Figures from the World Health organization (WHO) show that Prostate Cancer takes lives of 921 out of 1304 women developing the disease every year in Rwanda.
According to Dr Osvaldo Rodriguez, a Gynecologist at Baho International Hospital who has been at the facility for six years, women rarely go for cancer checkups yet some live with it unknowingly at early stage.
He says, Baho International Hospital applies modern cancer diagnosing using scanning cameras ideally spotting the affected part of the body.
Dr Rodriguez explains that available equipment are particularly used to screen cervical cancer and breast cancer and uses other reliable methods to diagnose other sorts of cancer.
He also highlights major causes of breast and prostate cancer and advises on preventive measures.
“Engaging in sexual relations before the age of 22, doing sex with more than one man or having a husband engaging in sexual relations with other women, poor hygiene and weak immune system are among other causes of cervical cancer,” says Rodriguez.
Contrary to the cervical cancer, Rodriguez reveals that breast cancer is hereditary.
“You have cancer risks if there is a relative who caught or succumbed to cancer. This happens especially in the ages of 40,” he says.
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. It attacks both sexes even though men have lower risks of developing breast cancer.
Dr Rodriguez advises women to pay special attention to all body changes that could be a way towards early detection and prevention.
As for prostate cancer, he says, people should rush for checkups to find out if no cancer is developing in their reproductive organs.
“A woman having engaged in sexual relations for the first time should go for prostate cancer screening not later than six months. Moreover, everyone is required to do cancer checkup at least every year to be treated early,” he advises.
“It is unfortunate that few people come for cancer screening yet we have all it takes to help them. The cancer is treated when detected early. They should develop the habit for regular checkups because prevention is better than cure,” added Rodriguez.
The gathering was contrary to the national directives meant to prevent further spread of the COVID-19.
The violators were found gathered in the house of one Jean Pierre Musilikali located in Rwentanga Cell, praying.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern Region, said the gathering, which contravened the government safety guidelines against the pandemic, was reported by area residents.
“This was a small residential house with 46 people congested in it. They came from different places with none of them wearing a face mask and it was about midnight,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
Residents called their community night patrol-Irondo-who in turned called the Police, he added.
“These are believers from different religious denominations; 43 of them came from the cells of Kanyonza and Rwentanga in Matimba Sector while three others were from Musheri Sector. Worse still, majority of them were aged below 21; only 13 people were above 21 years. Overall, 33 were women,” said the spokesperson.
In daily updates on COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health, on December 6, two people from Nyagatare were among the 45 identified positive cases.
The previous day on December 5, one person was also found infected in Nyagatare while another positive case in the district was reported on December 2.
Meanwhile, the host of the prohibited gathering, Musilikali, escaped arrest when the other violators were handed administrative fines after being enlightened on the threat of COVID-19 as well as adherence to safety and health guidelines.
CIP Twizeyimana warned against violating the directives, which can derail the national efforts against the pandemic.
The statement released last night shows that new cases have been found in Kigali : 50, Musanze:7, Rubavu : 3 , Ngororero:1 and Rusizi:1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020. So far, 6191 cases have been found out of 646,813 sample tests of whom 5696 have recovered, 444 are active cases while 51 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.
Rwanda is among other African countries where people are expressing willingness to stay. As of today, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports over 100 returnees who have visited the country and expressed willingness to stay.
In is under this background that the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. Nshuti Manasseh has today received 16 returnees of African descent from the USA and other parts of the world who are working to settle and make Rwanda their home.
He assured Rwanda’s readiness to host them and took them through opportunities awaiting them as they settle in Rwanda.
The delegation comprises of experts in education, technology, arts, entrepreneurs from the United States of America, Canada, England and the Caribbean.
Majority of these brothers attribute the decision of abandoning former countries to racial discrimination against them.
Marsha Favis born in California of the United States left the country and is currently living in Rwanda along with her children.
