IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • 17 hotels designated for international travelers awaiting COVID-19 results

    On August 1, as all flights resume, only travellers that have been tested within 72 hours (at least three days) by approved laboratories and are found not carrying COVID-19, are allowed to enter Rwanda.

    Upon arrival, travellers will be immediately re-tested, then sent at one of the 17 selected hotels where they will remain for 24 hours as they await their test results.

    Medical doctors will also be available on call at a consultation fee of $ 10, in addition to the $ 50 they will be paying for the COVID-19 test.

    “The Government of Rwandan has negotiated special rates at the designated hotels for the waiting period. Should a guest wish to remain in the hotel after receiving negative test results, they are welcome to extend their stay at the applicable hotel rates.”

    According to the statement, the negotiated hotel rate is on full board basis, including three meals and if a guest takes less than the three meals there will be no refund provided to them; any extras will be paid separately upon order.

    The price varies from $ 200 for resident in the Kigali Marriott Hotel to $ 40 which is the lowest rate and applicable for those that will choose to be staying in the Greenwich Hotel, Remera.

    “We encourage passengers to have international travel insurance.” Said RBC

    Travellers are strongly encouraged to observe all preventive measures announced by the Ministry of Health; these include frequent hand-washing, proper wearing of face masks in public and maintaining safe physical distance from others (at least on meter apart).

    {{Designated transit hotels:}}

    1. Kigali Marriott Hotel: USD 200
    2. Radisson Blu Hotel: USD 170
    3. Kigali Serena: USD 170
    4. Hotel des Milles Collines: USD 150
    5. Grand Legacy Hotel: USD 140
    6. Lemigo: USD 140
    7. Gorillas Golf: USD 130
    8. Park Inn by Radisson: USD 120
    9. Ubumwe Grande Hotel: USD 100
    10. Karisimbi Hotel: USD 90
    11. Hotel Villa Portofino: USD 70
    12. Dove Hotel: USD 70
    13. The Nest Kigali: USD 65
    14. Quiet Haven Hotel: USD 60
    15. Great Season Hotel: USD 60
    16. The Mirror Hotel: USD 50

  • Fishermen warned against smuggling

    The warning follows an operation conducted by Marine Police in Lake Kivu on
    Tuesday July 28, in which three fishermen were arrested in part of the waters in Nkombo Sector, Rusizi District with assorted smuggled goods, including pharmaceutical drugs.

    The operation was conducted jointly with Rusizi fishing union.

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, identified the arrested fishermen as Jonathan Niyonkuru, 24, Bernard Ngwabije, 48, and Theoneste Mubirigi, 45.

    The smugglers are also members of the fishing union in Rusizi. It is said that they were hired by four smugglers, who managed to flee during the operation, to transport their goods across the waters into Rwanda.

    “The targeted operation was based on credible information that some individuals would be smuggling goods into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo through the lake,” CIP Karekezi said.

    “In the operation conducted between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, the trio was intercepted with 20 tins of medical tablets, second-hand clothes and shoes, food flavours and banned biodegradable plastic bags,” he added.

    The intercepted pharmaceuticals include paracetamol, Dyprone, Fakpar, Hedon, Albendazole and Diclomex, among others.

    “The seized goods were handed over to the Revenue Protection Unit while the suspects have been quarantined first to prevent possible spread of COVID-19, in case they got infected in the process of fraud,” the spokesperson explained.

    “It is illegal and punishable by law to evade taxes, but it’s very dangerous and life-threatening when you smuggle human drugs, which could be expired or banned on the market due to their ill-effects to human health.”

    The successful operation came a day after another smuggler identified as Chantal Mukashema was also intercepted in Mururu Sector of Rusizi District with 408 pieces of body Vaseline and 800 pieces of salsa, a food flavour.

    Last week, the Revenue Protection Unit arrested ten smugglers in Rubavu District with 23 bales of second-hand clothes, 250kgs of used shoes,
    1,434 assorted pieces of banned skin bleaching products, 12 bottles of Red Label, 200 tins of Salsa, five cartons of cigarettes, six cartons of outlawed non-biodegradable polythene bags, and tins of powdered milk.

    CIP Karekezi said that these are intensified operations against fraud targeting chains of smugglers including owners of goods, those hired to transport them across the border and owners of houses used as stores.

