The developments mark the latest phase in the company’s efforts to enhance service quality and meet rising demand for modern fitness facilities in the city.
The fitness centre has expanded training spaces, installed new equipment, and bolstered its coaching staff in recent months. Management says the improvements are part of a broader strategy to deliver a safer, more efficient, and motivating environment for its members.
“Our focus has always been on giving our members real value, better equipment, more classes, and professional guidance,” the FitnessPoint Management Team said in a statement. “The improvements we’ve made are all geared toward creating an elevated fitness experience for everyone who trains with us.”
Alongside the upgrades, FitnessPoint has introduced special promotional prices valid from 2 to 31 December. The discounts precede a revised pricing structure that will take effect in January 2026.
Under the festive-season offer, a six-month membership has been reduced to Rwf 300,000 from Rwf 350,000. Couples will pay Rwf 880,000, equivalent to Rwf 440,000 per person, down from Rwf 990,000.
Annual membership has also been revised to Rwf 490,000 from the previous Rwf 600,000.
“These festive-season prices are our way of saying thank you to our community,” management added, encouraging members and new clients to take advantage of the limited-time rates.
FitnessPoint says the upgrades and temporary discounts underline its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles in Rwanda by providing accessible and professional fitness services.
Classic Optic’s journey began in humble surroundings on the ground floor of the Umyenzi Plaza building in Remera, Kigali.
Despite a small team, the company quickly garnered a loyal following, thanks to its exceptional customer service and attention to the unique needs of each client.
The professionalism of the staff and their commitment to patient care played a key role in establishing the company as a trusted name in Kigali’s optical sector.
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Over the years, Classic Optic has achieved significant milestones in its expansion strategy. In 2018, the company opened its first branch in Gisenyi, followed by another in downtown Kigali at the MIC Building in 2020.
Though some branches faced challenges and were short-lived due to internal reasons, the company’s growth has been steady and impactful.
Furthermore, Classic Optic has developed partnerships with insurance companies and international organizations, ensuring it stays at the forefront of innovation with the latest optical equipment and technology.
The company’s success can largely be attributed to the loyalty of its customers, whose experiences highlight the personalized care and attention they receive.
One client shared, “Thanks to Classic Optic, I regained visual comfort at work. Their team was attentive from start to finish.” Another added, “Beyond just glasses, I received real support and advice tailored to my vision and budget.”
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As it looks toward the future, Classic Optic has ambitious plans for the next decade. The company intends to expand its presence by opening new branches in every city across Rwanda, while also fostering the training and development of young Rwandans in the fields of optics and optometry.
According to the management, continuing education for its staff will remain a priority to maintain a high level of expertise with a clear goal to provide accessible, high-quality visual health services for everyone, without compromise.
Ten years after its establishment, Classic Optic remains steadfast in its mission to deliver technical excellence, innovative solutions, and close relationships with both clients and partners.
For Samson Botoh and his team, this anniversary marks not an end, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their dedication to the vision and well-being of the people of Rwanda.
The wetlands being restored include Kibumba, Gikondo, Rugenge Rw’Intare, and Nyabugogo, with Real Contractors Limited collaborating with NPD, another construction company in Rwanda.
The total area under restoration spans 491 hectares, with Gikondo covering 162 hectares, Nyabugogo 131 hectares, Kibumba 68 hectares, and Rugenge-Rwintare 65 hectares.
Fred Bugingo, Managing Director of Real Contractors Limited, stated that the restoration of these wetlands is aimed at preventing flooding in Kigali, protecting biodiversity, and filtering water that flows through the area.
“The restoration of these wetlands will help the City of Kigali mitigate flooding, especially in areas like Nyabugogo, where flooding was once a significant issue,” Bugingo explained.
To further protect the environment, the company has installed waste collection traps to capture debris that typically flows into the wetlands from rainwater and surrounding areas.
“We’ve been installing traps designed to capture waste in rainwater, as it often carries significant debris,” he added.
In total, 142 waste collection traps have been installed across the wetlands. Gikondo has 24 traps, Kibumba 16, Rugenge-Rwintare 48, and Nyabugogo 30.
The Gikondo wetland will include special features aimed at attracting tourists, such as educational spaces, a restaurant, and rest areas.
Rugenge-Rwintare will feature a large 5-hectare pond that collects water from Rwampara and Gikondo, designed to showcase Rwanda’s advancements in environmental conservation.
The Kibumba wetland will focus on fishing, with several ponds and a designated area for a flower garden, along with a facility for showcasing fishing-related activities in Rwanda.
The Nyabugogo wetland will be dedicated to research and education focused on biodiversity conservation.
Since the restoration began, wildlife has already begun returning to the wetlands, according to the management at Real Contractors Limited.
In a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Washington said its priorities will include “unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens,” ensuring “affordable and secure energy supply chains,” and “pioneering new technologies and innovations.”
The U.S. framed its leadership of the G20 as an opportunity to return the multilateral forum to its core mission of driving global economic prosperity.
