According to an RDF statement, the event was attended by the Heads of Departments of the Reserve Force.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame was appointed by President Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), on October 15, 2024.
The Reserve Force is one of the four branches of the Rwanda Defence Force.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame recently served as the Joint Task Force Commander of the Rwanda Security Forces (RSF) in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, before he was succeeded by Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha.
Maj Gen Kagame first joined the military in 1987 and was part of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), the force that liberated Rwanda in 1994 and put an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Throughout his military career, Maj Gen Kagame has commanded various RDF divisions, including Division 2 in the Northern Province, Division 3 covering the Western Province, and Division 4 in the Southern Province. Additionally, he served as the commander of the Republican Guard.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame holds a master’s degree in military science from China, where he also completed a command course.
He also took a military command course in Kenya, which was supplemented with courses in international relations.
While the list of attractions is very wide; this article takes you on a journey through some of the must-visit places in Rwanda, presenting a combination of wildlife experiences, historical sites, and stunning landscapes that will leave every traveler in awe.
{{Volcanoes National Park: Home to the majestic mountain gorillas}}
At the heart of Rwanda’s tourism lies Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest, near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This park is the crown jewel of Rwanda, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which has made the country a sought-after destination for wildlife lovers.
The park covers the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, home to a chain of dormant volcanoes including Karisimbi (the highest at 4,507 meters), Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
The experience of trekking through the dense rainforest, rich with the sounds of over 200 bird species and the rare golden monkeys, is something unique to this region.
The intimate encounter with the gorillas is not just a wildlife experience but a deeply moving and transformative moment for many visitors.
In addition to gorilla trekking, the park boasts several other attractions, including the Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest with significant cultural heritage, and the Musanze Caves, formed millions of years ago from volcanic eruptions.
These unique geological formations further add to the allure of this natural wonder.
{{Akagera National Park}}
For travelers craving the traditional African safari experience, Akagera National Park in the eastern part of the country offers an entirely different landscape.
This park, named after the Akagera River, is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
The park has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to successful conservation efforts, and now hosts a wide array of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, baboons, and antelope species.
One of the highlights of visiting Akagera is a boat trip on Lake Ihema, where travelers can observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat.
The park’s stunning savannah plains, interspersed with lakes and wetlands, provide the perfect setting for game drives, whether self-guided or through a tour operator.
Akagera also offers night drives and camping experiences for those seeking deeper immersion into Rwanda’s wilderness.
{{Nyungwe National Park}}
Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most pristine rainforests, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda.
Spanning over 1,019 square kilometers, Nyungwe is a treasure trove of biodiversity and is considered one of the most important forest conservation areas in the region.
Visitors can embark on chimpanzee trekking, one of the park’s star attractions, or encounter troops of the rare colobus monkeys, which are often seen leaping through the treetops.
For adventurous visitors, the park offers the famous Canopy Walk, a suspension bridge hanging high above the forest floor, providing breathtaking views of the jungle canopy.
Nyungwe is also known for its extensive network of hiking trails, some of which lead to beautiful waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
With its lush greenery and diverse fauna, this park is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking for a serene escape into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
{{Gishwati-Mukura National Park}}
Situated in the western part of Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a relatively new addition to Rwanda’s network of protected areas.
Comprising two separate forests—Gishwati and Mukura—the park covers 34 square kilometers of lush terrain. The forests lie on the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, contributing to the region’s unique biodiversity.
Gishwati-Mukura is home to a small population of chimpanzees, which live alongside golden monkeys and blue monkeys, making it a haven for primate enthusiasts.
The park also boasts an impressive birdlife, with over 200 species recorded, including several endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Visitors to this park can participate in community-based activities such as cultural performances, tea plantation tours, and learning from traditional healers who use medicinal plants found in the forests.
{{The King’s Palace Museum: A step back in time}}
For those interested in Rwanda’s rich history, a visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, Southern Province, is a must.
This museum offers an immersive experience into Rwanda’s pre-colonial monarchy, with a beautifully reconstructed royal palace that reflects the grandeur of the kingdom’s traditional architecture.
The palace is a thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive, offering a glimpse into how Rwanda’s kings lived before the colonial era.
For those interested in Rwanda’s history and the significance of cattle in the Rwandan culture, the royal herd of long-horned cattle, known as “Inyambo,” can still be seen grazing near the palace.
{{Ethnographic Museum}}
Located in Huye (formerly Butare), the Ethnographic Museum was a gift from Belgium’s King Baudouin in the late 1980s. Today, it houses one of Africa’s most impressive ethnographic collections.
