The theft happened in the wee hours of Friday in Nyagatare village, Gishuru cell of Tabagwe sector in the vicinity of Rwanda, Uganda border.
The executive secretary of Tabagwe sector, Célestin Munyangabo has told IGIHE that they are linking up with Ugandan counterparts to recover stolen livestock.
“They have stolen eight cows and three goats belonging to five residents in the wee hours of 15th January 2021. We are liaising with local leaders in Uganda to return stolen livestock to owners because we have already identified places where they are located,” he said.
Munyangabo explained that they have tightened security to prevent similar theft.
“We have taken strict security measures; encouraged residents to protect their livestock because it is not the first time Ugandans cross to steal livestock from Rwanda. The latest case occurred two months ago,” revealed Munyangabo.
Nyagatare is one of districts in the neighborhood of Uganda with six sectors touching the border. These include Matimba, Musheri, Karama, Tabagwe, Kiyombe and Rwempasha.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, Jeanne Bamurange, the team site leader from National Centre for Blood Transfusion Division under RBC said she was happy with the turn up of soldiers who came for the blood donation exercise.
“It is just amazing to see this spirit among our soldiers. They turned in big numbers, with good will, and donated blood. It is encouraging and serves as an example for the rest of the Rwandan community,” she said adding that “RDF is a loyal partner in this exercise”.
After donating blood; Maj Joseph Mustafa, one of RDF officers considered the donation a human act to save lives of people.
“ It is an act of good will and people should understand that every one may be in need of blood because of illness or serious injuries,’’ he explained.
The blood donation exercise, which kicked off on 15th January 2021, will cover a whole year calendar of collecting blood from different RDF units and formations.
In partnership with RDF, Rwanda Biomedical Centre has been collecting blood from the military since 2013.
Among others, 257 new cases have been found out of 5538 sample tests while 54 have recovered. It is for the first time Rwanda records the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in one day since the pandemic emerged.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 159, Gicumbi: 16, Gisagara: 14, Rwamagana: 13, Huye: 13, Karongi: 10, Muhanga: 7: Kirehe: 7, Nyagatare: 4, Musanze: 3, Gatsibo: 2, Ngoma: 2, Rubavu: 2, Ruhango: 1, Rusizi: 1, Nyamagabe: 1, Burera: 1 and Ngororero: 1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 10 573 people have been tested positive out of 785,049 sample tests of whom 7028 have recovered, 3407 are active cases while 138 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 quartet was showed to the media on Friday, January 15, at the Police metropolitan headquarters in Remera.
They include one Edson Uwitonze, who was allegedly buying and selling metal pieces stolen from pylons; Emmanuel Muhirwa, a taxi-moto operator, who was allegedly transporting thieves and metal pieces taken from pylons; Samuel Ndayizeye, one of the suspected thieves vandalizing the powerlines; and one Eric Kubwimana, who was linking thieves to dealers in metals or scraps.
Uwitonze and Kubwimana were arrested together in Nyabugogo suburb of Nyarugenge District with pieces of pylons, which the latter was delivering to the former.
Meanwhile, the motorcyclist Muhirwa was arrested in Kabuye, Gasabo District on Thursday while transporting Ndayizeye with metal pieces stolen from vandalized pylons.
At the time, Ndayizeye managed to flee but was located and arrested later.
Muhirwa explained that he was hired by Ndayizeye to transport him to Nyabugogo.
“Ndayizeye entered a house in Kabuye, came out with pieces of pylons which he was taking to Nyabugogo but he run away immediately when he saw people approaching,” Muhirwa said.
Uwitonze, on the other hand, argued that he was not aware that the metal pieces he was buying and selling were stolen from pylons.
Stanley Nkubito, the head for energy efficiency and revenue protection at EUCL-REG, said that these criminal activities continue to cause power blackout in some parts of the country.
“We register at least 50 cases of people destroying pylons every year. Since the beginning of this year and this raises concern. In some cases, this vandalism cause power outage in areas that are supplied by the same electricity line” Nkubito said.
He explained that this prompted REG to constitute a team that works with security organs to fight such criminal activities.
