DRC is prepared to act in line with the provisions of the peace deal.
She noted that the issue of the FDLR has been repeatedly raised over the past three decades and insisted that her government is ready to resolve it.
However, she also questioned the extent of the group’s threat, suggesting that its continued mention has served more as a political pretext than a pressing security concern.
She argued that any solution must begin with an honest assessment of how many FDLR members remain and the scale of the threat they actually pose.
Once that is established, she said, the matter can be resolved through various means, and the objective can be declared achieved.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda would welcome any sincere efforts to dismantle the FDLR.
He pointed out that if the DRC now considers the FDLR merely an old pretext, Rwanda is equally prepared to lift Kinshasa’s pretext (defensive measures), on the condition that the FDLR is genuinely and permanently neutralized.
He underscored that with political will, anything is possible, and reiterated Rwanda’s readiness to respond in kind once the security threat posed by the FDLR is eliminated.
The exchange came in the wake of the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27, 2025, aimed at addressing the ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo.
The deal includes commitments to respect national sovereignty, end hostilities, disarm non-state armed groups, support the reintegration of combatants, facilitate the return of refugees, and promote regional economic cooperation.
A key component of the agreement is a joint framework for dismantling the FDLR, whose continued presence has long been a source of tension between the two countries.
These are the words of Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, describing how the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) overcame the odds to liberate Rwanda. As of today, 31 years have passed since that historic victory.
All warfare requires strategy, but military conflict especially demands innovative and adaptive tactics. When the RPA launched the liberation war in 1990, it had spent years regrouping and preparing. Many of the men who started the war had served in the Ugandan military in various roles.
Maj Gen Fred Rwigyema led the first attack on October 1, 1990. He was a seasoned commander who had played a key role in Uganda’s liberation war, serving as deputy to Gen Elly Tumwine, who was injured early in the conflict. Rwigyema took over from there.
However, the liberation of Rwanda did not begin as expected. On October 2, just one day after the war began, Maj Gen Rwigyema was killed. Other senior commanders, including Maj Chris Bunyenyezi and Maj Peter Bayingana, were also killed shortly after. Bayingana was ambushed on the road from Kagitumba to Gabiro, and Bunyenyezi was killed on the way from Nyagatare.
Initially, the RPA used conventional warfare, which is characterized by open, face-to-face engagements where opposing forces establish clear frontlines. This form of fighting dates back centuries and was historically done with spears and swords. Later, it evolved with the use of firearms and heavy artillery, tanks, and airplanes.
In both World Wars, tanks and aircraft became dominant in conventional warfare. Each side would dig trenches, set up defensive lines, and battle for control of enemy positions. But this method has major drawbacks: it’s costly, predictable, and results in heavy casualties due to the mass concentration of troops in single locations.
This conventional approach was what the RPA relied on in the early days of the war. But everything changed when Maj Gen Paul Kagame returned from military training in the United States and took over the command of a demoralized and scattered army.
When Kagame arrived in Kagitumba, many soldiers were already seeking ways to retreat back to Uganda. Even Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira admitted that he was preparing to return to Uganda, as the battle seemed lost.
Kagame, referred to as “Afande PC,” immediately called for a regrouping of the troops. In meetings with senior commanders, he urged them to reconsider retreating, arguing that going back was not an option. Their only goal should be to liberate Rwanda and stop the ongoing massacres against the Tutsi.
At that moment, the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) were celebrating, believing they had defeated the RPA completely. But Kagame introduced a new battle strategy: shifting from conventional to mobile and guerrilla warfare.
The first operation under this new tactic was the attack on Gatuna in early November, led by Col (Rtd) Twahirwa Ludovic, known as Dodo. It was a highly organized assault that greatly boosted morale among the troops, especially those who were just entering the battle and had not witnessed the chaos of the early days.
On the same day that Gatuna was captured, it was officially announced that Fred Rwigyema had died, news that brought sorrow but also renewed determination among the fighters.
The combined tactics of mobile warfare and guerrilla warfare turned the tide of the liberation struggle. RPA troops relocated from Mutara to the Virunga mountains, from where they launched operations and conducted training.
Guerrilla warfare involves small, highly mobile units launching surprise attacks on enemy positions and then retreating. Even three soldiers could wreak havoc, creating the illusion of a much larger force. This method is ideal for ambushes, sabotage (e.g., destroying bridges), and psychological warfare, creating confusion and disorientation among enemy ranks.
