“Mutokambali Moïse with over 15 years of experience in coaching and technical matters has been appointed the Technical Director,” reads a statement released by FERWABA.
Mutokambali who has mainly played a big role in raising aspiring junior talents in Rwanda’s basketball is the owner of ‘The Hoops Rwanda’ team that won 2019/20 women championship. He also coaches women national teams in the categories of elites and juniors since April 2019.
Mutokambali gained fame in the years between 2005 and 2012 when he coached Lycée de Kigali basketball team before joining the National Team.
In 2013, he helped Lycée de Kigali to win inter-secondary schools basketball competition. He had won similar competition in 2010 when he was the head coach of APE Rugunga among others.
Mutokambali was appointed the head coach of Men National Team in 2013. He was later in March 2018 ousted from the position accused of underformance until he was appointed the head coach of Women National Basketball Team.
The drug known as ‘Favipiravir’ is said to have potent against severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus. It was used for the first time in Wuhan city, China where the pandemic emerged for first time.
“There is a drug that has been on global pharmaceutical market within three weeks. Over 18,000 of such drugs will arrive at Kigali International Airport on Wednesday 5pm. We are attending to all patients so that everyone will receive the drug, that we believe will help them recover,” he said in a talk show aired on RTV.
Dr Ngamije explained that the drug helps to alleviate Covid-19 severity and is promising to reduce deaths.
Rwanda has registered 1402 new Coronavirus cases from across the country while 22 have succumbed to the virus within the past seven days. The country is recording surge in Coronavirus cases whereby over 200 infections are found almost every day.
The City of Kigali has been the major hotspot for new cases but the Minister of Health urged residents in other parts of the country to avoid complacency.
Apart from the drug alleviating Coronavirus complications, Dr Ngamije also revealed that Rwanda is seeking how to receive Covid-19 vaccine in the near future.
“We are expending much effort through the United Nations and other mechanisms so that we can receive the vaccine the soonest possible. We are willing and hopeful to receive it in the near future,” he said.
Dr Ngamije has explained that Rwanda has made all possible preparations to receive vaccines once they are ready for distribution.
Rwanda has recently acquired new freezers capacitating the country to administer all types of Covid-19 vaccines.
NAEB has via Twitter handle revealed that Pakistan was the main importer.
During the same week, Rwanda also exported 210, 219 kgs of coffee that generated $703,140 (over Rwf 695 million). Germany, Poland and Kenya were main destinations.
Among others, Rwanda exported 229,687 kgs of flowers, vegetables and fruits that generated $396,104 (over Rwf 391 million).
Among others, Rwanda exported 229,687kgs of horticultural produce including fruits, vegetables and flowers which generated US$396,104. Countries of destination mainly include DRC, UK, Holland, France among others like Germany, UAE, Belgium, Uganda and Benin.
Few days after lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of Coronavirus last year, the Government launched food donation program on 27th March 2020 to vulnerable residents who could not feed themselves without daily work.
At the time, 194811 families across the country received food donations during the lockdown that lasted for 40 days.
Following the upsurge in Coronavirus cases, the cabinet meeting held yesterday reinstated lockdown in Kigali city which has been identified the major hotspot for new infections.
The Minister of Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka has explained that the Government is ready to support financially constrained people like it did last year when a lockdown was imposed.
“The Government is ready to provide support. We know that people don’t have same financial means. Some are weak; others force meal upon their work while others are mostly hit hard or starve due to emerging circumstances. I would like to tell viewers from Kigali city that no one should be worried of finding food for the two weeks of lockdown. We have planned how to handle it,” he said.
Prof Shyaka explained that people should fear Covid-19 instead of hunger because the pandemic catches everyone regardless of their financial means.
He urged residents to adhere to prevent measures to contain spread of the pandemic.
During a talk show aired on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije explained that people have been complacent for the past few days which triggered the surge in new Coronavirus cases.
He has revealed this following the cabinet meeting held yesterday on 18th January 2021 which took stringent measures to contain spread of the virus.
The meeting has placed Kigali city under lockdown for two weeks, a decision that will be reviewed upon health assessment. All public and private schools in the city have been also closed.
“We have registered over 142 people have succumbed to Coronavirus up to date of whom 65% died in the past 50 days. This means, the situation worsened and it is apparent to everyone,” said Dr. Ngamije.
