IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • Businessman Kirubi dies at 80

    Kirubi, 80, died at his home at 1pm after a long battle with cancer, the family confirmed on Monday.

    “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Christopher J. Kirubi who passed away today at 1 pm at his home after a long battle with cancer fought with fortitude, grace and courage. He was surrounded by his family,” his family said in a statement.

    He has left behind two children. Details of his funeral will be communicated later.

    Before his death, a tweet on Kirubi’s account read, “Top of the morning to you, my dear friend. It doesn’t have to be a tiring Monday. Instead, I bring to you good tidings of favour, success, achievements and happiness in the new week.”

    “Give yourself a go towards your success plan. Enjoy today and the rest of your week.”

    Kirubi had been suffering from cancer since 2017.

    Kirubi first opened up about his battle in a brief video in which he appealed to Kenyans to undertake regular medical examinations.

    “I hope that when you see me and think of me, you remember that cancer is treatable and curable. Go to your doctor and prompt them to profile your blood for cancer cells.

    “We will only defeat cancer if we do something about it and I truly believe we can start with regular cancer screening tests which can catch some cancers early, when they are small, have not spread and are easier to treat.”

    “I know that cancer diagnosis can be very devastating to the person who is receiving the news and the people close to them. I have been on the receiving end myself,” he said.

    The businessman said other than medical checks Kenyans need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

    When he returned to Kenya in mid-2018, cancer treatment had already taken a massive toll on his body as he had lost a lot of weight.

    The tycoon, known for his vast business interests in a wide range of sectors, was flown to America in November 2017 and spent most of that year receiving treatment.

    Kirubi continued to scale the heights of success with many investments under his name and shareholder titles in some of the biggest companies in East Africa.

    Valued at over £300 million, he held shares in Two Rivers Mall through Centum, Haco Industries and Capital Group Ltd that owns Capital FM.

    Businessman Chris Kirubi. Photo| Nation Media Group

  • MTN upgrades to enrich customers’ experience

    The upgrade follows subscribers’ complaints for network failures, dropped calls, unclear calls and slow internet.

    New infrastructures have been installed in different parts of Kigali city to enrich customers’ with improved experience.

    Eugen Gakwerere, the Chief Technical Officer at MTN Rwanda has explained that there are various reasons for slow internet.

    “There are three major reasons causing slow internet. First, the subscriber might be located out of coverage area. Secondly, customers using the same network might be congested in one area. Thirdly, the telecommunication tower in the area might have had a technical problem,” he said.

    Gakwerere revealed that the telecom has installed new towers to address the problem while more projects are in the pipeline to improve service delivery.

    “We would like to reassure subscribers that we have installed 40 telecommunication towers within the past three months in Kigali. They were particularly erected in sectors surrounding Kigali namely; Nduba, Jabana, Rusororo, Bumbogo among others. MTN subscribers in these sectors and elsewhere are to witness changes, particularly, fast internet,” he explained.

    “MTN is also installing 27 more towers to be completed by August 2021 to maintain improved service delivery to over 6 million customers who subscribed to its network,” he added.

    Gakwerere said that some network problems in the past few days have resulted from upgrading activities and reassured subscribers of enriched experience with MTN network.

    Apart from network upgrade, MTN Rwanda has also introduced ways helping customers to reset passwords while transacting with Mobile Money without necessity for physical presence at the telecom’s branches.

    A subscriber who forgot his/her password with a balance below Rwf 3000 on Mobile Money can change password without further assistance by dialing *182*9*3# and follow instructions.

    Among others, customers will be able to verify the telecom’s short service codes by dialing *456#.

    The telecom is also set to launch a digital platform whereby subscribers will file complaints to MTN Rwanda staff directly via provided website link: www.mtn.co.rw.

    MTN Rwanda will provide a Whatsapp number where subscribers can get real-time feedback.

    Towards the end of 2020, MTN Rwanda launched MTN Device Trade-in (NI DILU), a program enabling existing MTN customers to upgrade any brand of their old devices (Basic phones, Feature phones or Smartphones) to new Smartphones without any other condition related to buying voice or data services.

