The MPs raised this concern on Monday, August 03, 2020 while a plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies endorsed a report by the parliamentary standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security on tours they made in some districts of the country to assess some activities of security organs.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) tests have the purpose of confirming a relationship between individual, proving if there is a biological link between them or, in other
cases, such as criminal investigation to identify culprits, among other uses.
The National Forensic Laboratory carries out DNA tests at the cost of Rwf270,000 (each), while if the procedures were done in foreign countries, like Germany this price would be nearly half what it would cost.
MP Frank Habineza said that the majority of those in need of DNA tests are discouraged by the cost.
“The majority of those seeking services from the National Forensic Laboratory are continuously complaining about the issue of high cost of DNA tests; which is an obstacle for many people who want that service,” he said.
MP Iphigenie Mukandera, the vice chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, said that though the prices are high compared to the financial means of some Rwandans, they are reasonable if compared to the price of the equipment used at the laboratory.
“The equipment used at the laboratory is expensive, marking it difficult to extend services to different parts of the country. However, people who seek DNA test services get them,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said, the existence of the laboratory in Rwanda reduced the time and money it took to get DNA test results compared to when the service was sought abroad.
Some MPs argued that lack of DNA testing facilities in parts of the country other than Kigali, is a challenge.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, said that the National Forensic Laboratory has conducted more than 8,000 DNA tests so far.
MP Marie Therese Nirere said that if there were other branches in different parts of the country, the number of samples could increase.
“I think that distance also matters in terms of access to service. A person from Rusizi District or upcountry areas finds it difficult to get services in Kigali, and might demotivate them,” she said.
Qatar Airways used to operate daily flights from Kigali to Doha with a stop in Entebbe- Uganda. Under the new flight schedules, the airline planes will not be stopping in Uganda as the Entebbe International Airport is still closed.
Qatar Airways has a strong relationship with Rwanda with eight years of operations to Kigali. The award-winning airline began scheduled services from Kigali on 21 March 2012. Qatar Airways recently resumed flights to key destinations in Africa including Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Tunis.
Qatar Airways Acting Vice-President, Middle East, Africa & Pakistan, Mr. Bennet Stephens said: “We are delighted to resume flights to Kigali, totalling our flights to 33 weekly flights to Africa with eight destinations. Qatar Airways continues to maintain an expanding schedule with now more than 500 weekly flights to over 75 destinations. During the pandemic, Qatar Airways have become the largest global carrier to maintain its schedule in taking people home with the highest safety measures. Our wide network of flights during these challenging times has ensured we have kept up to date with the latest in international airport procedures. We also implemented the most advanced safety & hygiene measures on board our aircraft and in our home and hub at Hamad International Airport which was recently voted the Best Airport in the Middle East for the sixth year in a row.”
“Qatar Airways has been the most reliable airline during the pandemic and will continue to ensure its promised five-star service and hospitality is delivered across its network. We hope to see many people come visit Rwanda and explore the world’s stunning wildlife and more.”
Qatar Airways has enhanced its onboard safety measures for passengers and cabin crew. The airline has introduced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew which includes gloves, face masks, safety glasses and a new protective gown that is fitted over their uniforms. A modified service that reduces interactions between passengers and the crew inflight has also been introduced.
Onboard, all Qatar Airways passengers are now provided with a complimentary protective kit. Inside a ziplock pouch they will find a single-use surgical face mask, large disposable powder-free gloves and an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel. The airline has also introduced disposable face shields for adults and children.
Passengers travelling from Hamad International Airport (HIA) will receive their face shields at the check-in counters, whereas at other destinations, the face shields will be distributed at the boarding gates.
Qatar Airways resumes flights at a time when the final round of negotiations to acquire 49% stake in RwandAir are still ongoing. In February this year, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told IGIHE that negotiations were ongoing, only that the agreement had not yet been signed.