Although sabotage is common in guerrilla tactics, the RPA avoided destroying key infrastructure since rebuilding would be a priority after liberation.
Former FAR soldiers have testified that they often felt disoriented, unsure of where to focus their defenses or what the RPA’s next move would be.
Mobile warfare, while similar to guerrilla tactics, focuses more on identifying and targeting enemy weaknesses. It involves cutting off supply routes, surrounding the enemy, and defeating them decisively. It is faster-paced and relies heavily on intelligence and coordination among units.
Historically, mobile warfare was used effectively by Germany during the Blitzkrieg campaigns between 1939 and 1941, allowing rapid conquests of Poland, France, and Soviet territory. During the Korean War (1950–1953), Chinese forces used night raids and rapid movements to overwhelm their enemies. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli forces also applied mobile warfare tactics to defeat neighboring Arab armies swiftly.
The primary goal of mobile warfare is to win quickly, using strong internal coordination and real-time intelligence about enemy movements and vulnerabilities.
Thanks to the adaptation of these tactics, the RPA managed to withstand greater firepower, outmaneuver a better-equipped enemy, and ultimately liberate the country—proving that strategy, courage, and adaptability can overcome overwhelming odds.
The laws establishing these taxes published in the Official Gazette on May 29, 2025, are part of ongoing tax policy reforms aimed at enhancing domestic revenue collection.
When fully implemented, the measures are expected to generate an additional Frw174.1 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year and up to Frw353 billion by the 2029/2030 fiscal year.
{{Here are a few things you need to know:}}
{{1. Taxes on hybrid vehicles}}
Hybrid vehicles, which previously benefited from major exemptions since 2021, are now subject to different taxes, though these remain lower than those applied to fuel-powered vehicles.
The applicable taxes include 18 percent VAT, 5 percent withholding tax, and an excise duty based on the year of manufacture. However, Hybrid vehicles still enjoy the 25 percent import duty exemption.
Under the new excise law, vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 1500cc, as well as hybrid vehicles that are under three years old, are subject to a tax rate of 5 percent.
Vehicles with engine capacity between 1500cc and 2500cc or hybrids aged three to eight years, are taxed at 10 percent. Vehicles with engine capacity above 2500cc or hybrids older than eight years are taxed at 15 percent.
Certain vehicles are exempt from excise tax. These include minibuses and buses with a capacity of more than 14 passengers, trucks and single-cabin pickups used for transporting goods, refrigerated vehicles, tourism vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles for persons with disabilities.
Electric vehicles, their batteries, and charging equipment remain VAT-exempt until 30 June 2028.
{{2. VAT on transport of goods}}
Land transportation of goods, which was previously exempt, is now subject to 18 percent VAT starting 1 July. International transport services, however, remain zero-rated.
Entities required to charge VAT include VAT-registered taxpayers, voluntary registrants, and businesses with a turnover of Frw 5 million over three months or Frw20 million annually.
Transport services that remain VAT-exempt, when provided by licensed operators, include land transport of passengers in vehicles with a capacity of 14 or more, air passenger transport, transport by boat for passengers or cargo, and the collection and transportation of household solid waste.
{{3. Tourism tax on accommodation}}
Law Nº 015/2025 of 27/05/2025 introduces a 3 percent tourism tax on accommodation, defined as a service that provides a room or place to sleep or rest.
Accommodation providers are required to register for the tax with the Tax Administration. The tax becomes due upon receipt of payment and must be declared and paid within 15 days following the end of each declaration month.
Providers are also required to use the Electronic Invoicing System (EBM) to comply with tax regulations and ensure accurate reporting and declaration.
{{4. Environmental levy}}
Law Nº 010/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishes a 0.2 percent environmental levy on imported items packaged in plastic materials, calculated based on their customs value.
The law identifies nine categories of items subject to the levy. These include bottled water; all types of juice, energy drinks and carbonated non-alcoholic beverages; peanut butter, honey and related products; body lotions, petroleum jelly and shampoos; mattresses; clothes; shoes; all types of soaps; and toilet paper.
