IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • USAID Supports Rwanda’s First Professional Network for Women in Energy

    POWERHer will be a fully independent non-profit organization with a mission of increasing the number of women—and women’s opportunity for leadership positions and influence—in the Rwandan energy sector. This newly established network has already brought together women working across the Rwandan energy sector: from executives, senior managers, engineers, technicians and field staff in public and private energy institutions.

    POWERHer’s action plan includes networking events, a mentorship program, outreach to educational institutions to attract more female students into the sector, and public talks. It will also offer leadership, entrepreneurship and workforce development skills training programs to members. POWERHer network will open its doors to all young women graduates from various technical fields in the energy sector. These efforts will contribute to the achievement of gender equality in Rwanda, as enshrined in the constitution.

    The 104 founding members of POWERHer held elections for leadership committees, and elected Nicole Mukwindi as President and Apophia Umutoni as Vice President. President Nicole Mukwindi said “Women are the minority in Rwanda’s energy sector and we work in a challenging environment where we face widespread negative gender stereotypes. Through POWERHer and its activities we will be able to change mindsets and attract more women into the sector and empower those who already have jobs to strive for leadership positions. We dream of a future where women feel welcomed in the energy sector and by standing together in POWERHer, will we make that dream a reality.”

    Moving forward, USAID’s Women in Rwandan Energy Activity (WIRE) will support and strengthen the capacities of POWERHer through strategic global and national networking, training and outreach activities. In addition to POWERHer, WIRE will also continue its work with the government and the private sector to empower women in Rwanda’s energy sector. WIRE aims to support 1,400 women in their careers in the fast-growing energy sector and to advance gender inclusion in Rwanda’s journey of economic transformation.

    USAID Mission Director Leslie Marbury congratulated the women of the POWERHer network and reiterated USAID’s support for women’s economic empowerment: “Around the world, USAID works to advance gender equality and believes that women should have equal access to academic and professional opportunities,” she said. “When men and women are equally represented in all parts of the economy, growth is more sustainable and just for all members of society. That is why we are supporting POWERHer through the Women in Rwandan Energy activity and wish it, and all the women in Rwanda’s energy sector, great success in the years ahead.”

    WIRE, a two-year initiative implemented by the USAID Power Africa East Africa Energy Project, established Rwanda’s first professional network for women in the energy sector.

  • 250 rolls of smuggled electric cables, liquor seized

    The cables, which were concealed in seven sacks as well as the liquors, were intercepted on Sunday, October 11, from six suspected smugglers in Kamarebe Village, Gahinga Cell of Mururu Sector.

    They were being sneaked into the country from DR Congo, through River Rusizi. The smugglersescaped arrest towards the same direction, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.

    “At around 1pm on Sunday, based on credible information from an informed resident, the District Police Unit (DPU) of Rusizi and Border Security Unit (BSU) worked together to trace the suspected smugglers,” said CIP Karekezi.

    The ring of smugglers involved Rwandans and Congolese.

    A group of Congolese, he said, brought the contraband through River Rusizi and handed them over to six Rwandans in Gahinga, Mururu Sector.

    However, during the process, the six Rwandans, after noticing the Police, abandoned the goods and ran towards the waters. The seized goods were handed over to the Revenue Protection Unit at Rusizi border post,” CIP Karekezi explained.

    It is said that the six Rwandans had been just hired to transport the goods to a yet to be known destination.

    “Police and other relevant authorities are working together to identify the owner of the goods, to face the law,” he said.

    Liquors, second-hand clothes and shoes, food flavors, powdered milk and electric appliances are among the goods that are the common goods usually seized from smugglers in the districts bordering DR Congo, especially in Rubavu and Rusizi.

  • Cabinet: Public transportation to operate on full seat capacity

    “Public transport will continue with buses operating at full capacity for seated passengers and at 50 percent for standing passengers. RURA will provide guidelines,” a statement issued after the meeting reads in part.

    The changes come two weeks after public transport between Kigali and other provinces resumed following suspension owing to a spike in the Covid-19 numbers within Kigali.

    The Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame maintained in place majority of the guidelines against the covid-19, with a few adjustments made despite high expectations that more sections of the economy would be allowed to reopen.

