President Chapo was welcomed at Kigali International Airport by senior government officials, including Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe.
Also present were Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Inspector General of Police, CP Felix Namuhoranye, and Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISSR), Aimable Havugiyaremye.
This is President Chapo’s first visit to Rwanda since assuming office. The visit seeks to deepen collaboration in key sectors, particularly defence and security — with a focus on combating terrorism in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province — as well as economic cooperation.
On the afternoon of August 27, President Chapo is scheduled to tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi to pay tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, hear testimonies, and learn about Rwanda’s path to recovery.
Later in the day, he will meet with President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro for a private discussion, followed by a bilateral meeting between officials from both countries to explore areas of cooperation.
On August 28, President Chapo will hold discussions with Rwandan business leaders interested in investing in Mozambique.
He will also visit the Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro to observe Rwanda’s industrial growth and identify potential lessons for Mozambique’s own development efforts.
The two are part of the 28-man provisional squad unveiled by Uganda’s head coach Paul Put, who will later trim the list ahead of the matches scheduled for September 5 and 8 at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Ssekiganda, a recent APR FC signing, operates as a defensive midfielder, while Omedi is a winger renowned for his pace and attacking runs down the flanks.
Their inclusion adds to the growing list of APR FC players representing their countries, which includes Rwandan internationals Ishimwe Pierre, Nduwayo Alex, Niyomugabo Claude, Fitina Omborenga, and Mugisha Gilbert, as well as Memel Dao, who has been called up for Burkina Faso.
Meanwhile, APR FC is intensifying its preparations for the 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup, set to run from September 2 to 15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei refuted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s claims that Iran was behind the torching of a kosher cafe in Sydney last October and a major arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne last December.
He also responded to the Australian government’s decision on Tuesday to expel Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi.
“Naturally, any inappropriate and unjustified action at the diplomatic level will receive a reciprocal reaction. This is a new development. My colleagues are considering the issue to decide about the response of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Baghaei said.
The spokesman said over the past two weeks, “we witnessed million-strong demonstrations in Australia in protest to the killing of people in the occupied Palestinian territories,” adding that some of Australia’s politicians had also “in a rare move” leveled minor criticisms against Israel for its actions.
Australia’s recent action against Iran, “which is in fact an action against diplomacy and the two nations’ relations,” was aimed at compensating for those minor anti-Israel criticisms, Baghaei said.
Albanese announced on Tuesday that Australia had withdrawn its ambassador to Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran.
The Huye-based club is seeking to strengthen its goalkeeping department following uncertainty over the future of Ugandan goalkeeper Nicolas Sebwato, whose contract has not yet been renewed.
Sebwato has also been linked with a potential move to APR FC, following concerns over the team’s goalkeeping weaknesses exposed during recent friendly matches.
Sources confirmed to IGIHE that Diouf has already agreed terms with Mukura VS and is expected to arrive in Kigali this Wednesday.
The Senegalese goalkeeper featured on Tuesday when his national team lost to Morocco on penalties, missing out on a place in the CHAN 2024 final.
So far, Diouf has played five matches and conceded only two goals — one against Congo Brazzaville and another against Morocco in the tournament which is being held in East Africa.
The clashes broke out on the morning of August 25, 2025, after Wazalendo attempted to block a convoy coming from Burundi that was transporting the body of Colonel Gisore Patrick, a FARDC battalion commander who recently died in a plane crash near Kisangani.
Among those denied passage by Wazalendo were South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, government officials, soldiers, and civilians who were accompanying the late Colonel’s remains from Bujumbura.
Following the incident, FARDC’s “Panther” battalion, which oversees the Kavimvira border, overpowered Wazalendo fighters. In retaliation, on August 26, Wazalendo launched a counterattack aimed at seizing control of the border post located in Uvira territory.
Reports from Uvira indicate that the fighting began at dawn and lasted six hours, forcing residents in nearby areas to flee or suspend daily activities out of fear.