{{5. Motor-vehicle road maintenance levy}}
Under Law Nº 013/2025 of 27/05/2025 establishing a levy on petrol, gas oil, and motor vehicles for road maintenance, owners of locally registered motor vehicles can now declare and pay the levy according to the following vehicle categories:
-* Car and Jeep: Frw50,000
-* Pick-up, microbus, minibus, bus: Frw100,000
-* Truck and half-trailer: Frw120,000
-* Trailer: Frw150,000
The levy on motor vehicles for road maintenance is declared and paid annually to the tax administration not later than December 31 of each year.
In recent weeks, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has actively engaged with various sectors to clarify the new changes, ensuring that stakeholders understand their responsibilities and the procedures for declaration and payment.
Many have expressed optimism following these consultations, which were designed to ensure effective implementation and compliance.
The report, which concluded its investigation on April 20, alleged the presence of Rwandan troops in areas controlled by the AFC/M23 coalition and accused Rwanda of illegally extracting 3T minerals (Tungsten, Tantalum, and Tin) from the region.
In a statement shared on July 2, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, dismissed these allegations as false while reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to a newly signed US-brokered Peace Agreement aimed at stabilizing the region.
The UN report claimed that Rwandan troops were operating in AFC/M23-controlled areas, with thousands more positioned at the DRC border, preparing to enter.
Rwanda has consistently denied any military presence in eastern DRC.
Addressing the report’s findings, Makolo criticized its portrayal of Rwanda’s security measures, stating, “The report confirms DRC state support for the FDLR genocidal militia and the Congolese army’s reliance on the FDLR as a frontline fighting force, but then deliberately misrepresents Rwanda’s longstanding security concerns related to the persistent threat of the FDLR and its affiliated groups, which necessitates the defence posture in our border areas.”
Makolo also highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to the US-brokered Peace Agreement signed last Friday, which she described as a pivotal step toward resolving regional tensions.
“Following the signing of the US-brokered Peace Agreement last Friday, Rwanda is fully committed to its implementation, including the neutralization of the FDLR, which will enable the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, the safe return of refugees to their home areas, and much-needed stability in our region,” she stated.
The agreement is expected to address the FDLR threat, paving the way for improved security and the return of displaced populations.
On the allegations of illegal 3T mineral extraction, Makolo categorically rejected the claims, underscoring Rwanda’s regulated mining sector.
“Rwanda has its own 3T critical mineral reserves and unlike eastern DRC whose mining sector is mostly artisanal and characterized by predatory exploitation by armed groups and corrupt DRC officials, Rwanda operates a regulated and formalized mining sector, with investment in mineral processing and other infrastructure that allows for commercial refining of minerals and appropriate certification,” she said.
Makolo also pointed to the economic potential of the Peace Agreement, noting that it “will ultimately present opportunities for economic cooperation, with US private investment in the region to further formalize the mining sectors and allow for improved standards and revenue/tax collection by the respective governments.”
For the first time, Shazia experienced childbirth with access to doctors, medicines, and professional care. Her daughter was also the first baby delivered at one of ten new maternity clinics built by the UAE across Afghanistan, marking the start of a new chapter for maternal health in rural areas.
”Our economic condition was pretty bad all through. Now, thanks to the help we have received, we are much better off. We thank the UAE for this transformation in our lives,” Shazia said.
Her husband, Ramadan Mohammadi, recalled their struggles to access care in the past. ”Six of our children were born at home because we couldn’t afford transportation to distant hospitals. This is the first time a clinic has been built near our house, and it has been a blessing for us.”
These UAE-funded clinics have brought much needed medical care to communities that have long lacked access to even the most basic health services. Located in seven provinces – Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat, Paktia, Paktika, Helmand, and Kandahar – the facilities offer maternity and paediatric care, counselling, contraceptive services, emergency care, medicines and referrals for high-risk cases. They also serve as hubs for community outreach, offering health education, awareness programmes, and life-saving vaccinations, including for COVID-19 and BCG to protect against tuberculosis, to more than 20 people each day.
Dr. Ikramullah, a doctor at one of the clinics described the change underway, “Previously, childbirth happened at home, without any medical support, in unsafe, unhygienic conditions. It is changing now, and the people here are so delighted. We not only ensure safe deliveries, but also provide vaccinations, nutritional assistance, and continuous medical care for mothers and newborns.”