“The effects of these criminal activities are way above the value of the vandalised pylons; Rwf50 million or Rwf60 million for one pylon is nowhere close to how much is lost by disconnecting homes, industries, factories, shops, fridges, hospitals and many other businesses that rely on electricity,” Nkubito added.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera warned that the force will continue the search and arrest of anyone that destroys public infrastructure, which affects service delivery, lead businesses into losses as well as the government in terms of repairing the affected utilities.
“Everyone, including these suspects, benefit from electricity in one way or another. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect these infrastructures jealously to ensure that anyone that attempts to destroy them is arrested,” CP Kabera said.
According to article 182 of the law relating to offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, “any person, who maliciously demolishes or damages in any way, in whole or in part of construction, building, bridge, dams, water pipes and their routes, railway rails or any other means of communication or electric power infrastructure, wells or any other constructions, which do not belong to him/her, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years with a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.
The soldier died in an ambush by a coalition of rebels near Grimari, roughly 300 kilometres northeast of the capital Bangui, the UN said, during a security mission to the town with Burundian and Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping force in the region also said in a statement that two Bangladeshi soldiers were lightly wounded.
In a statement from New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack and reiterated his “deep concern over the continued destabilisation efforts by armed groups throughout the country”.
Guterres urged all parties to immediately stop the violence and resolve their differences through peaceful means.
It follows a month-long rebellion after six of the most powerful armed groups, who have occupied roughly two-thirds of the country for eight years, united.
The coalition announced an offensive ahead of December 27 presidential and legislative elections, aimed at preventing Faustin Archange Toudera’s re-election.
Landlocked CAR is one of the world’s poorest nations and has seen a string of coups and wars since it gained independence from France in 1960.
On Wednesday, the rebel forces mounted their closest attack yet to Bangui before being pushed back with the loss of a peacekeeper, the UN said.
On January 4, President Touadera was declared the victor, although the political opposition cried foul.
According to a statement signed by the President of FERWACY; Abdallah Murenzi, the tournament has been postponed due to current global situation of COVID-19 pandemic and many uncertainties ‘that do not allow to envisage the organization of the tour of Rwanda in the best conditions’.
“After consultations with other government institutions, Rwanda Cycling Federation has decided to postpone the 2021 edition of the Tour du Rwanda initially scheduled on February 21st to 28th. The 2021 edition is rescheduled for the month of May (from 2nd to 9th), subject to the forthcoming validation of the dates, by the Union Cycliste Internationale-UCI,” reads FERWACY statement.
Despite the suspension, FERWACY revealed that preparations for Tour du Rwanda 2021 are actively continuing.
Organizers of the upcoming Tour du Rwanda recently announced that the postponed tournament would attract the participation of 15 teams.
Tour du Rwanda 2021 will be the third since it was upgraded to Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.1 category.
Fifteen teams have been selected for the moment, from the major cycling nations of the African continent but also from worldwide experienced teams competing in major cycling events on the international calendar like the prestigious Tour de France: among them the UCI World Tour Israel Start-Up Nations the new team of Chris Froome, and the French Total-Direct Energie and B&B Hotels.
Rwanda will be represented by its National Team and with the two UCI Continental Teams Skol Adrien Cycling Academy and Benediction Cycling team.
Once again the route promises to be spectacular with long climbs on almost all stages for a total elevation of 16,347 meters. The famous Wall of Kigali and the Mount Kigali will be part of this exceptional program to make Tour du Rwanda, the most difficult race of the 2021 season.
{{15 selected Teams}}
{{World Tour:}} Israel Start-Up Nation (Israel)
{{Continental Pro UCI:}} Total-Direct Energie (France), B&B Hotels (France), Team Novo Nordisk (USA), Androni-Giocatolli (Italy)
{{Continental UCI:}} Benediction Cycling Team (Rwanda), Skol Adrien Cycling Academy (Rwanda), Pro Touch Team (South Africa), Bike Aid (Germany), Vino Astana Motors (Kazakhstan), Team Medellin (Colombia), TSG Terengganu (Malaysia)
The drainage collects waste and rainwater from homes in the sectors of Nyamirambo, Gitega and Kimisagara all in Nyarugenge, towards River Nyabugogo.