The museum features seven galleries that display a wide range of historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artifacts. Through these exhibits, visitors gain a deep understanding of Rwandan culture, with visual aids enriching the experience.
The exhibits begin with geographical and geological presentations, followed by items related to traditional practices such as hunting, agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery, weaving, and woodwork.
The museum also showcases traditional clothing, architectural methods, and the social significance of cattle in Rwandan society.
The final gallery delves into traditional customs, beliefs, history, culture, poetry, oral tradition, and cosmology. Additionally, there is a highly regarded craft center on-site, offering visitors a chance to explore local craftsmanship.
{{Lake Kivu}}
Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, is nestled along the country’s western border, forming part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Surrounded by dramatic mountains and covering an area of 2,700 square kilometers, the lake offers a stunning backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
The lakeside towns of Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) and Karongi are popular with travelers seeking peaceful retreats after exploring the national parks.
Rubavu, located near the Volcanoes National Park, is an ideal spot to unwind after gorilla trekking, with its lakeside hotels and restaurants offering breathtaking views of the water.
Karongi, further south, is a charming town known for its scenic beaches and rolling hills covered in pine and eucalyptus trees.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides, kayaking, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere of the lake.
For those who prefer a more active experience, the Congo Nile Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes in the country, stretching 227 kilometers along the lake’s shoreline.
{{Rugezi Marsh: A haven for birdwatchers}}
Rugezi Marsh, located in the northern part of Rwanda, is a vast wetland covering over 6,700 hectares.
It is a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly bird species.
The marsh is a designated Ramsar site, recognized for its importance in wetland conservation.
For birdwatchers, Rugezi Marsh offers an unparalleled opportunity to spot some of Rwanda’s rarest bird species, including the elusive white-backed duck and other waterbirds.
In addition to birdwatching, visitors can take a boat ride on Lake Nyagafunzo, located at the southern edge of the marsh, to observe the area’s rich aquatic life.
Recent research has uncovered a wealth of new species in Rugezi Marsh, making it a fascinating destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers alike.
{{Kibeho Holy Land: A sacred pilgrimage site}}
Located in Nyaruguru District of Southern Province, Kibeho is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world.
The area gained international recognition following the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1981, witnessed by several young girls.
Today, thousands of pilgrims visit Kibeho each year, especially on November 28th, to commemorate the first apparition and spiritually connect with ‘Mother Mary’.
For those seeking a spiritual journey, Kibeho offers a unique experience filled with prayer, reflection, and the deep sense of peace that permeates this sacred land.
{{Nyandungu Ecopark: An urban conservation success}}
Nyandungu Ecopark, located within Kigali, is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
This urban wetland, which was restored and inaugurated in 2022, spans over 120 hectares and serves as a green haven within the city. The park features walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, and viewing platforms, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Nyandungu is home to over 100 bird species and a variety of local plants, providing visitors with a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park’s medicinal garden and the Pope’s Garden are particularly notable, offering insight into Rwanda’s traditional healing practices and its Catholic heritage.
{{Kandt House Museum}}
The museum is named after Richard Kandt, the first colonial governor of Rwanda under German rule, who governed in the early 1900s. Today, the Kandt House Museum in Kigali is divided into three main sections.
The first section showcases Rwandan life before the colonial era, exploring its social, economic, and political dimensions.
The second section delves into Rwanda’s colonial experience, beginning with the Berlin Conference of 1884, which led to German rule until 1916.
After World War I, Belgium took over governance under the League of Nations mandate.
This section also highlights Richard Kandt’s life in Rwanda.
The third section focuses on the history of Kigali, chronicling its evolution before, during, and after the colonial period. Kigali became Rwanda’s capital upon gaining independence in 1962.
Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep connection with nature and history, Rwanda’s attractions promise to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Dr. Tedros confirmed the conversation through his X account on Sunday.
“I had a fruitful conversation with my brother, President Paul Kagame, regarding Rwanda’s ongoing response to the Marburg outbreak. I expressed my appreciation for his leadership and the effective management of the outbreak response, along with his commitment to end it soon,” he shared.
Dr. Tedros mentioned that they also discussed the significant investments in establishing a local vaccine manufacturing facility in Kigali.
He emphasized that the project is “well underway and making significant progress, leveraging lessons learned from COVID-19 to address the equity challenges faced by Africa.”
Dr. Tedros has been in Kigali to assess Rwanda’s response to the Marburg virus.
The first Marburg cases in Rwanda were reported on September 27, 2024.
According to figures from the Ministry of Health, a total of 4,715 people have been tested.
Out of these, 60 people have been infected while 15 died.
Currently, three patients are receiving treatment, while 44 individuals have recovered, and 1,070 people have been vaccinated against the virus.