He pointed to a young child named Ayesha Qamari as an example of the progress being made, “The impact of these maternity centres is already being felt. This baby is just one of hundreds of children receiving crucial health checks and vaccinations. This will help bring down the high infant mortality rate in Afghanistan, one of the highest in the world.” According to UNICEF, more than 57 children out of 1,000 in Afghanistan die before reaching the age of five.
Ayesha’s mother shared her experience, “We have come to the clinic three or four times. Earlier, we could not afford the cost of transport to the city hospital. Many times, the sick children would not survive the long journey. We are deeply indebted to the UAE for building this clinic in our vicinity.”
Beyond healthcare, the initiative is also revitalising the local economy. Small businesses – offering services such as transportation and food supply – have emerged around the clinics and over 100 Afghans have been employed in a range of roles, from medical support to administration.
Mawlawi Ameenullah Sharif, Health Director of Nagarhar Province, noted the broader impact, “We thank the UAE for their investment in Afghanistan’s healthcare. This clinic was urgently needed, and now, the poor have access to essential services, including vaccinations, maternal care, and nutrition support.”
The clinics are all state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced medical equipment, solar power, mobile units, and ambulances – and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals. They reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving quality of life, empowering women and children, and strengthening local communities in Afghanistan.
Expected to impact the lives of more than 100,000 women in the coming years, these facilities represent a transformative step toward accessible healthcare in some of the country’s most underserved areas.
The music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, but he was not convicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Combs, 55, faced federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, which were part of a complex legal case involving his former relationships and alleged illicit activities.
The charges stemmed from accusations that Combs used his power to coerce women, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, into participating in “Freak Offs,” elaborate sex parties with male escorts.
Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses, including Ventura, who described incidents of abuse, coercion, and detailed the nature of the “Freak Offs.”
According to media reports, Combs’ defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, countered these claims, arguing that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the prosecution had exaggerated the case.
The defense introduced text messages between Combs and Ventura to support their claim of a loving, consensual relationship.
Agnifilo also portrayed Ventura’s relationship with Combs as a “great modern love story,” distancing the charges from any real criminal wrongdoing.
Despite the defense’s efforts, Combs was convicted on the lesser charges of transporting two women for prostitution.
However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and the associated crimes of kidnapping, arson, and bribery. These charges, had they resulted in a conviction, could have led to a 20-year prison sentence or more.
The trial lasted nearly two months, and the jury’s verdict, delivered on July 2, 2025, marked a significant moment in Combs’ legal battles.
With the acquittals, Combs avoided the life sentence that had loomed over him, but he now faces up to 10 years in prison for the charges on which he was convicted.
Throughout the trial, Combs’ legal team depicted Combs as a victim of false accusations, particularly regarding the alleged abuse and forced participation in the “Freak Offs,” a term used by Combs to describe the sex parties.
The outcome of the trial provides some relief for Combs, whose reputation has been severely impacted by the charges and his time spent behind bars leading up to the trial.
The high-octane event has received a major boost from BPR Bank, which has committed Rwf 40 million to support four standout drivers: reigning ARC champion Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Uganda’s Michael Muluka, and Rwanda’s celebrated female rally star Queen Kalimpinya.
Speaking ahead of the event, BPR Managing Director, Patience Mutesi said: “Our continued support for motorsport is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and elevating the sport to greater heights. The Rwanda leg presents another exciting opportunity for our drivers to showcase their skill and resilience on the continental stage.”
Karan Patel and his navigator, Tauseef Khan, will face a fierce battle as they go head to-head with Uganda’s Yasin Nasser, who currently leads the Africa Rally Championship standings with 63 points. Hot on his heels are Kenyan drivers Nikhil Sachania and Carl Tundo, tied in second place with 50 points each.
Fellow Kenyan Jeremiah Wahome holds fourth place with 42 points, closely followed by Samman Vohra on 36 points. Karan Patel currently sits sixth in the rankings with 35 points, as he looks to climb higher in the standings.
“We are the defending champions of the African Rally Championship. The first two rounds could have been better, but we have a point to prove in Rwanda. The terrain has always favored us, so I think we are more than ready to fly the BPR brand high at the event that will be graced by top rally drivers on the continent,” noted Karan Patel.
The much-awaited event is set to attract at least 35 drivers battling for glory in the 386- kilometer ride, which will kick off with the opening round at Kigali Convention Center before heading to Bugesera for another two rounds of battle on the dusty roads of Gako and Nemba.