To ensure travellers can plan their travel with peace of mind, the airline has extended its booking policies to offer even more choice to its passengers. The airline will allow unlimited date changes, and passengers can change their destination as often as they need if it is within 5,000 miles of the original destination. The airline will not charge any fare differences for travel completed before 31 December 2020, after which fare rules will apply. All tickets booked for travel up to 31 December 2020 will be valid for two years from the date of issuance. For full terms and conditions visit www.qatarairways.com/RelyOnUs.
Among airlines with operations in Rwanda are: Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, KLM, EgyptAir, Jambo Jet of Kenya and RwandAir.
Of all these companies, six have already been authorized to resume their operations in Rwanda, with some starting and others to be launched in the coming days; those allowed to resume flights to Rwanda are RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways and KLM.
Qatar Airways will operate three flights a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It was at 3:15 P.M. on Monday, that the first flight took off from Kigali to Doha, making no stops.
Among airlines with operations in Rwanda are: Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, KLM, EgyptAir, Jambo Jet of Kenya and RwandAir.
Of all these companies, six have already been authorized to resume their operations in Rwanda, with some starting and others to be launched in the coming days. Those allowed to resume flights to Rwanda are RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways and KLM.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), in a statement said that the 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation and human trafficking
“Mbuyi was under investigation for being part of a transnational network trafficking young Rwandan women for prostitution within the country and abroad.” Said RIB
“He was arrested earlier this week along with four Rwandan women while producing and broadcasting explicit images via social media for commercial gain,”
RIB said the DRC Embassy in Kigali has been informed of the incident and investigations in this case are ongoing.
The operations were conducted between 28th and 31st of July as part of the ongoing fight against illegal fishing activities.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, the illicit nets valued at Rwf7.5 million, are more than 50 metres long, each.
The illicit nets commonly known as Kaningini and substandard boats were disposed-of in Nkombo Sector, Rusizi District in a public destruction exercise.
The disposing-of exercise brought together the Police, local leaders and residents.
“Residents were enlightened on lawful fishing, ill-effects of illegal fishing and agricultural activities in buffer zones to the aquaculture. No farming activities are allowed with in at least 50 metres from the water body,” CIP Karekezi said.
“They were also enlightened on the safety practices when in such water bodies, encouraged to form cooperatives and to use authorised fishing gears which don’t kill the young fish but rather facilitates fish growth and production,” he added.
The operations followed others conducted on July 24, in Lake Kivu on the Islands of Mafundugu and Nyanamo in Musasa Sector, Rutsiro District, where 16 wooden boats and 15 rolls of illicit fishing nets were also seized and ten poachers arrested.
A similar operation conducted in Lake Burera on July 22, seized two destructive nets, boats and poachers.
Such illegal fishing activities are also blamed for environmental degradation and violation of measures against the spread of covid-19, since the violators don’t wear facemask.
The ongoing operations are in line with the Marine Police responsibilities, which include; maintaining safety and security of water bodies and increasing public awareness.
The awareness against illegal fishing and other unlawful practices targets mainly poachers and farmers, who encroach and degrade buffer zone environment.
Illegal fishing, smuggling, drug trafficking and violation of waterways regulations are the most prevalent offenses registered in Lake Kivu.
The law N°58/2008 of 10/09/2008 determining the organization and management of aquaculture and fishing in Rwanda provides that the right to fishing in public waters is only granted by a competent authority, which issues the fishing license.
Any person, who engages in fishing activities without authorization shall be liable to a fine ranging from Rwf50,000 to Rwf200,000 and an imprisonment of 3 to 6 months or one of them, and dispossession of the equipment used.
Article 11 outlaws use of “poisonous substances aimed at stunning, weakening or killing fish; applying explosives; using electromagnetic procedures or electrocution; flashing water with an aim of capturing fish; fishing where water organisms are reproduced.”
The online platform www.mc.gov.rw or the feature codes *127# helps the applicant to get a ‘clearance pass’ for the traveller, driver and the automobile to be used.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the online facility is already open to applicants.