    Interested customers are able to get their old devices graded, valued, and receive an instant voucher. Upon agreeing with the valuation, the customer chooses any Smartphone in an MTN shop and get a discount that is equivalent to the issued voucher.

    MTN’s Senior Manager of Customer Experience, Rosine Dusabe has explained that all these efforts are meant to facilitate customers to embrace technology.

    “We want our customers to go with the current development pace and embrace technology to get services from the comfort of their homes without necessarily heading to MTN Service Centers,” she noted.

    Dusabe reiterated the telecom’s commitment to maintain improved service delivery for the delight of customers.

    Subscribers with rampant network problems are urged to click provided link: https://www.mtn.co.rw/personal/help/network-support/ , leave a message explaining the situation, phone number and location to have the issues fixed.

    MTN Rwanda Headquarters. Net Photo

  • Rotary gets new club in Rwanda

    Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes and fighting disease.

    The new club was launched on Saturday 12th June 2021. With 25 members, the club birthed from ‘Musanze Murera’ club will operate in Western Province.

    Members of Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga who spoke to IGIHE expressed delight to be affiliated to an organization providing humanitarian assistance and pledged unwavering efforts to make meaningful impact to the society.

    “I am excited to be part of this club as it gives me an opportunity to support Rwandan community with my colleagues. With established principles which we are bound to model, we are optimistic that we shall go far together to achieve great things,” said Marie Grace Umutoniwase.

    Léopold Nirere said she did not hesitate to join the club considering that fact that the organization is promoting a good cause.

    “I am delighted to be welcomed among members of Rotary Club to team up with others to bring impact to the community through acts of benevolence,” she noted.

    The President of Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Bishop Jean Faustin Gapira reiterated commitment to work hard for the progress of the new club.

    “I am extremely pleased for the new club because the region where it will be based has many kind-hearted people willing to provide contribution to address pressing needs in the society. We will sensitize people to love each other and develop strong cooperation to support the needy,” he said.

    The Assistant District Governor in charge of Rotary Rwanda, Jeannette Rugera applauded efforts that led to the foundation of the new club that comes in handy to complement existing initiatives.

    “The new club induces great pleasure because it increases members and reinforces the organization to become more resilient. It gives a boost to existing activities we have been promoting in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda in health, education and other areas of development,” she stressed.

    Bugoyi Ibirunga is initially expected to raise funds to support people affected by Nyiragongo Volcano eruption.

    The launch of Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga coincided with the celebration of 5-year anniversary since Rotary Club Musanze Murera was founded.

    During the ceremony, members commemorated Masumbuko Moussa, who died few hours before assuming office as the President of Rotary Club Musanze Murera in June 2019.

    Rotary members in a group photo after launching the new club.
    The Assistant District Governor in charge of Rotary Rwanda, Jeannette Rugera applauded efforts that led to the foundation of the new club that comes in handy to complement existing initiatives.
    The President of Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Bishop Jean Faustin Gapira receiving emblems of the organization.
    The President of Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Bishop Jean Faustin Gapira (right) receiving Charter Certificate.
    Jean d’Amour Manirere, the former President of Rotary Club Musanze Murera was the Master Ceremony of the event.

  • RDF repatriates Ugandan soldier caught on Rwandan territory

    Private Muhuba was intercepted by RDF day patrol on Saturday 12th June 2021 around 14:45 in Majyambere village, Kamanyana cell, Cyanika sector, Burera District of Northern Province.

    Following his arrest, RDF announced that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) was dressed in UPDF camouflage uniform, armed with a Medium Machine Gun (MMG) with its 100 rounds, 01 Binocular, 1 cell phone and his military Identification documents.

    The soldier was handed back to Uganda on Sunday 13th June 2021 around 7 p.m. at Cyanika border in Burera district with all his belongings.

    As Pte Muhuba was returned to Uganda, he revealed that he was impressed with how Rwanda treated him humanely.

    “I was on duty when I found myself on Rwanda’s land. Rwanda’s soldier called me and showed me that I have crossed border demarcations. I was intercepted and treated gently that I am safe. I am excited to return to my homeland,” he said.

