Ambassador Thorpe shared that while traveling to Gisenyi for the Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton Relay, she stopped for a brief moment in Bigogwe, where she successfully milked a cow for the first time.
Bigogwe is located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu District. It is a well-known area for cattle farming and the high-quality pasture found on its hills.
This journey gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.
Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people. In Rwandan culture, giving a cow to someone is a strong sign of love and partnership.
Visitors to Bigogwe often participate in milking cows. For someone doing it for the first time, it is not as easy as it looks, but they gain essential skills and knowledge.
Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe. She expressed her happiness about milking the cow for the first time, despite the difficulty she faced.
“On my journey to Gisenyi for the King’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, I stopped in Bigogwe to try milking a cow for the first time. There was more milk on my pants than in the bucket! It was fun, and I learned a lot about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture,” she said.
Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of “Ibere rya Bigogwe,” who started cow based tourism activities in the area, is known on social media for helping people visit cattle farms and promoting livestock farming.
Karegeya explains that his passion for cattle comes from his mother, who raised him around cows, feeding him milk, and forming a close bond with them.
Kamerhe resigned from this position on September 22, 2025, following pressure from members of the National Assembly who accused him of mismanaging funds and undermining the credibility of the legislative body.
It was expected that the person replacing Kamerhe would come from his party, the UNC, in accordance with the agreement within the Union Sacrée. However, it appears that many politicians, including some long-time members of DRC politics, are vying for this position.
Among the candidates is one from the UNC party, two from Tshisekedi’s UDPS party, and one from each of the other parties within the Union Sacrée.
On October 22, Willy Buhini Mishiki, from the PEP AAP party, opposed the idea of replacing Kamerhe with a member of his own party, arguing that such a move is not in line with democratic principles.
“The Union Sacrée does not have representatives in the National Assembly. Therefore, there is no reason to appoint a single candidate,” he said.
Among the candidates is Christophe Mboso N’Kodia, who served as the President of the National Assembly from 2021 to 2024 and is currently the Second Vice President of the Assembly.
Mboso has expressed his belief that he is the best candidate to lead the Assembly, based on his experience in the institution and in the country’s politics.
President Tshisekedi’s decision as leader of the Union Sacrée could determine who will represent the alliance in this competition, with the potential for the candidate to win.
The disclosure was made on October 23, 2025, during a presentation of their five-year strategic plan, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2030, in partnership with other stakeholders.
The strategy will focus on the organization’s activities, centered around two main pillars: creating job opportunities, building skills, and improving the well-being of youth and families.
Another pillar of the strategy is ensuring a better future through child development and sexual and reproductive health.
A significant addition to this plan is Plan International’s focus on promoting technology in its work and increasing collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations across Rwanda.
Additionally, over the next five years, the number of districts where Plan International operates will increase from three to ten.
The Country Director of Plan International Rwanda, Emilie Fernandes, explained that the expansion was aligned with the country’s vision for development, and the organization wanted to contribute more actively.
“The Rwandan government has excellent programs for improving the well-being of children and youth, and we are here to support these efforts along with our partners. We have seen a decline in poverty, teenage pregnancies, and malnutrition among children, but there are still gaps to address,” she said.
She continued, “We are focusing on addressing these gaps, especially for young mothers, children with disabilities, refugees, and those seeking employment.”
Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, praised Plan International’s contribution, stating that its programs in Rwanda align well with the country’s development goals, especially in accelerating development and meeting the first phase of the Vision 2050 goals.
She stated, “You have helped us protect children, promote gender equality, and advance family development in our country. Your focus on driving positive change in society, working with youth, and fostering innovation in technology is well aligned with Rwanda’s vision. This contributes significantly to changing mindsets, empowering youth, and building strong families.”
Kamabonwa Prudencienne, who works with the Guides Association in Rwanda, shared how the collaboration with Plan International has taught youth in Nyaruguru and Gatsibo to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Meanwhile, Mukantwali Alphoncine, a representative of daycare providers in the Kamabuye sector of Bugesera district, noted that Plan International helped reach 800 children attending daycare centers, with 30 of them overcoming malnutrition, leaving no one in that category.
In its 2020-2025 strategy, Plan International Rwanda reached 770,474 beneficiaries, including 400,000 girls and 302,948 boys.
Over the next five years, Plan International Rwanda will work with eight partners: AEE Rwanda, Dream Village Organization, Imbaraga, Caritas Rwanda, Bamporeze, Association des Guides du Rwanda, Health Development Initiative, and Learn Work Develop.