The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, known originally as the Fraternity Rally, is an international rally racing event organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club.
The rally is based in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. The event is a round of the African Rally Championship and the Rwandan National Rally Championship.
The lively and heartwarming installation ceremony took place at the Mythos Boutique Hotel in Kigali, drawing an audience of Rotarians from across Rwanda, friends, and distinguished guests—including Antoine Anfré, Ambassador of France to Rwanda, who honored the gathering as Guest of Honor.
The evening was a beautiful showcase of Rotary’s spirit of service and solidarity, bringing together people of action, united in friendship and committed to transforming communities.
{{Reflecting on a year of “Rotary Magic”}}
Outgoing president Rtn. PHF Freddy Mutanguha took the stage to reflect on a vibrant year of service under the 2024/2025 Rotary theme, “The Magic of Rotary.” He highlighted key milestones that defined his presidency—from impactful community initiatives to celebratory moments that strengthened club unity.
“Our club witnessed the true magic of Rotary—reaching those who needed us most,” he said. “We stood by people living with albinism, children with autism, women in correctional facilities, and families in need of clean water.”
Among the notable achievements, the club has made significant strides in several key areas. In partnership with the Organization for the Integration and Promotion of People with Albinism in Rwanda (OIPPA), the club provided essential support to individuals with albinism.
This included distributing skin-protective lotions, sun-safe eyewear, and facilitating access to cancer screenings.
Additionally, the club made a meaningful impact at the Nyamagabe correctional facility, where 12 sewing machines were donated to women learning vocational skills.
“These machines are not just tools; they are a pathway to reintegration, dignity, and renewed purpose,” Mutanguha shared.
The club also collaborated with Autism Rwanda to raise awareness and provide support for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Through advocacy, funding education, and fostering inclusion, the club has played a crucial role in promoting the well-being of individuals with autism.
Another significant project was the partnership with Rotary Club Vitré (France), which facilitated access to clean and safe water for communities in Rwinyoni, located in Rutsiro District, Western Rwanda.
Rtn. Mutanguha also led the club in celebrating its 25th anniversary—a milestone marked by pride, reflection, and recommitment to the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
{{A new dawn: “Unite for Good”}}
Stepping into leadership for the 2025/2026 Rotary year, Rtn. Claver Irakoze energized the audience with a forward-looking vision grounded in compassion and collaboration. Under the global Rotary theme “Unite for Good,” he emphasized the importance of unity, innovation, and impactful service.
“I stand here deeply honored and ready to lead with a heart for service and a mind for solutions,” he said. “We will grow our membership, strengthen our club’s dynamism, and launch flagship projects that uplift vulnerable communities—not just in words, but with measurable, lasting impact.”
He pledged to champion cross-club collaborations, engage youth, and position RC Kigali Mont Jali as a model of purpose-driven action. “When we unite for good, we amplify our impact. Rotary is not just about giving—it’s about connecting, empowering, and transforming,” Claver affirmed.
{{A voice of diplomacy and encouragement}}
In his address, French Ambassador Antoine Anfré shared heartfelt remarks that connected Rotary’s mission to the universal values of empathy and civic responsibility.
“Rotary does what diplomacy often dreams of—changing lives through daily acts of compassion,” he said. “What you do matters deeply. By providing clean water, supporting children with special needs, or empowering women to stitch a new chapter for their future, you remind us that service knows no borders and no small actions.”
{{Celebrating growth and generosity}}
The installation night was also marked by two major Rotary milestones: growth in membership and giving.
Three new members were officially inducted into Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, joining a global network of over 1.4 million Rotarians. Their induction (intronisation) was met with cheers, pins, and a heartfelt welcome.
Additionally, four members were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows (PHF)—a distinction given to Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation.
These contributions help fund high-impact projects across the globe, including in Rwanda. Each PHF was honored with the iconic PHF pin, symbolizing not just generosity, but a shared commitment to building a better world.
“When you wear that pin,” said one club leader, “you’re telling the world: I believe in change that lasts.”