In total, six people were killed and several others wounded. According to FARDC, one of its soldiers was killed, while five Wazalendo fighters lost their lives.
Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesperson for FARDC in South Kivu, confirmed that 14 Wazalendo fighters who attempted to defy government forces were captured and handed over to their commander.
Governor Purusi warned that continued hostilities between Wazalendo and FARDC could benefit the AFC/M23 coalition, which already controls Bukavu and large parts of South Kivu. He has called an emergency meeting between the two sides in an effort to seek reconciliation.
Ahead of his arrival, senior Mozambican officials traveled to Kigali, including Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Cristóvão Artur Chume, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. André Rafael Mahunguane, and Inspector-General of Police CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo.
On August 26, the delegation held talks with their Rwandan counterparts in a meeting chaired by Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The discussions focused on strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration.
According to Mozambique’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Amade Miquidade, cooperation between the two countries dates back to 1990. It gained momentum in 2018 with the creation of a joint cooperation commission, and in 2021 when Rwanda deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to support counter-terrorism operations.
Ambassador Miquidade explained that President Chapo’s first visit to Rwanda as Head of State will reaffirm commitments in defence and security—particularly in counter-terrorism efforts—while also broadening economic cooperation.
On the afternoon of August 27, President Chapo is expected to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where he will pay tribute, hear testimonies, and view exhibits reflecting Rwanda’s tragic past and path to recovery.
Later that day, he will be formally received by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro. The two Heads of State will hold a private meeting, followed by a broader session bringing together officials from both countries to discuss cooperation, with emphasis on security and economic development.
On August 28, President Chapo will meet with Rwandan investors interested in Mozambique and tour the Kigali Special Economic Zone at Masoro to observe Rwanda’s industrial achievements and identify opportunities for shared growth.
He is also scheduled to meet Mozambican nationals residing in Rwanda, many of whom are engaged in sectors such as construction. The state visit will conclude with a press briefing during which President Chapo will outline the key outcomes of his trip.
The Head of State did not mention the leaders, but his remarks appear to point toward Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, given their history of hostile remarks against Rwanda.
In January 2024, while in Kinshasa, President Ndayishimiye stated that he would do everything possible to help Rwandan youth overthrow the current government.
“In the region, people live together peacefully. I know very well that there are no problems among the citizens; the problem lies with bad leadership. Our struggle must continue until even the people of Rwanda begin to feel pressure, because I believe Rwandan youth cannot accept remaining prisoners in the region,” he noted.
These words appeared to echo those of Tshisekedi, who publicly expressed his determination to topple Rwanda’s leadership.
While addressing over 6,000 soldiers, police, and prison officers at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)’s Gabiro Combat Training Center on August 25, 2025, President Kagame revisited the plans these two leaders had for Rwanda.
“When you hear people on radio, shamelessly and fearlessly, claiming they will destroy Rwanda, remove its government, impose their own, kill and save people they wish. Imagine heads of state making such utterances!”
President Kagame emphasized that statements like these serve as a reminder that there are people harboring intentions to harm Rwanda.
“We must always be prepared because the enemy comes unpredictably; we never know from where or when, but we must always be ready,” he noted.
Kagame noted that these leaders eventually realized that harming Rwanda would not be easy.
“Those who shouted loudly, claiming they must harm Rwanda. I could not overlook this, but I will not disclose everything. This is where I began by thanking you [ Rwandan security forces] because they saw that harming Rwanda is not simple.
“Perhaps after resting, they may try again in five years, but it will be in vain
or even worse for those who wage war against Rwanda. This is precisely the responsibility of the RDF, the national army, and all national security forces collectively,” he stated.
President Kagame added that for Rwanda’s security forces to execute this responsibility effectively, they must clearly understand their duties.
“Whether you are working in challenging circumstances like I described, you must act as if you own the task. No one should hold back; you treat it as your responsibility, and collaborate with others who do the same. That is where the national army unites with the Rwandan society they belong to.”