The beneficiaries will include 1.2 million children, girls, and youth, including 750,000 girls and 450,000 boys.
Plan International will continue its work in Bugesera, Nyaruguru, and Gatsibo districts and expand to seven additional districts under the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) project.
The organization will also operate in the refugee camps of Mugombwa, Kigeme, Kiziba, Nyabiheke, Mahama, Nkamira, Nyarushishi, and Kijote.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi.
The course equipped officers with the vital knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform mid level command and staff roles in the military. It also enabled officers to step outside their professional specialisations and broaden their leadership and management skills at the tactical level.
Speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Nyakarundi, congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievement.
“The course has equipped you to become proactive, agile, and solution-oriented leaders who bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the Force,” he said.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi emphasized that the graduated officers are now tasked with renewing the sense of urgency and enhancing the operational effectiveness required to succeed against any adversary.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi urged them to rise to the great challenge that lies ahead.
“Building a Defence Force and ultimately a nation that we all want and deserve, we must strive for a force built on trust, accountability, and sacrifice. You must look ahead and often far ahead, to anticipate potential opportunities, threats and challenges in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable security environment,” he noted.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi further reminded the graduates, as they depart from the college, to remember that their roles are pivotal in driving positive change and upholding the values of patriotism, integrity, and commitment in an increasingly complex global environment.
The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, commended the graduates for their exceptional discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 22-week course.
He urged them to carry forward the same spirit of hard work, discipline, commitment, and professionalism into their future assignments, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence with the enthusiasm they demonstrated during the course.
The pass-out ceremony was graced by Generals and senior officers from the RDF and RNP and was attended by the spouses, parents, friends, relatives of the graduates, as well as religious leaders and local authorities from the Northern Province.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders held a joint press conference after the meeting, saying the coalition aims to gradually phase out Russian oil and gas from the global market and channel frozen Russian assets into funding Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Starmer said Britain had taken the lead in fully sanctioning Russian oil and gas, followed by the United States and the European Union. He announced that Britain plans to supply Ukraine with more than 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles, with 140 delivered ahead of schedule.
On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU member states had approved the bloc’s 19th round of sanctions against Russia, which include targetting the country’s natural gas sector for the first time. The sector is a pillar of Russia’s economy.
Guterres made the plea at an open debate of the Security Council on the future of the United Nations, held to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the world body.
Via a video link from Hanoi, the secretary-general started his speech by alluding to an anecdote of the Security Council.
Guterres said that in the spring of 1946, the first ballot box of the Security Council was opened for inspection before voting, and to everyone’s surprise, there was already a slip of paper inside. It was a message from the box’s maker, a local New York mechanic named Paul Antonio, who said he wished for lasting peace all over the world, the UN chief said.
“That humble note reminds us why the Security Council exists: for people — sincere, hopeful people who, for the last eight decades, have placed their trust in this institution to save them from the scourge of war,” he said.
“The privilege to sit at this table carries a duty, above all, to honor the faith of those people. And to channel the resources so often spent on war to the causes of development and peace,” said the UN chief.
On many pivotal occasions, the Security Council has delivered on that task, and it has prevented the chaos of a great-power war in the past eight decades, he said.
“The council is a vital necessity and a powerful force for good. But at the same time, its legitimacy is fragile. Too often, we have seen members of this body act outside the principles of the (UN) Charter — principles we have all freely agreed to as sovereign nations,” said Guterres.
“When that happens, it not only stalls action in the moment, it erodes trust in the entire United Nations project. It also puts us all in great danger. When one nation flouts the rules, others think they have license to do the same. And history tells us, with brutal clarity, where that road leads,” said the UN chief.
Guterres also said that reform of the Security Council is imperative and long overdue to maintain global order and safety, including the expansion of the membership.
He stressed Africa as an example, where nearly half of all UN peacekeeping missions, along with numerous special political missions, are carried out, yet Africa has no permanent voice at the council table.
The time has come to open the doors of the Security Council Chamber and let in the light, because without a Security Council fit for purpose, the world is in grave danger, he said.
“It is our duty to forge a body that can meet the challenges of the next 80 years — one that delivers justice and safety for all,” said Guterres. “Paul Antonio the mechanic never sat at this table. He never gave a speech or signed a treaty. But he believed in everyone here. He believed in you. I urge you: honor that trust, make this chamber worthy of the hopes of every man, woman and child.”