  • Drug dealer arrested with 3000 pellets of cannabis

    Saidi Alphonse was arrested in Bisizi Village of Rusigari Cell in Cyanzarwe Sector, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of the Western region, said.

    “The Anti-Narcotics Unit received credible information that Saidi is part of the ring that traffics cannabis into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The unit also learnt that Saidi works with his elder brother based in DRC, who sends the narcotics; Saidi is the local contact who distributes the narcotics to other retailers,” CIP Karekezi said.

    Based on this detailed information, CIP Karekezi said, ANU tracked Saidi at his home following new information that he had received a new consignment.

    He was arrested red-handed after receiving 3000 pellets of cannabis concealed in two bags.

    He was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau in Gisenyi.

    “Law enforcement organs are working together to identify, locate and arrest all members of this trafficking chain,” Karekezi said.

    He warned anyone working with drug traffickers or facilitating them in any way, that they will also be arrested and prosecuted.
    Anyone convicted for dealing in “severe drugs” faces between 20 years and life in prison and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.

  • Statement on cabinet decisions of July 29th 2020

    1. The Cabinet approved resolutions of the previous meeting held on July 15th 2020.

    2. The Cabinet reaffirmed the need for increased vigilance in implementing COVID-19 preventative measures and called on the public to limit unnecessary movements including visits to friends and family.

    3. The Cabinet reviewed existing measures to contain spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and approved the following effective immediately.
    These measures will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.

    {{General preventive measures}}

    a. Mass screening and testing for COVID-19 will continue nationwide.

    b. Masks must be worn in public at all times.

    c. All resumed services must continue adhering to health guidelines from health authorities (hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing).

    d. All traders are required to accept digital payments as an alternative form of payment.

    e. Movements are prohibited from 9 PM to 5 AM.

    {{Services to resume/continue}}

    a. Places of worship may resume for main services in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government.

    b. Public and private businesses will continue with essential staff while other employees continue working from home.

    c. Tourism will continue and Kanombe International Airport will reopen on August 1st 2020.

    d. Hotels shall continue operations and are encouraged to participate in domestic tourism promotion and offer conference services. All services offered must be in adherence with health guidelines.

    e. Movement within Rusizi district will continue but movements between Rusizi and other districts (except for good and cargo) remain prohibited.

    f. Non-contact outdoor sports is permitted however gyms shall remain closed.

    g. Motos are permitted to carry passengers except in zones under lockdown. Strict hygiene must be observed and masks worn at all times.

    h. Civil marriage ceremonies will continue but should not exceed 15 persons. Religious marriage ceremonies should not exceed 30 people.

    i. Religious ceremonies for burial shall continue with no more than 30 persons. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.

    {{Services to remain closed}}

    a. Land borders will remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.

    b. Schools will remain closed until September 2020.

    c. Mass gatherings in public spaces and homes are prohibited. Attendence at a wake/vigil (kiriyo) must not exceed 15 people at any one time.

    d. Gaming activities remain prohibited.

    e. All bars will remain closed.

    4. The Cabinet was briefed on Rwanda Vision 2050.

    5. The Cabinet approved the following:

    – National land use and development master plan.
    – Policy on school sports.
    – Presidential order governing Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
    – Prime Minister’s order allocating state land in its private domain for investment, located in Gahini sector, in Kayonza District.

    6. The Cabinet meeting approved the agrément for the following Ambassador and envoys designated to represent their respective country/organizations to the Republic of Rwanda:

    – Mr. Amir Muhammad Khan: High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Rwanda with residence in Kigali.
    – Ms. Rolande Pryce: Country Manager of the World Bank, with residence in Kigali.
    – Mr. Maxwell Gomera: Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based in Kigali.

    7. The Minister of Youth and Culture informed Cabinet about Umuganura Day that will be celebrated on August 7th 2020.

    {{Kigali, July 29th 2020
    Dr. Edouard Ngirente
    Prime Minister
    }}

  • RwandAir makes major changes, cabin crew now wearing PPE

    Prior to the resumption of flights, RwandAir used their social media platforms to give a sneak picture of what it will look like; with a photo of two flight attendants wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while they were attending to passengers.