    Bar owners, spas, swimming pools, indoor gyms, and betting houses will have to wait a little longer before they could reopen as the cabinet maintained earlier measures set out 15 days ago.

    “The Cabinet reviewed measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. All existing measures and guidelines shall remain in force with the exception of the following changes that will take effect immediately,”

    “Movements are prohibited from 10 p.m. To 4 a.m.”

    Initially, curfew time, as set by the previous meeting, was from 10 pm to 5 am. The new time means you can wake up at 4 am and start your day earlier.

    The Cabinet also confirmed that participants in meetings and conferences will not require proof of COVID-19 tests. However, event organizers must comply with health guidelines and must not exceed 50% of the venue capacity.

    These measures will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment of the COVID-19 situation.

    “Citizens are reminded of the critical importance of complying with health measures including physical distancing, wearing face masks, and hand hygiene. Penalties will be applied for non-compliance,” the statement said.

    Bars, nightclubs, concerts, public gatherings as well as places where many people converge are still considered possible hotspots for quick transmission of the virus.

    Among other decisions, the cabinet approved the Draft Law Governing Land in Rwanda and the draft law approving ratification of the construction of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), adopted in Dakar, Senegal, December 16, 2009.

    The cabinet also approved the draft law approving the accession of Rwanda to the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear accident or radiological emergency adopted in Vienna on September 26, 1986.

    The Cabinet also approved the draft law approving the ratification of 11 bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) signed between the Government of Rwanda and 11 countries including the Republic of Chile, Dominican Republic, Republic of Finland, Jamaica, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Malaysia, Republic of Mauritius, United Republic of Tanzania, United Arab Emirates and Republic of Zimbabwe.

    The cabinet approved Rwanda’s report on the 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) as well as a policy on the issuance of licenses to successful applicants to undertake mining and quarrying operations In Rwanda.

    Also, in the offing is the National Pharmaceutical Product Pricing and Containment policy as well as the dual clinical practice policy for health professionals and ministerial instructions.

    The cabinet approved the Prime Minister’s order determining the institution in charge of assessment and collection of taxes and fees on behalf of the decentralized entities.

  • Travel fares set to be revised starting Thursday

    A cabinet meeting that took place on Monday decided that public transport will continue with buses operating at full capacity for seated passengers and at 50 percent for standing passengers, lifting instructions that were in effect since May, when it was confirmed that public transport or private vehicles were allowed to carry only 50% of the installed passenger capacity.

    At the time, travel fares increased by Rwf 31.8 per kilometer in the City of Kigali and Rwf 30.8 per kilometer in the countryside.

    The Director General of RURA, Lt. Col Patrick Nyirishema told IGIHE that the new 100% passenger transport regulations will be effective on Thursday.

    “It will take effect on Thursday; we first need to provide guidelines to prevent the spreading of the pandemic and set new prices. Prices will be changing, we do not expect them to return to what they were. Otherwise, these prices went up to early 2018. We had planned to change them in March but it coincided with the pandemic outbreak,” said Lt. Col Nyirishema.

    “We have completed studies needed for these changes when the pandemic happened. Now with the prevention of the COVID-19 included we have to make new adjustments.”

    RURA has confirmed that new travel regulations will be implemented on Thursday,

  • COVID-19: Rwanda records the 32nd death

    On October 12, nine new infections of the pandemic were found out of 2,149 sample tests, of which eight are truck drivers in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province and Kayonza District also confirmed one positive new case.

    on the same day, 271 patients have recovered the virus bringing the number of recoveries to 3877 while the number of active cases is now 996.

    Rwanda Biomedical Center warned, this week, that despite the declining numbers and some treatment centers closing up, the virus is likely to rebound, thus a need to have citizen vigilance and adherence to government measures against the spread of the New Coronavirus.

    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 required to continue to comply with government regulations, especially with frequent washing of hands and water and soap, wearing masks when leaving home or in public.

  • First Lady calls for special measures to eradicate child sexual abuse

    In her speech at the launch of National Joint Campaign on ending Child Sexual Abuse, Mrs Kagame said that several campaigns have been organized to eradicate child abuse but all seamed in vain. Some of the past campaigns launched in Rwanda include: Treating every child as your own, guardian angels, be your neighbor’s keeper, and protest against adult child abusers among others.