“We didn’t get chance to properly identify ourselves, our origin and live with our homeland communities. There is abusive education to our children abroad. We are not taught that black people are capable. But rather taught that only white people are so. Contrary, we have rights to reach our aspirations here with the presence of role models like President Paul Kagame our children can learn from. The President here is a black person, and so the Minister. Everyone resembles my son,” she said.
“He is very tall yet this arouses problem is the USA. By settling here, he will not be a black man but just a man. I am here a woman not a black woman. Children grow with positive ambitions when they see people resembling them achieving great things,” added Marsha.
Marsha explained that Rwanda is the safe place to heal them of segregation wounds.
She was inspired by the country’s security, visionary leadership under the auspice of President Paul Kagame. She has appreciated and is currently under processes of obtaining nationality.
Marsha share similar ambitions with Imahkus Okofu, another returnee from US who has already started operations in Rwanda.
Nicknamed ‘Mama One Africa’, Okofu was born in New York, USA. She visited African countries including Tanzania, Ghana and Rwanda at different times.
“I never felt at ease during my stay in USA. I fled USA in 1990 over racial discrimination and failing to enjoy equal rights like other nationals,” she said.
“I was not willing to come to Africa before due to ill things spoken about Africa. I regretted by the time I visited Ghana to find different reality. I would have come before,” added Imahkus Okofu.
She explained that Africans would limit their desires to stay in USA if they knew the reality.
Imahkus Okofu has made a decision to spend most of her time in Rwanda, Ghana and Tanzania where she has activities.
As they met with Prof Nshuti, some of the returnees were with children.
Ella Jackson is the daughter of Ellen Jackson and Michel Jackson. The family has made final decision to settle in Rwanda.
“We have spent four months here in Rwanda. It is a better, neat place, well organized and has kind people. In fact, everything here is extremely amazing. I have got new friends and I am getting familiar with the environment gradually. I mostly like to visit Nyamirambo when we are shopping,” said Ella.
Prof Nshuti promised all the necessary support for returnees to get identification documents and meet their goals in Rwanda.
The suspects are segmented into two groups mainly the group comprising of 25 led by Rtd Major Mudathiru Habib (a former RDF soldier) facing charges including formation and being part of an irregular armed group or joining it, conspiracy against the established Government or the President of the Republic, maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group.
They were captured last year in terrorism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as part of an intensified campaign by the Congolese military against militia groups operating in the country. The 25 suspects were extradited to on 18th June 2019. Another suspect connected to the case is Pte a Jean Bosco Ruhinda who escaped to DRC forests. He is tried in absentia because he has not yet been captured.
Another group connected to the case includes Corporal Viateurv, Corporal Jean Bosco Dusabimana and Private Champagnat Igitego led by Pte Dieudonné Muhire.
They are accused along with two civilians Pacifique Muhire and Richard Nzafashwanimana.
The group is accused of escaping the military, conspiracy against the Government or intending to overthrowing it by means of war or other powers, formation of a criminal group and subsequently seducing new recruits, and taking part of terror group’s activities.
The 31 co-accused were present in court except Private Ruhinda tried in absentia.
Prosecutor Capt Jacques Rugamba has requested the Military High Court to accept the request of the prosecution based on provided evidences.
He also requested the court to consider 10-year sentence separately for the crime of joining irregular armed group.
“We seek ten-year sentence for 30 of 32 suspects excluding Major Rtd Habib Mudathiru and Pte Muhire Dieudonne. They particularly conspired with founders of the armed group because Mudathiru was involved in recruitment for P5 and training recruits how they would plot a war against the Government of Rwanda. We request 15-year sentence for him and Pte Muhire Dieudonne,” he said.
On the accusation of maintaining relations with a foreign government with the intent to wage a war and formation of or joining a criminal group, the prosecution sought 25-year sentence for suspects in the group led by Mudathiru.
On the accusation of forming a criminal group, the prosecution requested 10-year sentence for all the 32 suspects.
The prosecution also sought 20-year sentence for all the 32 suspects over terror activities.
On the charge of conspiracy against the established Government, the prosecution requested life sentence for each of the 32 suspects.
Pte Champagnat Igitego also faces genocide ideology charge for which the prosecution demanded 7-year sentence and Rwf 1 million fines.