“We remind all residents of Rwanda that effective August 3, 2020, all those going or coming from Kigali International Airport after 9 PM will be required to produce the clearance pass to Police officers enforcing the curfew for easy movement,” CP Kabera said.
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Whether applying through www.mc.gov.rw or the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) *127#; the applicant will be required to fill in their full particulars, telephone number, automobile plate numbers and the timeframe when the automobile will be on the move, and the flight number.
“For those arriving, their applications will be processed by hotels where they will be accommodated but in circumstances where an individual has to go out of the facility where he or she is accommodated, either going to their homes or for other emergencies past the curfew hours; the pass will be applied individually,” CP Kabera said.
He reminded that the applicants will as well be required to produce their flight tickets.
“Besides seeking the movement clearance, the applicants are also reminded to observe all other safety and hygiene directives including compulsory wearing of facemask, washing or sanitizing hands and social distancing,” CP Kabera said.
Police officers, he said, will be on the road to facilitate them.
For further information, the public or those falling under this category, are urged to call 0788311606, for assistance.
“Kigali:13 (testing in villages under lockdown), Rubavu:11 (returning residents isolated on arrival), Rusizi:5, Kayonza:1”
Among the 275 385 test samples so far taken in Rwanda since the first case was registered, corded on 14th, March 2020, a total of 2092 are active cases and only five deaths were recorded so far.
Symptoms of Coronavirus include coughing, colds, and difficulty breathing. It is 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 with water and soap, wearing face masks when in public places and respecting social distancing.
The East African Business Council congratulates Kenya and Rwanda as they resume international flights today, 1st August 2020. Tanzania resumed international flights on the 18 th of May 2020. These are important steps towards the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors, however, the differences emerging in regional air transport services among some partner states are set to adversely affect the rebound of business in the region.
Intra EAC trade stood at $5.98 billion in 2018 (EAC Trade and Investment Report). With the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, regional trade is expected to decline by 50 percent this year. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the EAC Partner States will potentially lose upwards of US$5.4 billion of tourist local spending for the year 2020 under scenarios of protracted closures and restrictions of seaports and airports. The impact of COVID-19 has led to a decline in the number of air passengers hence appx. US$0.54 billion revenue loss was projected in Kenya risking 137,965 jobs while US$20.4 million base revenues loss, risking 3,000 jobs was projected in Rwanda.
The re-opening of regional air transport services will integrate the regional logistics value chains for increased exports of fresh produce, regional tourism and enable service providers to tap into the larger EAC market. This is set to bolster business continuity and resilience to sustain livelihoods and jobs.
The East African Business Council urges the EAC Partner States to prioritize and fast-track the unconditional re-opening of regional air transport services and agrees on an EAC coordinated approach on the opening of the regional aviation sector, in line with the World Health Organization guidelines and measures.
In addition, the EAC Partner States should consider temporarily granting the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) 5th to 9th Freedom rights to effectively increase capacity, reduce inefficiencies and costs; waive landing fees, excise duty on aviation fuel, navigation, landing, parking and COVID-19 related fees to reduce operating costs; and the reduction of permit and fees for service providers from the EAC region.
Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki, Executive Director /Chief Executive Officer
East African Business Council (EABC)
9th Floor Mafao House | Old Moshi Road | Arusha | Tanzania
P. O. Box 2617 | Tel: +255 27 2520162
Email: admin@eabc-online.com I Website: eabc.info
Of the said patients, 13 are from Kigali and 11 people were identified in Rusizi district. They were tested in villages in lockdown. With 4 cases also, Nyamasheke in the Western Province and the other three cases were detected in Kirehe, Kayonza and Rubavu.
To date Rwanda has 904 active cases with five lives lost so far.
The Minister of Health Daniel Ngamije warned the general public that several businesses could remain closed for much longer because some people are taking the virus for granted.
He said for example, that schools cannot open while the country is still recording 40 cases per day.
A statement from the Ministry of Local Government indicates that the lockdown on Kamabuye and Zuba villages, both in Nyarurama cell, Kigarama Sector in Kicukiro District, were removed.