Of these, 2,900 people are directly employed by airlines, airports, and air navigation services, producing USD 8.9 million in direct value equivalent to 0.1 percent of GDP. When combined with tourism, supply-chain effects, and employee spending, aviation becomes a central driver of Rwanda’s modern economy.
Tourism remains the single largest contributor to this ecosystem. Air-linked visitors generated USD 124.9 million for GDP and sustained 29,000 jobs, while international tourists arriving by air spent an estimated USD 688 million in 2023 on accommodation, food, and transport.
These figures underline how aviation is not merely about travel, it is a structural component of national development, advancing Rwanda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by expanding access to markets, education, and employment.
{{RwandAir: A symbol of national connectivity}}
At the heart of Rwanda’s aviation story is RwandAir, the national carrier established in December 2002. The airline has become both an emblem of national pride and a significant line item in the public budget.
In 2023, RwandAir received Frw 192.3 billion in government subsidies, a 33 percent increase compared to the previous year and benefited from a state-guaranteed loan worth Frw 40.6 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
These allocations are expected to remain among the largest in the 2025–2026 budget, signaling Kigali’s belief that air connectivity is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity.
“We don’t see these positions as an expense, but as a crucial investment and an essential lever for economic growth,” explained Tesi Rusagara, Minister of State in charge of Resource Mobilization and Public Investment.
Despite its fiscal dependence, RwandAir’s financial performance has improved markedly. Between 2022 and 2023, its turnover increased by 82 percent to Frw 620 billion.
The airline plans to expand its destinations from 23 to 29 and double passenger numbers from 1 million to 2 million.
New routes to Zanzibar and Mombasa are scheduled for launch in December 2025, widening its reach in the East African corridor.
{{Cargo expansion and trade integration}}
Cargo operations are fast becoming a pillar of Rwanda’s aviation economy. In 2023, national carriers handled 16,500 tonnes of air freight, ranking Rwanda as the 104th-largest air cargo market globally, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The government aims to double this figure to 32,000 tonnes by the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
The acquisition of a Boeing 737-800 freighter in 2022 has strengthened RwandAir’s ability to support exports, particularly in the horticulture sector.
The airline’s cargo growth aligns with Qatar Airways’ 2023 decision to open its first African cargo hub in Kigali, positioning Rwanda as a logistics center for intra-African trade and re-exports.
{{Regional aviation hub}}
Rwanda’s most ambitious infrastructure project, the Bugesera International Airport represents the physical foundation of its aviation ambitions.
Scheduled for completion by late 2027, the airport carries an estimated cost of USD 2.6 billion, making it one of the country’s largest-ever infrastructure investments.
Data shows that nearly the entire Frw 699.4 billion allocation of the Investment and Equity Fund for the 2025–2026 fiscal year will go toward Bugesera’s construction.
Additional spending is also planned for the rehabilitation of Rubavu and Musanze airports to strengthen domestic connections and tourism access.
Funding for Bugesera combines local resources, concessional loans, and foreign investment. Qatar Airways holds a 60 percent stake in the airport and has also expressed interest in acquiring 49 percent of RwandAir, a deal that remains under negotiation.
Meanwhile, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has provided a USD 200 million loan, offering significantly lower borrowing costs compared to commercial markets.
Analysts from S&P Global Ratings estimate that Rwanda may still need to mobilize up to USD 1.2 billion in additional financing through multilateral guarantees or market instruments.
However, Giulia Filocca, Associate Director at S&P, notes that “Rwanda stands out because of the involvement of credible partners like Qatar and its solid institutional framework,” adding that Bugesera could “considerably improve the country’s medium-term growth prospects.”
{{Connectivity and global reach}}
Rwanda’s air network has expanded sharply over the last decade. The country now operates two airports offering 25 international departures per day to 31 airports in 24 countries, served by ten airlines.
In 2023, international passengers accounted for 95 percent of total departures, equal to 447,400 travelers, a 21 percent increase over ten years. Africa remains the largest market, hosting 56 percent of passengers, followed by Europe (21 percent) and North America (11 percent).
The top ten destinations from Kigali were Nairobi (56,500 passengers), Entebbe (28,300), Brussels (25,100), Johannesburg (19,200), Dubai (18,500), Lagos (17,000), Paris (14,500), Dar es Salaam (13,600), Bujumbura (11,300), and London (10,800).