The drainage channel that had lacked sustainable management of water from the sectors surrounding the drainage would be clogged by too much water during heavy rains, hence destroying several properties including homes, merchandises among others in its surroundings.
Under the project design, Mpazi drainage channel will be expanded while two major bridges are widened to enable direct flow of drainage water into River Nyabugogo.
As IGIHE visited construction sites; Engineer Fidèle Tuyisenge, the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure planning Officer at the City of Kigali said that construction activities currently stand at 54%.
“Construction activities are underway at 54%. We are upgrading drainage channel linking two bridges in Nyabugogo. We initially had to build an elevated bridge with desired heights so that water can directly flow into River Nyabugogo appropriately,” he said.
Two major bridges on Mpazi drainage channel including one located near the area known as ‘Ku Mashyirahamwe’ and another one in the vicinity of ‘Poids Lourds’ will be completed at a cost of Rwf 7.9 billion.
Eng.Tuyisenge explained that construction activities were stalled by Coronavirus pandemic as some materials would be imported.
“We experienced shortage of steels that we used to import due to measures implemented to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Moreover, local factories were unable to meet the country’s demand including works at Mpazi drainage channel. This hindered smooth execution but we are currently on track,” he said.
Construction activities at Mpazi drainage channel provide jobs to 150 people every month.
Apart from Mpazi, Kigali city also plans to upgrade 40 drainage channels from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge districts at cost of Rwf 30 billion.
Funded by Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), Mpazi project will improve the resilience of the Nyabugogo area to flooding by enhancing the hydraulic conveyance capacity of Mpazi channel and Nyabugogo River. It will have a flood monitoring system as well as monitoring water flow within the Nyabugogo floodplain.
Rwanda’s embassy to Morocco has via twitter handle revealed that the ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Morocco, Mrs. Nyiramatama presented copies of her letters of credence yesterday to Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
She was appointed by the cabinet meeting held on 14th December 2020.
During the ceremony, officials observed Coronavirus control measures by wearing face masks and respecting social distancing among others.
Zaina Nyiramatama replaces former mufti of the Republic of Rwanda Sheikh Saleh Habimana, who was appointed in July 2019 as Rwanda’s first ambassador to Rabat.
Nyiramatama, previously held different positions serving as the Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Chad and executive secretary of the National Commission for Children (NCC) of Rwanda.
Rwanda’s embassy in Morocco was inaugurated in January 2020 in Rabat, the capital of Morocco by former Rwandan Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad Nasser Bourita.
Rwanda, Morocco enjoy existing relations that took formal shape after King Mohammed VI visited Rwanda in 2016 as part of his commitment to a new African diplomacy.
Since then, both countries have since signed dozens of cooperation and trade agreements, vowing to shoulder their continental responsibility in facing “shared challenges.”
As both countries position themselves as continental leaders and champions of pan-Africanism and African integration, they have placed their improving diplomatic ties under the banner of “responsibility sharing” and “pan-African vision” for the future.
When Rwanda opened its embassy in Morocco in January of last year, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bouritia, described the development as a crowning achievement for Morocco’s decisively Africa-focused diplomacy.
Rwanda was among countries that supported Morocco’s return to the African Union.
News about his death circulated today morning. He has died at the age of 57.
Speaking to IGIHE; Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, has confirmed that Dr. Kigabo died in Kenya.
“It is true that he has passed on. We are still trying to reach out to his family for further information,” she said.
Pastor Irakiza Rweribamba Isaac, the elder brother of late Kigabo has told IGIHE that Dr. Kigabo succumbed to Coronavirus which he caught last week.
Dr. Kigabo was also a board member of Economic Policy Research Network Rwanda (EPRN).
Thomas Kigabo Rusuhuzwa holds a Ph.D in monetary, finance and international economics at University of LYON 2/France and Masters in Applied Mathematics. He joined the National Bank of Rwanda in 2007 as Chief economist, after serving many years as Director, academic affairs and Rector of Kigali Independent University.
Kigabo has been teaching following courses at the same university but also at University of Rwanda and Jomo Kenyata University at bachelor, masters and PHD levels: econometrics, monetary economics, applied mathematics and microeconomics.