    The Ugandan soldier was handed back through Rwanda’s Immigration and Emmigration Office at Cyanika border.

    Captain Peter Mugisha who led Uganda’s delegation receiving the soldier thanked Rwanda for smoothly coordinating the repatriation.

    “We voice our appreciation to Rwanda for efforts to solve the issue amicably and facilitating the repatriation process. We are pleased to see our soldier returning safely. It reflects Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining smooth cooperation,” he said.

    Pte Muhuba serves in Battalion 32 operating in Nyakabande county of Uganda.

    Pte Muhuba checked his MMG before returning home.
    The soldier was handed back to Uganda on Sunday 13th June 2021 around 7 p.m. at Cyanika border in Burera district with all his belongings.
    As Pte Muhuba was impressed with how Rwanda treated him humanely.

  • COVID-19: Public urged to adhere to new prevention directives

    Under the new directives, which will be reviewed after two weeks, movements are prohibited between 9pm and 4am, all businesses must close by 8pm and passenger service vehicles should not exceed 50% capacity.

    Places of worship adhering to health guidelines will continue to function at 30% maximum occupancy, down from 50% during the previous weeks. Gyms will be allowed to resume activities without exceeding 10% of maximum occupancy observing guidelines, with a detailed schedule to be communicated by the Ministry of Sport.

    Dr. Daniel Ngamije, the Ministry of Health said the government reviewed the directives due to the spike in new Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks.

    Over the last seven days alone, 935 new cases were registered with active cases increasing from 660 on June 6, to 1435 cases as of June 12.

    “Between April and May, Minister Ngamije said daily new cases were not exceeding 50. However, new daily reported cases have increased to more than four-folds as of June 12.

    At least 284 new cases were registered on June 12, and 202 recorded the previous day on June 11. The majority cases are recorded in City of Kigali and Rubavu District, according to the Minister.

    Out of 284 cases registered on Saturday, 75 were in Rubavu, 71 in Kigali and 27 in Musanze.

    Minister Ngamije attributed the spike to people, who undermine the directives and safety guidelines including prohibited gatherings, Rwandan nationals returning from Uganda and the recent mass movement of people to and from DRC due to the volcanic eruptions.

    He said that the Government of Rwanda is still making efforts to acquire more vaccines and urged all people living in Rwanda to exercise patience and follow the recommended prevention guidelines.

    Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera warned anyone with negative ideology and attempt to think they can live their lives contrary to the directives.

    “There are some people with negative thinking that they can go on living their lives despite the presence of Covd-19; this ideology means you are intentionally disregarding the government directives and derailing efforts to contain the pandemic. This situation of Covid-19 is not our choice as Rwandans and no one can be allowed to choose such a reckless life and putting other people in danger,” CP Kabera warned.

    He added that the only choice is to follow the directives and health guidelines as the government continues to strengthen all available efforts to combat the pandemic.

    “It was observed that there are people including those with liquor stores, who after closing their shops turn their private cars and homes into bars. Bars and parties in cars and homes are prohibited and anyone caught in such errant behaviours will equally face the consequences,” CP Kabera cautioned.

    The Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi said that the local leadership in collaboration with the Police are going to heighten the enforcement of directives especially targeting bars and other social gatherings, which were observed as one of the causes for the raise in Covid-19 cases.

    “Only 30 people are allowed to participate in civil and religious wedding functions. Traditional wedding functions will be held in hotels or gardens with 30% of maximum occupancy and with negative Covid-19 results not exceeding three days prior to the event. Local leaders, Police and other organs will work together to enforce these directives,’’ said Minister Gatabazi

    The Minister of Trade and Industry, Beata Uwamaliza Habyarimana urged the business community to set an example to their clients by adhering to the revised government directives to contain Covid-19.

    She reminded them to avail all the required facilities such as handwashing facilities, ensure social distancing in their businesses and customers wear masks to make sure that the virus is not spread easily.

  • Kigali: 41 arrested over drunk driving, violating curfew

    While parading the new batch of violators on Sunday, June 13, at Kigali Metropolitan Headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District, RNP spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera said that all the 41 were arrested in City of Kigali.