Since 2014, Rwanda’s air connectivity index has risen by 23 percent within Africa and an extraordinary 326 percent with non-African regions, reflecting Kigali’s steady evolution into a regional transfer hub for East and Central Africa.
While access to air travel is expanding, affordability remains a structural constraint. Data from IATA (2023) shows that the average Rwandan worker must labor 124 days to afford a typical round-trip ticket. Still, mobility is improving: 34 flights per 1,000 people were recorded in 2023, indicating growing participation in air travel even amid limited purchasing power.
Beyond economics, aviation enhances social inclusion. It connects remote regions to healthcare and education, accelerates humanitarian response during crises, and integrates Rwanda more deeply into global cultural and knowledge exchanges.
Rwanda’s investments in air transport align with the country’s Vision 2050, which identifies connectivity as a key driver of transformation into a regional logistics and service hub. Aviation is viewed as the foundation upon which high-value industries including pharmaceutical manufacturing, horticulture, and conference tourism (MICE), can thrive.
Minister Rusagara notes that the government’s approach to large-scale projects such as Bugesera is carefully sequenced: “As with all major construction projects, this is not a lump-sum payment but a schedule aligned with execution. Connectivity is crucial for us, not only to accelerate tourism but also to support the investments we have made in vaccine manufacturing and agri-food hubs.”
The laboratory, costing Frw 2 billion, is being built in the Rubavu District as part of the larger Lake Kivu Monitoring Program (LKMP), which is essential for the sustainable management of this important natural resource for Rwanda.
Once complete, the facility will be equipped with advanced tools for monitoring environmental protection, water quality, and methane gas levels, while also supporting various research activities.
The laboratory will provide valuable equipment for experts in the fields of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and other disciplines, offering resources that are not readily available in the region.
Eric Mudakikwa Ruhanamirindi, the environment analytics and Lake Kivu monitoring division manager at REMA, confirmed that the laboratory will be completed by November.
“The main objective is to ensure that methane gas extraction is conducted without harming the environment,” he told the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock and Environment on Tuesday.
Alex Mugabo, REMA’s Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) Coordinator, mentioned that the construction of the laboratory is 80% complete.
He noted that although the project was expected to be finished by now, an additional Frw 500 to 600 million is required to complete the remaining work. Despite this, he emphasized that the construction is progressing well.
REMA has confirmed that the required funds for the completion of the project have already been secured, with no further financial concerns.
Statistics show that Lake Kivu contains between 60 and 70 cubic kilometers of methane gas, with 44.7 cubic kilometers available for extraction.
Rwanda has two industries extracting this natural resource: KivuWatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu. Additionally, a new plant, GasMeth, is set to begin operations soon.
Rwanda has two plants currently extracting this natural resource including KivuWatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu. In addition, a new plant, GasMeth, is set to begin operations shortly.
In the next five years, Rwanda plans to invest over $1 billion into projects aimed at generating 1,000 megawatts of power to meet the country’s diverse energy needs.
Part of this investment will go toward developing methane gas extraction to generate an additional 136 megawatts of electricity from this natural resource.
These projects were chosen from a pool of 50 that competed in the initial public voting phase of the competition. The selected projects represent a diverse range of innovative ideas and social impact, with 80% of the selection based on the decisions of a panel of judges and 20% determined by the public through a digital voting system.
The competition aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable knowledge, training, opportunities to network with key industry players, and financial support to help develop their ventures.
In a media interview, Mudenge Ingabire Phionah, representing business mentors, emphasized that the 12 entrepreneurs advancing to the next stage were selected based on the novelty and potential benefits of their projects for the community.
She noted that many young people are eager to start businesses but lack the necessary resources and confidence. “Many young people show a strong desire to start businesses, but the problem is that they are not well-prepared. That is why it is our responsibility to help them develop solid, high-quality projects with a sustainable future,” she said.
Remmy Lubega, the show’s Executive Producer and CEO of RG-Consult Inc, explained that the main goal of the project is to showcase and promote young entrepreneurs and their businesses by giving them a platform to publicize their ideas.
He highlighted that one of the major challenges faced by young entrepreneurs is the lack of visibility, which this contest seeks to address.
“This initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs with more opportunities, such as meeting investors, potential partners, and gaining audiences for their work,” Lubega said.
The 12 entrepreneurs moving forward will receive mentorship and training to refine their projects before presenting them to the judging panel in a televised event.
The Tangira StartUp TV Contest will air on Igihe TV in six phases, with winners being selected each week until the final six projects remain to compete for the grand prize.