    We can’t wait to welcome you on board!
    Our cabin crew will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are ready to serve you.#FlyTheDreamOfAfrica#FlySafeWithUs pic.twitter.com/e35WeAgNhl
    — RwandAir (@FlyRwandAir) July 27, 2020

    It is expected that before a person is allowed to take a flight, he or she will be showing a certificate that they were tested and found free of Coronavirus, and passengers immigrants will be re-tested on arrival at the International airport.

    For people about to board a plane, they will be parting with those who accompanying them in the outside parking lot; from there they will start by cleaning their hands with hand sanitizers before entering the airport building, all while respecting the distance indicated between people. Signs were placed to indicate where one should stand or sit.

    Someone will go through a Camera that has the ability to measure temperature; inside they will find a machine that helps providing a boarding pass and their luggage identifier. This will be the new way of boarding, instead of the old one where one had to pass by a staff to access all the above mentioned.

    Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO recently said these machines were designed to reduce people’s interaction in providing services.

    When reaching at the passport and visa checkpoint, a glass is set up to separate the passenger and staff from the Immigration Office; it is important that the staff will clean their hands before touching the said documents.

    Makolo said all flight attendants would wear PPE;

    “Proper distance will be respected while boarding the plane; passengers will be grouped into small groups from those occupying back seats. We have made sure that the plane should be clean, after each flight, we have also changed the food providing methods to minimize the contact between passenger and flight attendants.” She said

    In addition, one will carry one baggage in the plane to prevent people from touching other people’s bags.

    Though respecting distance while seating in the economic class is difficult for people, because in the beginning there will be fewer passengers, it will be easy to comply with directives.

    “Everyone will be wearing masks; therefore, we encourage people to carry enough masks when on long trips, so as to change them every four hours.” Said Makolo

    The most commonly used areas such as toilets will be sprayed in every time a person leaves, and even on the plane there will be plenty of hand sanitizers.

    It is expected that the first round of flights destinations will be to countries that have already opened their borders, where RwandAir is normally operates in.

    “These will be trips in the region and some African countries. For long trips, we plan to first go to Dubai, and gradually widen our destinations as the instructions will allow to. From August 1st, we will be heading to Nairobi, Lusaka, Cotonou, Libreville, Dubai and few other places” added Makolo

    The plane was also designed a system that allow, if ever a person with COVID-19 was to be detected, to be put in isolation immediately; upon landing such person will be placed in the hands of doctors for medical attention.

    RwandAir has announced that it has completed preparations before all the planes start operations on August 1st,
    all flight attendants would wear PPE
    This will be the new way of boarding
    People about to board a plane will start by cleaning their hands with hand sanitizers
    Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO recently said these machines were designed to reduce people’s interaction in providing services.

  • COVID-19: Rwanda records 47 new cases, 30 recoveries

    According to the daily update, the results were obtained from 3,521 sample tests conducted Tuesday; of the new cases, 36 were recorded in Kigali; five in Rusizi, four in Nyamasheke and two in Rulindo.

    So far, the pandemic has claimed the lives of five people, while the conducted sample tests have reached 251,815.

  • At this point we cannot say we have enough evidence -RIB talks about Minister Gatete’s investigation

    The clarification was in a joint press conference with the Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye on Tuesday that Ruhunga confirmed that investigations on Gatete, which started at the end of June after the Minister was mentioned in several cases involving mismanagement or misappropriation of funds, are still ongoing.

    He explained that there are several investigations and cases in court in which the Minister has been mentioned, which prompted the investigative body to conduct investigations to ascertain his role but did not say if they have found any incriminating proof against the Minister.

    “At this point we cannot say we have enough evidence to suggest that he was directly involved in embezzling or mismanaging funds for us to arrive at a conclusion but the investigations are continuing. We will let you know the outcome,” Ruhunga said.

    Gatete’s troubles emanate from an ongoing case in which high ranking officials, including Caleb Rwamuganza, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, are accused of flouting tender procedures to cause a loss to the taxpayer by prompting the government to purchase a building at a price which is Rwf2bn higher than its actual cost.

    Among the accused are; Godfrey Kabera, the Director-General in the Ministry of Finance, Eric Serubibi, the former Director-General of Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) and Christian Rwakunda, who was Deputy Director-General in Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), Aloys Rusizana, the owner of the disputed building located in Kacyiru, and Bonaventure Munyabugingo, a private property valuer, who is accused of conspiring with the defendants to buy the building at Rwf9.85bn yet it had been proved that it was worth at least Rwf7.6bn

    Defendants allege that Minister Gatete was the one who ordered the urgent meetings with the investor who owned the house to negotiate a price and make a deal in a short time.