On the accusation of escaping the military, the prosecution requested 2-year sentence for Pte Muhire Dieudonne and Pte Ruhinda.
“Finally, we request the Military High court to consider the article 61 and 62 of the penal code determining crimes and punishments, and approve the presence of a coordinated terror activities. Thus, the court should hand the heaviest punishment to all the 32 suspects, life sentence to everyone,” stated the prosecutor.
The prosecutor, however, told the court to consider that Muhire Pacifique facilitated processes by admitting and apologizing for all crimes which should be taken into account while making the judgment.
The prosecutor explained that heavier punishments determined by laws would leave a lesson to those seeking to join terror groups intending to destabilize Rwanda’s security.
Following the request for life sentence, suspects requested the court to alleviate their punishments and apologized to the Government and Rwandans.
The hearing is expected to be concluded on tomorrow when the court will announce dates for reading the ruling.
The apology by genocide perpetrators is part of the program aimed at promoting forgiveness to restore cordial social interactions among Rwandans.
Paul Muragwabugabo, hailing from Ruramira sector participated in the killing of seven victims including the husband of Liberatha Nakazana who forgave the perpetrator.
Muragwabugabo said they killed the victims with big sticks and later collaborated with others to steal roofing sheets from Nakazana’s house. He personally took away three roofing sheets.
“I plead guilty and apologize for being part of the gang that killed her husband. Secondly, I conspired in robbery. I could not participate in killings if I refused to grab weapons. All the evils I did would not happen. I apologize for that,” he said.
Muragwabugabo appealed on the youth to shun seductions into evil acts. He apologized to the church, the Government of Rwanda and surviving families.
Liberatha Nakazana revealed that she forgave the man from the deepest of her heart.
She is among other survivors who learnt about the perpetrator who killed relatives through the unity and reconciliation program seeking to reunite survivors and perpetrators.
An old woman, Agnes Uwimana explained that preaching from the organization pushed her to seek the perpetrator who killed relatives and a woman who took part in demolishing her house to forgive them.
“I used to feel isolated avoiding public interactions lest I meet with perpetrators who killed relatives. I would not leave home after this man was released for fear he would kill me. The preaching transformed me that I later invited and forgave him. It relieved my heart, though the man at first doubted my forgiveness because I used to avoid him. Today, the situation has changed for good. He passes by my home and normally interacts with me,” she said.
The President of IBUKA, umbrella organization of genocide survivors in Rwamagana district, Dative Musabyeyezu explained that seeking apology and forgiveness is a good step gradually made by Rwandans to promote unity and reconciliation.
She revealed that genocide survivors are glad for such programmes encouraging perpetartors to make apologies and requested people to disclose information regarding locations of remains of genocide victimsso as to accord them decent burial.
The director of peace building and conflict resolution at the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, Laurence Mukayiranga said that forgiveness is a good step towards unity and reconciliation.
“Those who sought forgiveness after apologizing opened doors for improved social interactions. The next move is to engage in emotional healing, counseling, sharing information and truth on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” she highlighted.
Mukayiranga appealed to perpetrators to educate others in the same ilk to emulate the same.
Perpetrators who sought forgiveness admitted their crimes while in prison and were released. They received six-month pacification on unity and reconciliation and helped to link up with offended families on the support of ‘Abagabuzi b’Amahoro ya Kirisitu’.
The quartet arrested on Friday, December 4, are Samuel Uwizeyimana, 21; Jean de Dieu Tuyishimire, 21; Samuel Uwiringiyimana, 20; and Claude Nayituriki, 22.
Their arrest followed last month’s arrest of their alleged ringleader, a one Cesar Rwakayiro, who was taken into custody on November 28.
The arrest of Rwakayiro was in response to the concern raised by a local resident, who reported to Rwanda National Police (RNP) through its twitter account–@Rwandapolice.
At the time, the resident told the Police, through the social media platform, that Rwakayiro was intimidating and beating people “because he is rich.”