    “When you look at all that has been done, you wonder the root cause of why the crime of child abuse isn’t eliminated completely. You even start thinking how adverse humans are when you see what has happens when a parent abuses a child,” she said.
    Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) figures show that at least 10, 456 children were sexually abused in the past three years, most of them in age bracket of 15, 17 and below 10 with 98% of them being girls and only 2% boys.

    Most of these were abused by their parents, family members, housemaid, and worst of all the boy or girlfriends within their age brackets. The First Lady asked what should be done, for if this trend continues in Rwanda and the world, yet there are laws in place.

    “It is very painful to see that research shows 20.5% of children below 11 years are abused. Even boys are now abused. I don’t know how we can term this but it’s not right and it is a disgrace,” Mrs Kagame said.

    Considering the psychological effects that come with child abuse, Mrs Kagame asked that since gender equality has enabled Rwanda to progress in many ways, parents should now come out and play their role in child protection, starting with men.

    Mrs Kagame said: “I specifically call on you (men) and trust that you will be able to uproot this problem completely.”

    To women parents, teachers especially, Mrs Kagame said that they should renew their commitment to watching out for every child, and befriend the child more so as to encourage openness to speak out of their experiences.

    To stakeholders and development partners, Mrs Kagame called for aggressive and innovative measures in making sure child abuse crimes are reported and timely prosecuted.

    To girl children, the First Lady asked them to be mindful of being lured by men and avoid any temptations which can hurt their future for good, but also report the abuse incidences immediately.

    The First Lady Jeannette Kagame expressed concern over the increasing cases of child sexual abuse.

  • Let China-Africa cooperation shine as example of multilateralism — Chinese, Senegalese presidents

    In a joint congratulatory message to mark the 20th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two leaders said that China and Senegal, the forum’s Chinese and African co-chairs, would like to celebrate the moment of great and unique significance with African countries.

    Xi and Sall said they are willing to work with other FOCAC members to stick to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, constantly enrich and improve the forum’s mechanism, and give full play to FOCAC’s leading role in China-Africa relations.

    Under the joint efforts made by China and Africa over the past two decades, FOCAC has grown into an important and dynamic platform for China and Africa to carry out collective dialogues, as well as an effective mechanism for practical cooperation, and represents an important flag for South-South cooperation, the two leaders said.

    China and Africa have all along adhered to the principle of putting people first and committed themselves to the high-level development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, with FOCAC cooperation benefiting the people of both China and Africa, they said.

    The two leaders recalled that at the successful 2018 FOCAC summit held in Beijing, China and Africa agreed to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, charting the course of the future development of bilateral relations.

  • Trio arrested in Rubavu over drug dealing

    The suspected drug dealers were caught with over 1,800 pellets of cannabis, combined.

    They are Fidele Niyonzima, 25, who was found in possession of 301 pellets of cannabis, while the duo of Console Niragire, 31, and Liliane Ntagisanimana, 30, were caught with 1,500 pellets.

    Niragire and Ntagisanimana belong to the same ring of cannabis distributors and retailers in Rubavu.

    The arrest was a result of credible information received from local community policing partners, which smoothened the operation that saw the alleged drug dealers caught red-handed, according to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region.

    “It was because of the strong cooperation between the police and the residents, who shared timely and credible information. One of the women was the alleged wholesaler while the other was in charge of marketing and recruiting new clients,” CIP Karekezi said.

    Niragire’s husband is serving a life sentence for the same crime.

    “Her husband was a major drug dealer, who was convicted and handed a life imprisonment, so Niragire was also suspected to be involved in the same criminal dealings and was being trailed until she was arrested red-handed,” the spokesperson said.

    He also explained that the Police is still looking for other two accomplices, who traffics the narcotics from the DR Congo and supplies the two women.

    Meanwhile, Niyonzima had used a seven year-old to deliver the narcotics.

    “Niyonzima gave the pellets of cannabis to take them to a point, where he would pick them as a way of preventing any suspicions and to evade arrest.