He further emphasized the importance of discipline, reminding the security personnel that it allows them to focus on duties and fulfill them diligently.
Visiting the lodge, one can immediately feel its story. Volcanic rocks scattered across the property hint at the land’s history long before the hotel was built, while other details showcase the journey of the lodge from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Rugamba is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s tourism sector. After years of service in government tourism roles, she decided to venture into private enterprise, creating a business that provides high-quality tourism experiences.
In 2003, she was appointed the head of the Rwanda Development Board’s predecessor, ORTPN, tasked with implementing strategies to promote Rwanda’s tourism industry in the challenging post-genocide period.
Reflecting on the origins of Amakoro Songa Lodge, Rugamba shared that the idea came from a memorable visit: “In 2003, a well-known international entrepreneur toured Volcanoes National Park and loved it. On his way out, he said he was exhausted and wanted to stay overnight in Kinigi. I offered him accommodations in Kigali, but he insisted and decided to stay in a tent. That’s when I realized we needed a place to host guests like him.”
She recalled moving downwards and sitting on the volcanic rocks that would later become the lodge’s grounds, reflecting on the moment and realizing that this experience could inspire something lasting.
“That’s how the idea for Amakoro Songa Lodge was born, right there where I sat,” she explained.
Starting with a single room and just a few staff members, the lodge has grown steadily. Today, it employs more than 79 people, 49 of whom are permanent staff, and offers ten rooms, enough to provide top-tier luxury service. Rugamba’s vision has always been to deliver high-end tourism experiences—‘luxury tourism’—that are rooted in local culture and resources.
From the beginning, she committed to employing local staff, ensuring that at least half of her employees came from the surrounding district. Today, that number has grown to 80%.
“It’s deeply rewarding to demonstrate that Rwandans can excel, and that everything we do benefits our own community,” she said. Many of her employees started in basic roles like cleaning and farming, but over time they have developed the skills needed to run a luxury hotel.
Rugamba has long believed that tourism should serve a broader purpose to alleviate poverty and showcase Rwanda positively drawing inspiration from the guidance of President Paul Kagame. She carried this mission into her private enterprise as well.
Local farmers who supply the lodge have transitioned from subsistence farming to professional operations, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy.
She also founded a cooperative, ‘Abagore ku Isonga mu Kubungabunga Ibidukikije,’ aimed at empowering women to protect the environment and understand that neglecting it could ultimately harm them.
Projects like poultry and sheep farming were introduced to strengthen livelihoods in communities around the lodge.
“Supporting women strengthens households, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she emphasized.
The lodge also invests in local education. Recently, it built toilets for Ninda Primary School, plans to expand to early childhood classrooms and support children who cannot afford regular meals.
Today, Amakoro Songa Lodge directly supports over 140 families while offering visitors an enriching experience that also benefits the local population.
Environmental conservation is another pillar of the lodge. Initially, there were almost no trees around the property, but today over 3,000 trees have been planted with the participation of both staff and guests, each tree marked with the name of the person who planted it.
Tree planting has become a meaningful ritual for visitors, who often follow up on the growth of their trees, prompting Rugamba to assign staff to keep them informed.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand tourism operations to Nyungwe National Park through a new project called Icyayi Songa Lodge, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Songa Lodge gave birth to Amakoro Lodge, and now it is giving birth to Icyayi Lodge. At Icyayi Songa Lodge, I want to highlight tea cultivation and support visitors exploring this World Heritage site,” she said.
Amakoro Lodge has traditionally welcomed guests from the United States, but in recent years, it has seen a growing number of visitors from Mexico, Europe, and across Africa.
{{Photos showing members of women-led organisation focused on leadership and environmental conservation}}
With this milestone, BK remains the only bank in Rwanda listed as a Valued Service Provider on the Visa Global Registry, a recognition awarded only to institutions that meet the highest standards of compliance and security.