Rwakayiro, on November 26, allegedly assaulted and injured a certain Emmanuel Ndagijimana with a machete. Rwakayiro was subsequently arrested over the violent assault.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that following the Rwakayiro’s arrest, it later emerged that he was heading a ring, which was ambushing people at night, assaulting them and stealing their valuables.
“The four men, who are members of Rwakayiro’s group that was assaulting and robbing people at night, were tracked down and arrested on December 4, with the help of residents, who provided credible information,” SP Kanamugire said.
The violent ring was using machetes and dogs to attack and steal valuables, including money, from people at night.
“They are said to be behind similar violent theft cases especially in the villages of Gahungeri, Nyamabuye and Murambi, all in Rukoma Sector. Most of the victims are not residents of the sector but rather people that were transiting through those villages going to other destinations,” SP Kanamugire said.
He warned that no one will disturb the safety, peace and wellbeing of the people and go scot-free.
“You will be arrested and justice will be served,” said the spokesperson.
Under Article 168 of the law determining offences and penalties, any person convicted for violent theft face between five and seven years in prison and a fine of between Frw3 million and Rwf5 million.
In Article 121, any person convicted for intentional assault or battery faces between three and five years and a fine of between Frw500,000 and Frw1 million.
However, if the assault or battery cause illness or non-permanent incapacity to work, the penalty is 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million.
Kagame made the string observation yesterday as he participated in the virtual 14th Extraordinary African Union Summit dedicated to the African Union’s 50th anniversary declaration on Silencing the Guns in Africa, which is also the theme of the year 2020.
“The only sustainable way to silence the guns in Africa is to deal directly and swiftly with the political and economic factors that create the conditions for violence and strife in the first place. Accomplishing this is within our power as a continent and it must be our priority,” he considered.
President Kagame observed that there is progress made in strengthening the African Union’s ability to contribute meaningfully to peace and security and observed that more efforts need to be rallied to squarely address the issue.
“Progress has been made in strengthening African Union’s ability to contribute meaningfully to peace and security. One example is the operationalization of the African Union Peace Fund, which has been funded by Member States at the highest level since it was established in 1993, with nearly $200 million. This is a good step but we must recognize that conflict cannot be ended by treating the symptoms of cleaning up messes after the fact,” he said.
Kagame commended the African Union Commission, as well as the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Ambassador Lamtane Lamamra , for the efforts made toward fulfilling this mandate.
Conflict, violence and insecurity continue to be major threats to realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063. To address widespread instability in Africa, and with the aim of leaving a continent at peace to the next generation, Africa’s leaders committed to working towards a continent free from conflict by 2020.
It has been seven years since the declaration, which has become known as Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, and four years since the Master Roadmap of practical steps towards implementing its objectives was adopted.
President Kagame, however, observed that there is still a long journey to end conflict in Africa because backsliding still happens in some places.
“Africans, of course, are the ones who pay the price. The self-evident need to renew this program for another ten years is an acknowledgement that we have collectively fallen short,” noted Kagame.
During the summit, a minute of silence was observed in memory of fallen AU peacekeepers and victims of violence in Africa.
The Declaration on Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 was adopted by the assembly in 2013.
The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali (16), Musanze (21), Rusizi (3), Nyagatare (2), Rubavu (2) and Muhanga (1).
Rwanda confirmed the first case on 14th March 2020.
The latest figures brought the total number of COVID-19 patients to 6129 out of 644,631 sample tests of whom 5696, representing 92.9%, have recovered, 382 are active cases while 51 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.
Kagame made the remarks today as he joined catholic faithfuls from across the country at Kigali Arena, in a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of the first ever Rwandan cardinal, His Eminence Antoine Kambanda.
Antoine Cardinal Kambanda was officially created on 28 November in the Vatican.
Addressing the congregation, President Kagame expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for trusting Cardinal Kambanda to be amongst the Pope’s closest advisors.
Kagame said that the trust is founded on the wise judgement and proven commitment throughout Cardinal Kambanda’s service to the Church in Rwanda who also showed that he is able to contribute to the Church on the global stage.