The Civil Defense source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the casualties are the result of Israeli raids on southern Lebanese sites, including Zahrani River, Srifa, Qabrikha, Babliyeh, Kfar Dounine, Borj Rahal, and the municipality of Deir Qanoun.
Civil Defense teams and the Lebanese Red Cross worked to transfer the bodies of the dead and wounded to hospitals in Sidon, Tyre, and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, while rescue teams were still working to remove the rubble in search of missing persons.
Since Sunday afternoon, violent clashes took place between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces that infiltrated several border towns in southern Lebanon, according to Hezbollah and Lebanese security sources.
“The fiercest clashes, in which heavy and medium machine guns, artillery shells, and rockets were used, were taking place on the outskirts of the villages of Rab El Thalathine, al-Taybeh, Houla, Mays al-Jabal, Aita al-Shaab, Rmeish, Jabal Sadana, Birkat Al-Naqqar and Kfarchouba,” the security sources said.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said in separate statements that its fighters targeted several Israeli sites with rockets and drones, including the Filon base, headquarters of the 210th Division in northern Israel, the Samson base west of Lake Tiberias, Beria Air Defense and Missile Base, and the city of Haifa.
The group said it also targeted Israeli army gatherings on the outskirts of several Lebanese villages with artillery shells and missiles.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a sharp escalation with Hezbollah. It has also conducted what it said was a “limited, targeted” ground operation against Hezbollah positions near the Lebanese border.
Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanon-Israel border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement from the Angolan President’s office, the leaders discussed the security situation in eastern DRC and potential solutions under the Luanda process.
“In particular, the Head of State addressed with the two counterparts the latest developments within the scope of the ongoing efforts within the framework of the Luanda Process, as well as the next steps aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the crisis affecting the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement reads.
This discussion follows a meeting held in Luanda on October 12, 2024, where ministerial delegations from the involved countries worked on efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region.
Rwanda and Angola delegates supported the plan to dismantle the FDLR group, while the DRC delegates put forward the proposal for Rwanda to lift defensive measures.
Angola was tasked with preparing a detailed report on the dismantling of the FDLR by October 26, 2024. This report will be reviewed by intelligence experts during a meeting on October 30, 2024.
The same meeting also saw the appointment of Patricie Uwase, the former Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, as the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI).
Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju served as Minister of Sports from November 2019 until August 2024, when a new government was formed. She was succeeded by Nyirishema Richard.
Munyangaju holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.
Her career spans senior management roles at SONARWA Life Insurance and COOPEDU.
She has 18 years of experience in business and investment, particularly in financial markets and stock exchange management.
Patricie Uwase, now CEO of RCI, served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure from February 2022 until June 2024, when she was succeeded by Olivier Kabera.
Prior to that, she held the position of Permanent Secretary in the same ministry. Uwase holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California.
Additionally, the Cabinet appointed Ulrich Kayinamura as CEO of the Agaciro Development Fund, succeeding Mutesi Rusagara, who was named Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
Kayinamura previously served as Head of Investments at BK Capital and has over 15 years of experience in investment management.
His leadership roles span organizations such as Southbridge Group, BPR Bank, and the Business Development Fund (BDF). Kayinamura holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Dr. Mugenzi replaces Jean Claude Musabyimana, who served as Minister of Local Government since November 2022 and was reappointed in August 2024.
Before this appointment, Dr. Mugenzi was the Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). With over 15 years of teaching experience at the University of Rwanda, he is an expert in agricultural business management.
Dr. Mugenzi has also served as an advisor, researcher, and project management specialist.
Dr. Mugenzi holds a PhD in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University, Kenya, and a Master’s degree in Business Management, Economics, and Consumer Studies from Wageningen University, Netherlands.
Dr. Mark Bagabe Cyubahiro, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, takes over from Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri.
Prior to this role, Dr. Bagabe was the Director General of the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority.
He has also led other key government agencies, including the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).
Dr. Bagabe brings extensive experience in leadership, international agricultural development, and quality management.
His contributions to agricultural research, technology, and the establishment of quality standards across Africa have been significant.
He holds a PhD in Plant Health and a Master’s degree in Crop Protection Technology from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
The presidential decree, published in the Official Gazette on October 18, 2024, announced the pardons, which affected inmates at various facilities, including the Nyarugenge Rehabilitation Center.
Bamporiki, whose sentence was increased on January 23, 2023, had been serving a five-year prison term and faced a fine of 30 million Rwandan Francs after being convicted of accepting a bribe and abusing his office.