    Good enough, residents had already shared information and Niyonzima was arrested red-handed as he picked the narcotics at the point where the child had left them,” CIP Karekezi said.

    He warned against engaging children in such high impact crimes.

    The spokesperson further commended the role of the public in identifying and arresting drug traffickers, distributors and retailers.

    All the arrested were handed over to RIB for the next legal steps.

    Under article 263 of the law nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 relating to offences and penalties in general, any person convicted as a dealer in “severe drugs” faces between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.

  • Priests violate COVID-19 prevention directives, fined

    On Sunday, Police and local leaders conducted an inspection in various churches that were permitted to hold religious services in the region, to assess their compliance.
    Countrywide, majority churches have continued to follow the recommended safety guidelines during their respective services.

    “Out of 72 churches that were inspected in Musanze, Gakenke, Gicumbi and Burera districts, only one–Ruhengeri Cathedral–was found holding services contrary to the directives; it was simply a chaotic situation… everyone there was at high risk of infection,” ACP Reverien Rugwizangoga, the Nothern Region Police Commander, said.

    He added: “In the main Cathedral, benches that are designated for two people had four; there was also another chapel, where only the elderly had congregated, congested, praying and in total disregard of social distancing. This was quite absurd, subjecting such a vulnerable group to this level of risk.”

    According to World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is often more severe in the elderly, especially people who are older than 60 years or who have health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.​

    The two priests; Father Emmanuel Ndagijimana, who was presiding over the service inside the main Cathedral, and Father Felicien Nsengiyumva, who was heading the service for the elderly in the chapel, have been penalised accordingly, for the violations.

    “Our role as the Police is to implement the directives and ensuring that any issued guidelines are followed. We have equally informed other relevant authorities, and any decision that will be taken against this church for violating the directives… we will ensure that it is implemented accordingly,” ACP Rugwizangoga said.

    We remind religious denominations particularly those that were permitted to resume services, to follow strict safety guidelines as issued by relevant authorities and to be responsive in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

    The Cathedral parishes of Ruhengeri in Musanze District risks being closed after priests were found holding services contrary to the standard COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

  • COVID-19: Treatment facilities boosted with 16 portable patient monitors from Trade and Development Bank

    The portable patient monitors were handed over during a ceremony which took place on the 9th of October at the Rwanda Medical Supply Warehouse, by, on behalf of TDB, Mr. Regis Rugemanshuro, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) Director General and shareholder representative on the TDB Board of Governors, to Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

    The portable patient monitors – locally procured from Sana Medical Stores Ltd. – will serve to monitor Covid 19-affected adults and paediatric patients in COVID-19 treatment facilities.

    “These monitors come in handy and because of their nature-they will contribute greatly to the fight against COVID-19, the aspect of helping paediatric patients was well thought of as well, RBC is grateful for such contributions,” said Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, RBC Director General.

    “While Rwanda has been fairing very well in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, with strong prevention and mitigation measures in place, as well as high number of tests proportionally, it is important to keep boosting the country’s capacity, particularly in terms of equipment, so that its health care system continues to deliver in a context of increased demand” said Regis Rugemanshuro, RSSB Director General and shareholder representative on the TDB Board of Governors.

    “We are pleased to accompany the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic” said Admassu Tadesse, TDB President and Chief Executive. “This is part of our broad response plan which, in addition to direct assistance as such via our Covid-19 Emergency Response Programme (CERP), also incorporates a series of financing interventions for financial institutions, sovereigns and enterprises, to help them cope with the shocks of the pandemic”.

    Mary Kamari, TDB Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations Executive added that “through CERP, TDB provides, among other interventions, locally manufactured or procured PPEs and equipment – as it is the case in Rwanda. The objective of programme is to support healthcare systems, at the same time as local private sector and employment, whenever possible. Over and above CERP, the Bank extended a USD ½ million grant to the African Union’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).”

    According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, since COVID-19 outbreak in March, Rwanda has recorded 4,866 confirmed cases, 3,216 recoveries and 29 deaths due to the global pandemic. The Government of Rwanda and partners have put in place strong preventive measures that include mass testing. To date, over 504,670 tests have been conducted in an effort to curb the spread of the virus