The transition comes amid a diplomatic rift with South Africa, the previous G20 chair, after Washington boycotted the 2025 G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa
Under the new U.S. presidency, the next G20 leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Miami at a resort owned by Donald Trump.
The decision to relocate the summit and the U.S. boycott of the previous meeting has already created friction among member states, with some leaders urging return to collaboration over controversy.
Analysts say the U.S. agenda under its presidency could reshape global economic cooperation especially if Washington achieves reforms in regulation, energy, and technology sectors.
However, given the existing divisions within the G20 over issues ranging from debt relief to energy policy, accomplishing broad consensus will likely be challenging.
The report, titled “The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries”, outlines the potential risks posed by AI technologies in deepening the already widening development gaps.
While AI offers vast opportunities for growth, particularly in sectors like health, finance, and education, its benefits are not likely to be evenly distributed.
Countries starting from different levels of technological and economic development will experience very different outcomes.
The Asia and Pacific region, which is home to more than half the world’s population, has been quick to adopt AI.
According to the report, over half of the world’s AI-related startups and innovations are now based in this region, with AI potentially boosting GDP by up to 2% per year in some countries.
The technology also has the potential to improve productivity across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and public services.
However, the UNDP cautions that unequal access to AI-related technologies and digital infrastructure could deepen divides, especially if low-income countries do not have access to the resources necessary to adopt AI. This could result in a “two-speed” world, where wealthy nations thrive on AI while developing nations are left behind.
The report highlights the vulnerabilities that accompany AI adoption, particularly job displacement. Many routine and manual jobs, especially those held by women and youth in developing countries are at risk of being replaced by automation.
Without proper policies to address this, millions of workers could lose their livelihoods. Women, who are often employed in routine service jobs such as caregiving, retail, and hospitality, could be disproportionately impacted.
The rise of AI also introduces new risks around ethical concerns. AI systems that rely on biased data could perpetuate existing inequalities or even create new forms of discrimination. The lack of transparency in AI algorithms could lead to situations where certain groups are unfairly excluded from services, opportunities, or decision-making processes.
To avoid these outcomes, the UNDP emphasizes that inclusive, people-centered policies are essential. Governments must invest in education and skills training to equip workers with the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, fostering international cooperation and collaboration will be critical to ensuring that AI benefits are shared globally.
The UNDP calls for ethical AI governance frameworks that are aligned with human development goals. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented with fairness, accountability, and transparency at their core. The report also stresses the importance of strengthening global cooperation to ensure that the deployment of AI is equitable, focusing on addressing the digital divide and empowering countries with the means to compete in the AI space.
The global impact of AI is still unfolding, but the UNDP’s report provides a crucial warning: without deliberate actions to ensure inclusivity, the world risks entering a new era of development divergence, where inequality is amplified by the very technology that should be used to solve it.
With smart policies, investments in technology, and global collaboration, AI could transform global development for the better. But without proper oversight and inclusive frameworks, the technology could reinforce and even worsen global inequalities.
Taking place from December, 2 to 10 , 2025, the campaign features a series of community-focused activities across Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. These activities aim to raise awareness, engage citizens, and highlight Rwanda’s progress in promoting dignity, justice, and equality for all.
The campaign begins with a national awareness message on the responsibility of every individual to uphold and defend human rights. Activities throughout the week will include disability inclusion events, youth engagement forums, community football matches, and human rights education sessions in schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. The initiative will culminate on December 10 with the national celebration of International Human Rights Day.
On December 2, a community football match will formally launch the campaign, leveraging sports to promote unity and respect. On December 3, the Commission will mark Disability Inclusion Day by raising awareness on equal access, dignity, and combating stigma. Meanwhile, youth-focused dialogues on 4th December will encourage young people to take leadership in the fight against violence, hate speech, and misinformation.
On 5 December, sensitization sessions on human rights will be conducted in rehabilitation centers and locations where youth gather. On 6 December, awareness activities will take place at GS Gihundwe and through sports-based engagemen
Throughout the campaign, rehabilitation centers will be visited to reinforce the right to dignity and support reintegration efforts. On December 7, a Car Free Day activation will highlight the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Among others, sensitization sessions for returnees on December 8, will reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to welcoming its citizens without discrimination while community assemblies on 9th December will stress that human rights begin in the family, where values of respect and non-violence are first nurtured.
The campaign will conclude on 10th December with a national gathering bringing together citizens, institutions, and partners to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and renew Rwanda’s commitment to building an inclusive, rights-respecting society.
NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi emphasized the importance of integrating human rights into everyday life: “As we mark the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded that human rights are not distant concepts — they are the foundation of our daily lives. Every Rwandan deserves dignity, justice, and equality. Through this 9-day campaign, we reaffirm our national commitment to ensuring that human rights are respected, protected, and promoted everywhere and every day.”
The campaign is supported by local leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, media partners, and community members, ensuring broad public engagement and outreach.
The Rwanda National Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional institution mandated to promote, protect, monitor, and enforce human rights in Rwanda.
It conducts investigations, monitors human rights compliance, educates the public, advises institutions, and advocates for vulnerable groups.