CG (Rtd) Gasana Emmanuel had been sentenced to three years and six months in prison and fined 36 million Rwandan Francs for abuse of office.
The clemency comes with conditions that must be strictly adhered to. Those granted a pardon are required to report to their local Prosecutor’s Office and notify the relevant local authorities, including their village, cell, sector, and district, within 15 days of the decree’s publication.
Additionally, they must visit the Prosecutor’s Office once a month and request permission from the Minister of Justice to travel abroad.
These conditions remain in effect until the individual has completed the remainder of their sentence.
Failure to comply with these requirements or receiving a new conviction could result in the revocation of the clemency.
Beyond the pardons, some inmates also received reduced sentences. For instance, PC Tuyishime Moise benefited from a partial remission of his imprisonment, reducing his sentence from 25 years to 10 years.
Improperly disposed needles, harmful chemicals, and contaminated equipment can lead to the spread of dangerous diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, making medical waste management a critical global issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16 billion injections are administered worldwide each year.
The real danger lies in the improper disposal of used needles, which can expose healthcare workers and the public to infectious diseases.
WHO reports that in developing countries, 64% of healthcare waste is not properly segregated, significantly increasing health risks for waste handlers and the broader population.
The consequences of poor medical waste management are staggering. WHO statistics reveal that each year, unsafe injections cause 21 million new cases of Hepatitis B, 2 million cases of Hepatitis C, and 260,000 new HIV infections.
In 2010 alone, improperly discarded needles were responsible for 33,800 new HIV cases, 1.7 million Hepatitis B infections, and 315,000 cases of Hepatitis C.
Additionally, 2 million healthcare workers globally suffer injuries from sharp objects, largely due to inadequate waste management practices.
In Rwanda, healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a concern. A 2020 study in major hospitals found that 32% of women’s infections were attributed to poor medical waste handling, highlighting the need for urgent intervention within the healthcare system.
In response to this pressing issue, the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of environmental protection.
Environment specialist Kanangire Ruti Rubis shared strategies with nursing and midwifery students on the critical role they play in managing medical waste responsibly.
“Healthcare professionals must prioritize the proper sorting of waste, separating hazardous materials from regular waste to prevent environmental degradation,” Kanangire emphasized.
“In Rwanda, progress has been made with environmental protection laws, but there is still a gap in public awareness. We need to intensify education efforts, especially among healthcare workers.”
Gentille Ishimwe, a third-year nursing student at Ruli Higher Institute of Health, shared how the training organized by RNMU had changed her perspective on medical waste management.
“Negligently handled needles can spread infections. Imagine someone contracting an incurable disease because of carelessness. It’s essential that we are more cautious,” she stated.
RNMU President André Gitembagara outlined the union’s commitment to tackling climate change and environmental degradation through sustainable healthcare practices.
“The effects of climate change directly affect us, especially in healthcare. Contagious diseases, like the Marburg virus, start with us healthcare workers. It’s imperative that we contribute to protecting the environment,” he said.
RNMU’s five-year plan includes a series of impactful initiatives such as nationwide awareness campaigns, the planting of over 5,000 food-producing trees at healthcare centers by November, and the establishment of nurse-led environmental protection groups.
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship within Rwanda’s healthcare system, ensuring a safer and greener future for all.
The recovered items include those that were stolen in Tuesday, October 15, from the home of a Japanese national, Mio Yamada, in Mutara Village, Kimihurura Cell in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District.
Three people have also been arrested in connection with the theft at the Yamada’s resident.
They include two thieves and a dealer in used electronics, who bought the stolen items.
At least three laptops, two iPads, three digital cameras and a GoPro camera, two lenses and two smartphones, among many others; stolen from the home of the Japanese resident, were recovered on Wednesday, October 16, at the shop of the dealer in used electronics in Nyarugenge, where he was also arrested.
The three suspects are also connected to other series of house break-ins reported in Kigali, according to investigations.
While receiving her recovered electronics on Thursday, October 17, Yamada thanked Rwanda National Police for the swift response.
“We lost almost everything in one night and there was no hope we would recover them.
Now we have everything that was stolen, and I want to thank Rwanda Police for this reassuring gesture. We are safe and secure, and we will stay in Rwanda longer and probably forever,” Yamada said.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga warned of continued operations targeting mainly those who buy stolen items, especially dealers in used electronics, who buy stolen electronic equipment.
“Dealers in used electronics are advised to follow the regulations governing used electronics and electronic equipment instead of providing market for stolen items and influencing the criminal acts, which will not be entertained,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He added that law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions are currently implementing the regulation and to bring to justice all those that influence theft of electronics, especially dealers.
The regulation provides that before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.