Earning this status, along with the Visa PCI DSS compliance badge, reinforces BK’s role as a trusted leader in delivering secure, innovative, and customer-focused financial solutions.
But beyond the certification, what does this mean for customers? It means peace of mind. Every time a BK customer pays, shops online, or withdraws from an ATM, they can trust that their money and their personal data are protected by some of the toughest security standards in the world.
“Our customers deserve the highest level of safety when using their cards, and this achievement is proof of that commitment,” said Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali. “Whether you are transacting locally or globally, we want you to feel confident and secure with every transaction you make through BK.”
{{Why this matters for customers?}}
-* From local markets to global online stores, BK cards are backed by world-class security.
-* Sensitive card information stays safe within BK systems, reducing risks of fraud or misuse.
-* BK’s leadership in security reinforces its role as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s digital economy.
This achievement is part of BK’s larger mission to make modern banking not only accessible and innovative, but also safe at every step.
It also reflects the spirit of Nanjye ni BK, a pledge that every customer can feel personally connected to the bank, confident that BK is by their side, and assured that every transaction is protected.
{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}
Founded in 1966, Bank of Kigali is Rwanda’s largest commercial bank, serving over 1 million customers through an extensive branch network and digital channels.
The bank is committed to fostering economic growth by providing innovative financial services to individuals, SMEs, and corporations, and continues to evolve as a trusted partner in Rwanda’s journey toward a more prosperous future.
Its excellence has been consistently recognized, with multiple wins as Best Bank in Rwanda from Euromoney Awards for Excellence (2021, 2024, 2025) and Global Finance Magazine, most recently in 2025 for the 5th time.
Their repatriation follows resolutions from a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025.
The 533 returnees had been confined in an FDLR-controlled areas in eastern DRC. They were later moved to a temporary camp in Goma before their safe passage to Rwanda was facilitated.
{{Harrowing experiences in captivity}}
Nyirahabimana Paradia is among the returnees who fled Rwanda in 1994 and had been living in Nyangezi, near Bukavu in South Kivu. She described the atmosphere of fear that surrounded Rwandans under FDLR control.
“If you tried to return to Rwanda, they told you you would either be killed or imprisoned upon arrival. In Congo today, being known as a Rwandan is even worse than being killed, because groups like the ‘Wazalendo’ abduct and kill,” she said.
She explained that she eventually fled to the UN-run camp after being targeted for abduction, leaving behind her eldest child. She urged Rwandans still in Congo to repatriate, assuring them of peace and safety back home.
Another returnee, Musoni Bavugayabo François from Rwerere, recounted constant insecurity in Rusayu where armed men roamed at night, abducting and harming residents.
“We were told those who returned to Rwanda were killed, but later we would hear they were actually alive,” he recalled.
Similarly, Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, said he had lived in DRC since 1994 under the perpetual threat of FDLR.
“They never allowed us to return. They threatened that anyone attempting to leave would either be killed or jailed,” he said.
{{A new beginning in Rwanda}}
Welcoming the returnees, Rubavu District Mayor Mulindwa Prosper reassured them of progress. He also encouraged returnees to quickly reintegrate into their communities and take advantage of available opportunities in the country.
“You will find a different Rwanda, one built on peace, development, and opportunity. You will join cooperatives, access modern banking services, and benefit from programs tailored for women and youth. Tell your relatives still in Congo that what they were told about Rwanda is not true, you will see for yourselves the reality of progress,” he emphasized.
The returnees were transported to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre in Rusizi District, where they will temporarily reside before reintegration into normal life.
They join over 1,100 Rwandans who were repatriated in May 2025 under similar arrangements facilitated by UNHCR.
As of August 6, 2025, UNHCR reported that 630 Rwandans were still living in the temporary Goma camp, with another 31 scattered across Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
Upon arrival, each returnee receives reintegration support. Those above 18 years are allocated $188, minors receive $113, and every individual is provided with a food package worth Rwf 40,800 to help them start a new life in Rwanda.