The finalists will compete for prizes including over 10 million Rwandan Francs and other valuable rewards.
The Tangira StartUp TV Contest has several partners, including BRD, ICT Chamber, RSE, 250Startups Incubator, BPN, ESP, IGIHE, Aba VIP, Itara Productions, BTN, ATV, Royal FM, Capital FM, Nep Filmz, and RG-Consult Inc.
This is one of the fond memories that those who know President Kagame have of him from his childhood. From the Southern Province of Rwanda, where he was born, to the refugee camps in Uganda, including Rukinga, Nshungerezi, and Gahunge, Kagame stood out as a model of excellence, a characteristic that has stayed with him to this day.
Born in 1957, President Kagame entered the world in a family of integrity. His mother, Asteria Bisinda, and his father, Deogratias Rutagambwa, were individuals of principle. Rutagambwa, an entrepreneur who founded Trafipro, was also known for his ethical conduct. Even during their time in exile, he was often chosen to lead the community in the camps.
Kagame was baptized as an infant in November 1957, with Mutembe Ildephonse serving as his godfather, just one month after his birth.
In 1959, as political unrest escalated in Rwanda during the Revolution, which targeted the Tutsi population, Kagame’s family fled their home.
They initially sought refuge in the Mutara region of Rwanda, before eventually crossing into Uganda on November 6, 1961.
During their journey, Kagame and his mother were separated from his father, who passed through Burundi and eventually made his way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and then to Uganda.
While life in exile was undoubtedly difficult, Kagame continued his education in the refugee camps. One of the individuals who knew him from Gahunge camp, recalls that Kagame was a disciplined, neat child, maintaining a level of cleanliness that was rare for many as he studied at Rwengoro School.
Another former colleague remembers Kagame as someone who, despite his youth, would approach older students to inquire about their duties or to remind them of their responsibilities.
“He had a mature demeanor,” said one former peer. “He would often play football with the older boys, but he would also ask us why we weren’t studying.”
Kagame excelled in school, standing out as one of the brightest students. A teacher from that time remembers a foreign visitor who encouraged the students to work hard, promising that those who performed well would be offered a chance to study at Ntare School, a prestigious secondary school. Kagame was among the first to achieve this goal.
Throughout his early life, Kagame exhibited a deep curiosity about Rwanda’s history, often seeking out the stories of older individuals who had fought in the Inyenzi movement. He and his close childhood friend Fred Rwigema spent hours learning from veterans including Maliko, reflecting Kagame’s early passion for his country and its history.
After completing his studies at Ntare School, Kagame attended Old Kampala School before eventually joining the Ugandan liberation struggle. While others pursued university education, Kagame chose to fight for Uganda’s freedom, believing it would provide him with the opportunity to return to his homeland.
Those familiar with Kagame’s early military history note that he joined Uganda’s armed forces by hitching a ride in a truck driven by General Lutaaya, one of Uganda’s top military officers.
He began his military journey by participating in the 1981 attack on the Kabamba Military Training School, which marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
During the war, Kagame held important military roles, focusing on discipline within the ranks and intelligence operations. He was known for his professionalism and dedication, and his soldiers respected him greatly for his integrity and leadership.
Those who served with Kagame during his time in the military recall how he was admired. “He was a man of integrity, and everyone respected him,” said one comrade. “He never tolerated injustice and always acted with fairness.”
Kagame’s early life, from his childhood in the refugee camps to his military service, laid the foundation for the values he continues to uphold as the president of Rwanda today. His commitment to fairness, integrity, cleanliness, and a deep love for his country has been consistent throughout his life.
Today, as Rwanda’s president, Kagame is celebrated for his role in leading the country to freedom, stopping the genocide against the Tutsi, and rebuilding Rwanda into a nation with international stature. He is credited with improving the lives of Rwandans in all aspects, ensuring no one is left behind and fostering national unity.
Kagame has never accepted the colonial idea of dividing Rwandans based on ethnicity, and he continues to reject any notion of division. He once spoke of how a Stanford University expert suggested a scientific method to measure the “genealogies” of Rwandans to justify colonial divisions. Kagame responded by dismissing such ideas, stating that such notions were a form of foolishness.
He emphasized that despite differences in appearance or background, all Rwandans are united as human beings, and the government should focus on unity.
As Rwanda continues to thrive under his leadership, Kagame’s childhood experiences and the values he developed during those formative years remain a testament to his integrity and vision for the future of the nation.