“To slow down the upsurge in new Coronavirus cases, we need strict measures like the ones the Government has taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by President of the Republic,” he added.
To date, all schools in Kigali are closed while unnecessary movements are prohibited except for essential services including medical/ healthcare, food shopping, banking etc and for the personnel performing such services. All movements will require an approved permit from Rwanda National Police.
Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted, except for essential services and tourism (tourists must possess negative Covid-19 test results).
Public transport in Kigali is prohibited, however transportation of food and essential goods will continue to function. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 11 259 people have been tested positive out of 799,817 sample tests of whom 7412 have recovered, 3701 are active cases while 146 have succumbed to the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The journalist also said that RPF Inkotanyi soldiers shot the airplane of former President of Rwanda, Habyarimana Juvenal which is considered a biased argument not informed by research.
Through her foundation dubbed ‘Yolande Mukagasana’ , she has written a letter protesting acts of Judi Rever who tends to use ‘freedom of expression’ for activities that might be likened with propaganda that characterized the media before and during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Freedom of expression” was used as a weapon to expedite the 1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda. Today, Judi Rever uses this same concept to deny the genocide.
In the years leading to 1994, media outlets and tabloids belonging to to Hutu extremists used the noble concept of ‘Freedom of Expression’ as a weapon while the world stood idly by and watched it happen.
The infamous Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), the Kangura newspaper which published the ten Hutu Commandments, and many others were used by these extremist groups.
In the aftermath of the genocide, a number of journalists were found guilty of genocide extremism related crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The sentenced media practitioners included a foreign journalist, George Ruggiu, condemned to 12 years in prison.
Through an open letter, Yolande Mukagasana Foundation has explained that there should be no excuse for people lagging behind freedom of expression to undermine genocide.
“Today, we cannot, in no way, tolerate revisionists and genocide deniers who use freedom of expression as an excuse to manipulate historical facts by, for instance, labeling Rwanda’s liberation movement as criminals. We cannot allow 26 years of continuous lies and torture imposed on genocide survivors to go unchecked and unchallenged. Most of their manipulation and denialism amount to criminal acts that deserve to be condemned and in several cases, tried,” reads part of the letter.
The letter further states the journalist Rever didn’t prove researched evidences whereby her witnesses are deemed spurious.
The foundation recalled that the genocide against the Hutus which would have been committed by the Tutsi was announced for the first time in an article written by “l’Association des Femmes Parlementaires pour la Défense des Droits de la Mère et de l’Enfant” in collaboration with Dr. Mugesera Léon. The article, titled “The Whole Truth About the October 1990 Rwanda War” was published in February 1991.
“The war of the RPF is to restore the dictatorship of the extremism of the minority Tutsi based on a genocide, the extermination of the Hutu majority,” the article reads in part.
The authors of this article, starting with Dr. Léon Mugesera, who was sentenced to life imprisonment played a role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The planners of the genocide against the Tutsi devised this ideology to make Hutus fear and hate Tutsis. They then used state institutions to turn fear and hatred into the myriad acts of hunting, rape and massacres that made up the Genocide against Tutsi.
In his book “When Victims Become Killers”, Professor Mahmood Mamdani, scholar and author of several books, points out that “Most genocides have been rationalized, mobilized, organized, explained as preventive actions; do to them what they will do to you before they do it to you. ”
Judi Rever supports this conspiracy theory announced by Professor Mahmood Mamdani.
Based on such acts, Yolande Mukagasana Foundation has called for action to condemn the Canadian journalist.
“The genocide against the Tutsi was not a crime by ignorant people. It was planned and coordinated by intellectuals, politicians, and the military. Journalists contributed to it, such as Judi Rever and Stéphan Bureau, who gave it a platform by disseminating its insults and denialism without qualms, shame or scruples,” reads the letter.
The foundation also calls on Canada, through its ambassador to Rwanda to ‘make a comment on what we denounce with anger and indignation and tell us if as a country, they support genocide denial as promoted by some Canadian journalists’.
“In Canada, the country of Judi Rever and Stéphan Bureau, no one can dare claim that the Jews disguised themselves as Nazis and murdered their own families. No one would have the heart to question the testimonies of Holocaust survivors by accusing them of disseminating an “official version of history which would suit the State of Israel.” Why would this be allowed when it comes to the history of Rwanda? How can Canada allow this? We need to understand, but don’t come and tell us that it is freedom of expression because we know it from having lived in Rwanda in 1994,”reads the letter.