He has an extensive experience in research in different areas including monetary policy, financial inclusion, issue related to financial sector development, development economics and regional integration among others.
Kigabo supervised or co-supervised PHD students in Rwanda and in different universities in Europe.
As chief economist of the National Bank of Rwanda, Dr. Kigabo played an important role in formulation and implementation of monetary policy in Rwanda and Government of Rwanda economic policies as well as the development of financial sector. He also played important role in negotiation of policies with different stakeholders including the International Monetary Funds and the World Bank.
These freezers which will be used to store Covid-19 vaccines upon arrival in the country are additional to existing ones and have the capacity to freeze vaccines at minus 40 and 86 degree Celsius.
The purchase of new vaccines is a great milestone to Rwanda’s efforts geared towards containing the spread of Covid-19 and preparations to receive store and supply the vaccines which stands at 95%.
The fridges and other equipment that will be used to transport vaccines are located in Masoro, Kigali city.
Rwanda has already expressed interest in acquiring Covid-19 vaccines expected to be distributed effective March 2021.
The fridges will not only be used to store Covid-19 vaccines but also storing existing 12 types of vaccines for children and adults.
{{Rwanda to administer all types of Covid-19 vaccines }}
The fact that some vaccines require special temperature and storage conditions raised worries that Rwanda might not receive some types of vaccines that could be easily distributed.
So far, four coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines have reached the final stages of testing, and one of the frontrunners is making progress toward the goal of proving to be safe and effective.
Most of vaccines in the final phase of testing before approval and distribution are believed to build strong immune defense systems after double administration.
They are all subject to special storage and transportation conditions. Some require storage conditions with temperature ranging between 2 and 8 degree Celsius, while others require storage at zero degree Celsius or below.
AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate from Oxford University can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures, not needing the supercool storage the Pfizer vaccine requires.
Moderna vaccine manufactured in America is expected to remain stable at standard refrigerated conditions of 2° to 8°C for up to 30 days within the 6-month shelf life.
Pfizer or BionTech vaccine already in use in the United Kingdom set conditions for storage in standard refrigerated conditions of 70 Celsius degree while Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine can be stored under same conditions as AstraZeneca.
Health experts show that poor countries or majority of African countries might choose AstraZeneca with moderate storage conditions.
Speaking to IGIHE recently; the Minister of Health, Dr Ngamije explained that Rwanda might opt for AstraZeneca vaccine which is easily maintained like other vaccines already available in the country.
However, newly received freezers capacitate Rwanda to receive all types of Covid-19 vaccines as confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Julien Mahoro Niyingabira.
“It means that Rwanda has capacity to receive any type of vaccine. These freezers can store Pfizer vaccines which require special temperature conditions at minus 70 degree Celsius. We are now able to receive and administer all vaccines in Rwanda given that we already have capacity to store other vaccines including Moderna and AstraZeneca,” he has told IGIHE.
New refrigerators have capacity to store 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine.
In December last year, the Minister of Health, Dr Ngamije Daniel told IGIHE that Rwanda respected the 7th December 2020 deadline during which countries were supposed to h Rwanda has been allotted vaccine capable of covering 20% of the total population in the first phase.
The vaccines will be distributed by COVAX, a global initiative aimed at working with vaccine producers to provide countries worldwide with equitable access to safe and effective vaccine once licensed and approved.
Health practitioners, patients with incurable diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and asthma among other respiratory diseases will be among the first group to be vaccinated in the first phase along with elders above 65 years and people whose line of duty puts them in a susceptible position.
Rwanda is currently in the process of identifying the targeted population.
At the time, Dr Ngamije explained that vaccine covering 20% of the 12.7 million people in Rwanda will be covered in the first phase.
“We are only allowed to access vaccine for 20% of 12.7 million people in Rwanda. But we are also mobilizing for funds so that we can raise the targeted quota from 20% to 60% at the least,” he said.
Dr Ngamije explained that the first batch of vaccine would at least be available towards the end of March this year and the access will improve gradually as manufacturers increase production.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 10 316 people have been tested positive out of 779 511 sample tests of whom 6974 have recovered, 3209 are active cases while 133 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.