    Serubibi told court that Gatete was telling him he was the one delaying the case; that if they did not make a deal soon there would be no budget available and that there was urgency in moving in government agency.

    When asked why Minister Gatate was still in office yet he is still under investigation, RIB SG said that they have not found anything incriminating the senior minister but ultimately it is the appointing authority to decide whether he remains in office or not.

    “It is not in our mandate to answer why Minister Gatete is still in office. Our job is to investigate allegations and report to prosecution. The appointing authority determines whether one remains in office or not, when investigations are ongoing,” Ruhunga said.

    RIB Secretary General Col (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga said that they have not found anything incriminating Amb. Claver Gatete yet

  • COVID-19: Police officers trained on prevention measures

    The training was conducted by Ruhengeri Referral Hospital rapid response team.

    According to the hospital management, the training aimed at enlightening Police officers on prevention practices for maximum safety in their working environment.

    “This training has equipped the Police staff with skills in infection prevention in their daily interactions with the communities they serve. It’s meant for our Police officers to be safe as they continue to serve people in Rwanda even in this period of the pandemic,” the hospital management said.

    Among those trained, there are officers from Police stations, Fire and Rescue Brigade, Engineering Regiment, Traffic and Road Safety as well as those attached to the district unit and regional headquarters.

    It follows a similar training conducted at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters early this month and that benefited hundreds of Police officers.

    The training at the police headquarters was conducted by the RNP medical services in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

    The exercise combines training and awareness on safety and hygiene, safer practices in search and handling of COVID-19 suspects and patients, mixing and use of disinfectants, among others.

    This is largely because Police officers are at the forefront, as they meet many people every day, which requires them to have a high level of understanding on the pandemic, how the virus is spread and prevention or safety measures.

    It gives them enough knowledge on signs of a positive person, how to wear and safely remove full or extended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when in COVID-19 red or high risk zones, among others

  • Suspected motorcycle thieves arrested in Kayonza

    Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson of the Eastern region, identified the suspects as Celestin Ngabonzima alias Bishitura, 28, and Gracien Nshimiyimana alias Mapusi, 42.

    On the night of April 13, 2020, the two suspects allegedly broke into the house of one Gatsinzi Charles, in Rwinkwavu Sector, Gihinga Cell in Gihinga village and stole his motorcycle plate number RC 149W.

    “Gatsinzi reported the alleged theft the following day on April 14, and the search for the motorcycle and prime suspects had since been going on,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

    “On July 26, Police arrested Nshimiyimana in connection with stealing livestock in Kayonza; coincidentally when we asked him about the theft of the same motorcycle, he admitted and named Ngabonzima as his accomplice in the motorcycle theft. Ngabonzima was also later located and arrested,” he added.

    They have been handed over to RIB and the search for the person who bought the stolen motorcycle is still underway.

    Theft, under article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years and a fine of between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million, a community service of six months or one of these penalties.

  • MIFOTRA announces Eidil-Ad’ha a public holiday

    “According to a statement issued by the Muslim Community of Rwanda on July 27, 2020, it is believed that the Feast of Sacrifice Eidil-Ad’ha will take place on Friday, July 31, 2020.” reads the statement signed by the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Rwanyindo Kayiranga Fanfan

    “The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in the public and private sectors of Rwanda that Friday, July 31, 2020 is a public holiday as we are celebrating the day of Eidil-Ad’ha.”

    Eid al-Adha is considered the holier of the two Islamic Eid festivals as it honours the famous story of the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command, before Ibrahim carried out the request, Allah provided a lamb for him to sacrifice instead.

    On this day, Muslims are commanded to slaughter animals such as sheep, goats and cows as sacrifices and feed the needy so that they too can get food.

    Nowadays, Muslims who are willing to do so, are required to make their sacrifices but avoid fellowship activities as they would hinder the Government’s efforts to prevent the spreading of the Coronavirus.

    MIFOTRA has announced that the Muslim “Festival of the Sacrifice” well known as Eidil-Ad'ha will be celebrated on July 31, 2020 and that it will be a public holiday.