The Yolande Mukagasana Foundation is an independent foundation promoting research on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Among its various objectives is, in the very first line, the fight against revisionism and genocide denial, as well as a determined fight against the genocidal ideology which is hidden under these multiple acts of denial.
“Consequently, we strongly condemn both Radio Canada for having offered a platform for evil, and the shameful remarks that deny and trivialize the genocide made by Judi Rever and Stéphan Bureau: their comments, hidden behind the curtain of ‘freedom of expression’, insult the memory of genocide survivors and all Rwandans of good will,” concludes the letter.
The deceased include three men aged 78, 61 and 33 respectively from Kigali as well as a 79-year old man from Huye district.
Among others, 277 new cases have been found out of 2950 sample tests while 49 have recovered within the last 24 hours.
The statement released today shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 139, Kirehe: 20, Huye: 11, Gatsibo: 9, Gicumbi: 8, Rulindo: 7, Musanze: 7, Gisagara: 5, Nyanza: 5, Rubavu: 4, Ruhango: 3, Nyamasheke: 3, Nyamagabe: 2, Muhanga: 1, Kamonyi: 1, Karongi: 1 and Kayonza: 1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 11 259 people have been tested positive out of 799,817 sample tests of whom 7412 have recovered, 3701 are active cases while 146 have succumbed to the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The resolution of the virtual cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame is part of stringent measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which has been on steady rise.
Kigali city has been the major hotspot for surging Coronavirus cases where 862 COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths were recorded between 11th January to 17th January 2021.
“Upon health assessment of the recent unprecedented rise in cases, deaths and transmission rates in the community, the cabinet called on Rwandans to heighten vigilance in observing COVID-19 health guidelines in order to slow the spread of the virus,” reads part of a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister.
“The surge in cases specifically in the City of Kigali has necessitated a lockdown. Citizens are urged to significantly reduce social interactions and limit movements only to essential services,” adds the statement.
{{Specific measures in the City of Kigali }}
a) Unnecessary movements including visits outside home are prohibited except for essential services including medical/ healthcare, food shopping, banking etc and for the personnel performing such services. All movements will require an approved permit from Rwanda National Police. A complete list of essential services will be shared by the Ministry of Local Government.
b) Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted, except for essential services and tourism (tourists must possess negative Covid-19 test results).
c) Public transport is prohibited, however transportation of food and essential goods will continue to function. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.
d) All employees (public and private) shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.
e) Businesses are closed, except distribution and delivery services as well as those selling food, medicine, (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel, and other essential items but will operate at 30% capacity. Businesses permitted to operate must close by 6pm.
f) Restaurants and cafés will only provide take-away service.
g) All schools (public and private) including universities are closed however remote learning is encouraged.
h) Places of worship are closed.
i) Kigali International Airport will remain open, arriving passengers must present a negative PCR taken within 120 hours prior to their first departure. Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before departure.
j) Designated hotels for arriving passengers will remain open under strict COVID-19 prevention measures. RDB will share complete list of approved hotels.
k) Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers shall inform RDB of itineraries.
l) Hotels will only host essential conferences upon written approval from RDB. Detailed guidelines will be provided by RDB.
m) Farming will continue for the ongoing agricultural season while observing COVID-19 control measures.
n) Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons.
{{Measures in the remaining part of the country }}
a) Movements are prohibited from 6pm to 4pm.
b) Places of worship are closed.
c) Schools will continue while respecting COVID-19 control measures.
d) All social gatherings and events including religious wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings, and conferences are prohibited.
e) Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with the exception of tested guests staying at hotels.
f) Attendance at a wake / vigil (Ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time.
g) Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons.
h) Gaming activities remain prohibited.
These measures will take effect immediately to be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.
Related story: https://en.igihe.com/news/article/total-lockdown-looms-if-violation-of-covid-19-preventive-measures-persists
It is with great pleasure I would like to invite Rwandan students to discover their potential with “Türkiye Scholarships”, and announce that the applications for this year’s program has started on 10th January to be closed on 20th February, 2021.
Those who are willing to apply are most welcome to visit “https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr”.