Similarly, Nyenyeri village in Kigarama sector in Kicukiro District will also be allowed to go back to normal life.
However, three sub-cells in the same village (Kigarama) which include Ubutwari, Icyerekezo and Gukunda Igihugu have been put under lockdown.
However, villages of Tetero, Indamutsa, and Intiganda from Tetero cell, Muhima sector in Nyarugenge district will remain in the lockdown.
“The citizens of the villages under lockdown are requested to continue respecting the guidelines,” reads part of the statement.
“Local authorities and security authorities are asked to follow-up on the implementation of these guidelines. People living in Rwanda are requested to continue respecting the guidelines of preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic as issued by health institutions,” appealed.
These 100 Zoll Portable Critical Care ventilators, manufactured in the United States, are leading-edge and in-demand technology to help COVID-19 patients to breathe.
They give Rwanda a powerful tool to treat critically ill patients affected by the virus and can be operated invasively or non-invasively. For patients whose lungs are not working adequately due to COVID-19 or other severe respiratory illnesses, this equipment will be lifesaving.
According to Peter Vrooman, the US ambassador to Rwanda, the ventilators are valued at over Rwf1 billion, and will be accompanied with training to assist local doctors and nurses deploy them effectively should critically ill patients require them.
“The USAID will work closely with Minister Ngamije, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) officials here in Kigali and medical professionals in the provinces to ensure the ventilators are quickly distributed to medical facilities throughout Rwanda,” he said “We are also working together to ensure medical personnel receive the necessary technical training to safely operate and maintain the devices.”
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, the Minister of Health said that for patients whose lungs are not working adequately due to Covid-19 or other severe respiratory illnesses, this equipment will be life-saving.
“They will be distributed in Covid-19 treatment centers to save lives, they will complement the existing efforts to treat patients. This is an immense contribution during unprecedented moments,” Dr. Ngamije said.
“The ventilators will be distributed in four Covid-19 treatment centers and 10 government hospitals across the country, we shall make sure that they are distributed and installed as soon as possible to be used,” Dr. Ngamije further said.
“These ventilators are critical to Rwanda’s response to Covid-19. They will save many lives and have been made specifically for Rwanda. We shall continue to work with USAID and Rwanda biomedical center (RBC) to make sure that they are distributed.”
Ngamije thanked President Donald Trump for his generosity and support to the Rwandan people in the fight.
Jean Pierre Nzabahimana, 33, was arrested after local residents and victims reported the matter to law enforcement organs.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that Nzabahimana had already conned three people of combined Rwf35, 000.
“Local residents called the Police at Rubona station reporting a man, who calls himself a Police officer and threatening to arrest them if they don’t give him money, especially those he noticed that they were violating government directives on the fight against the pandemic of Coronavirus,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He added: “Police and investigators worked together to arrest Nzabahimana red-handed receiving money from one of the would-be victim in Rubona Sector, Nawe Cell in Gaseke Village.
We have since leant all the three victims had violated the directives and were selling alcohol, and Nzabahimana targeted them because of their vulnerability.”
The spokesperson commended those, who reported the fraudulent act.
Clause One of article 174 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, defines fraud as deception, obtaining another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or offering positive promises or threats of future misfortunes.
Clause Two of the same article provides a term of imprisonment of between two and three years, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million but not more than Rwf5 million, upon conviction.
In article 276, anyone convicted of impersonation faces an imprisonment term of not less than five years but not more than seven years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
He, however, warned against all actions and behaviors that undermine and violate government directives, thus increasing risks of catching or spreading COVID-19.
“Bars are still closed as per the government directive; anyone operating a bar or who turns his home into a bar is breaching the directives and will be penalized,” CIP Twizeyimana warned.
He emphasized that Police officers or any other official charged with enforcing the directives do not solicit bribes.
“Anyone, who asks for money so as to ignore or allow an illegal act to continue is also committing a crime and should be reported and arrested to face the law.”