{{A night to remember}}
More than a formal ceremony, the installation night was a joyful celebration of purpose. Laughter, conversation, music, and a shared meal created an atmosphere of deep connection—a reminder that Rotary is not just an organization; it’s a family.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a renewed sense of energy in the room. Under Rtn. Claver Irakoze’s leadership, and with the theme “Unite for Good” as a compass, Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali is set to embrace another year of service, action, and impact.
On July 1, 2025, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced new prices for petroleum products, with the price of a litre of petrol increasing by Frw 170, rising from Frw 1,633 to Frw 1,803 , while diesel rose to Frw 1,757 from Frw 1,647.
These prices came into effect on July 2 at 6:00 a.m. The authority also indicated that these new petroleum product prices include revised Value-Added Tax (VAT) charges.
Speaking to Rwanda Television, Dr. Jimmy Gasore explained that the new prices have risen due to the implementation of Cabinet decisions, as well as increasing costs on the global market.
“What is different from usual is that the resolutions arising from the Cabinet’s decisions have now been implemented. As Rwandans may recall, in February this year, the Cabinet established new taxes, in particular stipulating that, starting on July 1, the price of petrol would include value-added tax. That tax has now been applied, which is why the increase is higher than what we usually see for petroleum products,” he said.
Dr. Gasore stated that the Government had taken measures to prevent price increases from becoming excessively high, committing to retain certain subsidies on petroleum products.
As a result, the price of petrol rose by 11%, although it was initially projected to increase by 18%. Similarly, diesel was expected to increase by 14% but only rose by 6.8%.
Dr. Gasore explained that there should not be significant changes in transportation fares and costs.
He gave the example of motorcycle taxi rides, noting that for a ride costing Frw 500, the fuel portion should not exceed Frw 200. Therefore, the 11% increase in fuel prices would not justify raising the fare by more than Frw 20.
“We believe that, in reality, the recent increases should not lead to higher national transport costs.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, noted that the recent price hikes are not alarming for business operations in general.
He explained that, typically, transportation costs for goods imported from neighboring countries or transported within Rwanda account for 22% of the total cost of the goods.
“That 22% is not significant enough for transportation to substantially raise prices for essential food items that every Rwandan needs on a daily basis,” Kajangwe noted.
He explained that, for example, for rice transported from Rusizi District in the Western Province, the new prices might add approximately Frw 6 per kilogram in transportation costs.
This means that for a 25-kilogram sack of rice from Bugarama, the price would increase by only Frw 150.
He further clarified that for other goods such as maize from Nyagatare District or potatoes from Musanze District, transportation costs might rise by about Frw 4.
“These are not amounts that should be perceived as significantly driving up the prices of essential daily food items. However, the government has also foregone certain revenues to ensure that these price increases remain manageable,” Kajangwe noted.
RURA emphasized that, in response to rising global petroleum prices and in order to ease the burden on consumers, the Government of Rwanda has maintained sufficient petroleum reserves in its storage facilities.
As he briefed the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently, the Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Telesphore Ndabamenye, explained that the projects, which will irrigate up to 4,000 hectares of land, include Mpanga, Mahama I, and Mahama II.
Ndabamenye highlighted that the Mpanga project, which has an $18 million budget, will irrigate 650 hectares. However, its implementation has been delayed due to the lack of electricity necessary to operate the water pumps that will draw water from the Akagera River.
“The engines needed to initiate the trials are expected to arrive in August, with operations scheduled to commence in October 2025,” he noted.
The Mahama I project, which will irrigate 1,225 hectares at a cost of $27 million, and Mahama II, covering 1,900 hectares at a cost of $32 million, are both expected to be completed by December 2025.
Ndabamenye explained that the variation in project costs is due to factors such as the size of the land to be irrigated, the nature of the soil, and the power requirements for water pumping.
In addition to these projects, Rwanda is also pursuing two other major initiatives. One, funded by the World Bank, is the CDAT project, which will irrigate 11,000 hectares and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The other, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is KIIWP2, which will cover 2,200 hectares and is scheduled for completion by 2028.
To achieve its goal of irrigating 500,000 hectares of land to combat climate change, Rwanda will require substantial investment and swift implementation of these projects.
Funding for these initiatives has been provided through loans from the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank), as well as other domestic financing sources.
These irrigation projects are expected to boost Rwanda’s irrigated land area from the current 70,000 hectares to 130,000 hectares by 2029, supporting sustainable agricultural growth and enhancing food security.