“Today, all of us Rwandans have great joy because the Catholic Church of Rwanda has a Cardinal. It’s the first time this has happened in the last 120 years,” said Kagame.
“When a Rwandan rises through the ranks because of his or her proven courage and commendable performances, be it in Rwanda or on the international stage, we are all happy. The trust and dignity that the Pope has given you is also ours as Rwandans,” he added.
President Kagame reflected on Rwanda, Vatican relations which is on good progress and thanked Pope Francis who relentlessly proved commitment to boost relations correcting what went wrong over the past.
This is related to the role of Catholic Church in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Considering the involvement of Catholic Church members during the genocide, Pope Francis made a step further and apologized on behalf of the church.
“His Holiness does this not only in Rwanda but also other countries across the world. We cannot forget to thank him for that. We thank you Cardinal Kambanda for the new step, and we hope you will collaborate with others to serve well the church, Rwanda and Rwandans,” he said.
President Kagame highlighted that, in the long and rich history of the country, the Church in Rwanda has been a partner in improving the wellbeing of Rwandans through education, health, and development. He said that partnership should continue and stressed the need to invest more.
“The downs that characterized the history of Rwanda and the Catholic Church which also destabilized the country’s welfare, should not be given priority,” he said.
“I think we pulled a lesson from that and discovered what missed that time. We seek whatever preventing reoccurrence and helping us to make steps forward towards reconstructive journey building partnership, the country and its citizens,” added Kagame.
He expressed optimism that Cardinal Kambanda will root on his own history with many lessons and leverage the dark past to shape the future.
“We are on the path towards achieving great things and collaboration. We have been through the journey for over the past twenty years and beyond seeking to do great things, improve collaboration and rebuild. It should not stop, we should not feel complacent. We should be always committed to do that,” said Kagame.
President Kagame emphasized that the willingness of Pope Francis is promising for collaboration to draw special attention on good deeds and leave behind evils.
Cardinal Kambanda thanked Kagame for joining The Catholic Church and the congratulation message sent to him after appointment.
He also expressed delight for joining Christians after his new special appointment to comfort believers.
“ I am excited to join all of you to thank God and share with you the blessing acquired during my installation as Cardinal. Today, I bring the blessing here in Rwanda,” he said.
The President of Rwanda’s Episcopal Conference, Bishop Philippe Rukamba revealed that they were proud for the milestone and good news for all Rwandans.
“His Eminent Cardinal, your installation as cardinal made us happy. We interacted with different people on televisions, radios and social media channels expressing gratefulness because they showed how a person becomes cardinal,” he noted.
“You are adding up another stage to a long sequence of Christians and clerics Rwanda has ever had. Since the past, we are always aware that God spends the day elsewhere and returns to sleep in Rwanda. Your appointment as cardinal convinced us to understand this enough and helped us to understand the impact of Catholic Church in Rwanda globally,” added Rukamba.
He thanked Cardinal Kambanda for his contribution help Rwandans heal from wounds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as the head of Justice and Peace Commission among Rwanda’s Catholic Church Bishops.
“We consider your installation as cardinal as something proving that we are on the right psychiatric journey because it helps a Christian to pardon like Christ and God,” he said.
Bishop Rukamba explained that promoting unity and reconciliation under the championship of President Paul Kagame was the enabler to restore peace among Rwandans.
The Mass was also attended by other bishops from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi , diplomats accredited to Rwanda, representatives of different faith based organizations among others.
Kambanda was born on 10th November 1958 in Kigali. He attended Primary school in Buurndi and Uganda and continued with secondary school studies in Kenya. He graduated in theology at Grand Seminaire Nyakibanda in Butare Diocese.
Kambanda is among priests ordained by Pope Jean Paul II on 8th September 1990 during his visit in Rwanda. The ceremony took place in Mbare, in the current Shyogwe sector in Muhanga district, Southern Province.
He was nominated the Bishop of Kibungo Diocese on 3rd May 2013 by Pope Francis.
Kambanda was later in 2018, appointed the Archibishop of Kigali Diocese prior to his installation as Cardinal in November 2020.