With the accumulation of diverse cultures and the yields of deep historical roots throughout centuries and experiences in the field of education, Turkey attracts international students all over the world and is becoming frequent meeting point of foreign students and academics representing different backgrounds.
In the last 10 years, the number of international students studying in our higher education institutions has increased by 75%.
According to current figures, Turkey became one of the most international student welcoming countries in the world with approximately 150,000 international students of whom 17,000 are provided with scholarships to study at Turkey’s top 50 universities under ‘Türkiye Scholarships’.
In a bid to help students gain new perspectives and have a unique educational experience, Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded, competitive scholarship program, awarded to outstanding students to pursue full-time or short-term program at the top universities in Turkey.
After its inception in 2010, ‘Türkiye Scholarships’ received 40,000 applications from all over the world in its first year. With the rapid increase of the interest of diversified undergraduate and postgraduate students, the number of applications surged to almost 150,000 in 2019.
The program itself not only provides financial support but also ensures university placement for students in their intended program of application. International students are fully sponsored with free tuition fees, accommodation expenses, health insurance and monthly stipend. The scholarship program provides a compulsory one-year Turkish Language Course which ensures that all students acclimatize and adapt to the social and cultural environment they live in.
In addition to undergraduate and postgraduate studies, ‘Türkiye Scholarships’ program also provides various modules for research and one-year Turkish language education for academics, researchers and civil servants in other countries.
International students are choosing Turkey not merely for the education purposes. Besides their academic curricular program, the students can also benefit from social, cultural and academic extra- curricular programs and activities while tasting delicious Turkish cuisine and exploring the historical and natural beauties of Turkey. The welcoming atmosphere of tolerance to different cultures and embracing the diversity also constitute the key elements to answer the question of “why study in Turkey?”
After graduating from an undergraduate, Master’s and PhD program with ‘Türkiye Scholarships’, a scholar automatically becomes a member of alumni of a huge global network of more than 150,000 graduates. An “Alumni Association” is established to keep this big and growing family connected.
Finally, how to apply? Candidates who meet the requirements can submit their applications online “https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr” until 20th February 2021.
After that date, as a first step, the submitted documents by candidates will be subjected to an evaluation process. After the initial assessments, successful candidates will be invited to an interview. Interviewed candidates will be informed about the results following a final assessment. For further information and updates, the interested candidates are welcome to follow announcements at “https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr” and the Embassy’s social media accounts.
Contributing to international student mobility in the region surrounding Turkey and around the world, Türkiye Scholarships Program brings together leaders of the future. I would like to extend my best wishes and good luck to all potential undergraduate and postgraduate candidates who are interested in studying in Turkey and look forward to having more Rwandan students this year benefiting from this opportunity.
{ {{Burcu Çevik, is the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Rwanda}} }
Applicants are required to fill a form found on NIRDA website: www.nirda.gov.rw or apply via opencalls@nirda.gov.rw.
‘Open Calls’ is a program that offers opportunity to firms in selected value chains to compete and acquire upgraded equipment in a bid to boost competitiveness and productivity and create more decent and productive jobs.
Usually, NIRDA experts would organize tours upcountry to facilitate applicants in the Open Calls Program and help them to understand well its concept and apply for the support.
The application that started in December 2020 was initially set to the deadline of 10th January 2021 but some applicants could not benefit from the technical support normally provided by NIRDA staff due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for inter-districts travels.
Christian Sekomo Birame, the Director-General of NIRDA has explained that the institution decided to extend application deadline to 31st January 2021 to give second chance to those who were unable to apply for the first time.
“We have extended application deadline for firms engaged in the clay value chain for construction materials because our staff were not able to assist applicants as usual while some people didn’t find required documents due to instituted measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
“While we have already received some applications, we hope that the extension will help those who could not apply to do so within the next two weeks so that no one is left behind,” added Birame.
Interested applicants are urged to call NIRDA toll free line 1055 or visit NIRDA website: www.nirda.gov.rw for more details.
People in Kigali or living in neighbourhood of the city can visit NIRDA offices at Kigali City Tower (7th floor) while others in Huye can visit NIRDA research center nearby the headquarters of the University of Rwanda for support.
The application is made through NIRDA website www.nirda.gov.rw or email: opencalls@nirda.gov.rw