Working with national and international partners, the Commission is committed to fostering a just, inclusive, and dignified society for all.
Rescue operations are continuing at full speed across affected areas, the agency said.
The agency reported that flooding displaced about 570,000 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. Damage to roads and disruptions to communication networks have left some affected areas inaccessible, with relief supplies being delivered mainly by air.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that the government’s rescue and relief efforts are being advanced with full force.
He stressed that Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change and that local governments should play a greater role in environmental protection and in preparing for future extreme weather events.
Additionally, Dr. Usta Kayitesi has been appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The appointments were announced through a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The President has also made appointments to other critical roles. Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe has been appointed as Senior Defence and Security Advisor in the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Murigande has been appointed as a Senator.
Held at BRALIRWA’s soft drinks plant in Kicukiro District, the event marked the culmination of 4 months of dedication and outstanding performance across BRALIRWA’s distribution network across the country.
With The Coca-Cola Company proudly sponsoring the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BRALIRWA Plc launched the ‘AFCON Distributor Competition’, a customer-engagement initiative designed to leverage this sponsorship to drive business growth while strengthening partnerships with its distributors. The program celebrates and rewards top-performing distributors for their exceptional contribution and commitment.
In the spirit of this sponsorship, BRALIRWA created a challenge that connected business success with the passion of football. Distributors were encouraged to achieve ambitious targets, expand market reach, and demonstrate commitment to BRALIRWA’s vision of excellence.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of BRALIRWA Plc, Ms. Ethel Emma-Uche, emphasized the vital role distributors play towards building consumer trust and loyalty for the company’s beverage brands.
“You are an integral part of our ambition as we continue to craft legendary drinks, brands and create memorable experiences. Through your dedication and partnership, we continue to delight our consumers the right way, bringing them quality, joy, and pride in every sip,” she said.
The competition concluded with remarkable prizes that truly celebrate distributor excellence. The top six outstanding distributors were awarded an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco, where they will experience the excitement of AFCON 2025 matches live.
The second category of three winners were each awarded a tuk-tuk, providing valuable support for their transportation logistics and empowering them to serve consumers even more efficiently.
One of the winning distributors, Celestin Sebahire of FAPROCO, shared their excitement, saying, “Being recognized by BRALIRWA and given the chance to attend AFCON 2025 in Morocco is incredible. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it shows how much BRALIRWA values our hard work. This recognition motivates us to keep striving for excellence and strengthens our partnership even further.”
This initiative follows BRALIRWA’s long-standing tradition of engaging and rewarding its partners through innovative programs. From last year’s ‘Dubai Twagiye’ challenge, which sent winners to experience Formula One in Dubai, to this year’s AFCON-themed competition, BRALIRWA continues to demonstrate its passion for creating memorable experiences that celebrate success.
The country is actively collaborating with specialized institutions to advance this vital sector.
On November 28, 2025, the Cabinet approved partnership agreements to introduce nuclear medicine services in Rwanda.
Nuclear medicine specializes in diagnostic imaging of the body, utilizing advanced equipment that is often scarce due to the high cost of the technology.
Two key machines in this field are the Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
Rwanda has already acquired a PET scan as part of its efforts to enhance medical services.
For patients with diseases that are not detectable by traditional imaging, radioactive tracers derived from nuclear energy are injected into their bodies.
These tracers help guide specialized cameras that detect the disease, providing detailed insights into internal body activity.
This method is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and neurological issues.
Before surgery or other treatments, nuclear medicine allows doctors to visualize exactly what they are dealing with, eliminating the need for invasive exploratory procedures typically required to diagnose unknown conditions.
Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in treating complex conditions, such as brain cancer, where even the slightest error in diagnosis or treatment can have significant consequences.
New agreements to launch “nuclear medicine” in Rwanda were signed between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd., a medical service provider based in Mauritius. The service will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe, Kigali, which also houses the Rwanda Cancer Centre (RCC).
In May 2025, Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana informed members of the Parliamentary Committee on State Budget and Patrimony that Rwanda would have this machine by the end of the year.
“I can assure you that the PET Scan machine is on track to arrive in Rwanda. We have completed all the necessary preparations, and we expect it to be here by the end of this year,” he said.
IGIHE has learned that Rwanda will launch nuclear medicine services in 2026, utilizing a machine called Cyclotron. This machine produces the radiotracers used by doctors to detect early-stage cancer. Additionally, IGIHE has learned that most of the necessary equipment is already in place.
These advanced machines will complement existing cancer treatment facilities in Rwanda, including MRI, CT scans, chemotherapy, surgeries, and other cancer therapies.
The nuclear medicine services will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe. Additionally, once the King Faisal Hospital completes its expansion from 167 beds to 600, it will also be equipped with PET Scan machines.
The Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital recently told IGIHE that as part of their facility expansion, they plan to acquire two PET scan machines.
“This is a key component of the hospital’s growth. PET scans are essential for tracking and diagnosing cancer. We have met all legal requirements,” he explained.
This development is expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, as Rwanda will have the capability to detect diseases at the cellular level, enabling early intervention and bolstering the country’s ability to treat cancer.