    “They were arrested between June 9, and June 12… all of them were driving while drunk, which is another serious traffic offence causing fatal accidents,” CP Kabera said.

    Since the beginning of this year, 223 road accidents resulting from drunk driving have been recorded across the country, leading to 69 fatalities and 400 serious injuries.

    Over 1,200 people have also been arrested for drunk driving since the beginning of this year.

    Some of the arrested violators, while speaking to the media, claimed that although they took alcoholic beverages, they were not drunk.

    “I was riding a motorcycle when I was stopped by the Police in Kimisagara (Nyarugenge District) in the night of June 12, they measured my alcoholic content level with a breathelyzer and told me it was 2.44,” said Ernest Nshimiyimana, one of the suspects.

    The maximum alcoholic content for one to drive or ride in Rwanda is 0.08.

    Laurien Kayijuka also said he was arrested in Kicukiro District after Police officers found his alcoholic content level at 2.01.

    CP Kabera warned that no one is allowed to drive or ride a motorcycle when they drink.
    With some motorists refusing to be tested for drunkenness or to determine the level of their alcoholic content, CP Kabera said that they will equally be arrested.

    “These people caught driving while drunk do it well knowing that it is prohibited because they all have driver’s license and they understand traffic regulations,” CP Kabera said.

    “Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had enough time to sensitize all Rwandans during Gerayo Amahoro campaign on safer road usage and drunk-driving is one of the serious offences that we tackled. Under no circumstances is driving after drinking is allowed.”

  • Rwanda records 227 new COVID-19 cases

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 28 373 people have been tested positive of whom 26 341 recovered, 1662 are active cases, 9 are critically ill while 370 have succumbed to the virus.

    A total of 389,519 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.

    Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

    Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.

  • Fresh warning to dealers in skin bleaching products

    Those arrested are Wellars Dushimimana, 30, Assoumpta Byukusenge, 35, and Vincent Ukwizagira, 25. They were found in possession of combined 491 pieces of assorted lotions including Caro light, Miss White, Princess Clair, G.G and Hypprogel.

    At least 254 pieces of assorted creams were found in the shop owned by one Daniel Dushimiyimana, who is still at large.

    The arrest of the trio came few days after three other three dealers in skin whitening cosmetics were also arrested Kigali Sector, Nyarugenge District with 156 pieces of assorted skin whitening creams including Caro light, Eclair 600, Extra Clair, White Max and Beauty.

    On June 1, Police also arrested two people in Kigarama and Gikondo sectors of Kicukiro District with combined 1,451 pieces of assorted creams and oils worth Frw768,100.

    Late last month, RNP recovered 90 boxes of skin bleaching products worth over Frw9 million from the house of one John Hakizimana (also arrested) located in Ingenzi Village, Kivugiza Cell of Nyamirambo Sector, Nyarugenge District.

    The boxes had been trafficked into Rwanda from DRC, through Rubavu before sneaking them into Kigali.

    Earlier in March, four people were also arrested in Kicukiro District with 36 types of bleaching creams worth about Rwf3 million.

    The cosmetics are among the 1,342 listed cream and oil brands with hydroquinone and mercury, which are prohibited in Rwanda.

    The skin bleaching products are labeled illegal under the ministerial order determining the list of cosmetics, whose use is prohibited in Rwanda; law relating to offences and penalties in general, the law on organization, functioning, and competence of the Council of Pharmacists; and the law relating to the regulation and inspection of food and pharmaceutical products.

    “The existing good collaboration with the public is playing a big role in identifying those dealing in these outlawed creams and oil brands, and these are continuous operations. We can only advise anyone still involved in such unlawful acts to stop before they are arrested,” CP Kabera warned, while parading Dushimimana, Byukusenge, and Ukwizagira on Saturday, June 12.

    According to one of the suspects, Byukusenge, they were buying the skin bleaching creams from street vendors at cheap prices. Byukusenge added that she started selling the outlawed cosmetics last year.

    Wellars Dushimimana, who operates a shop in Downtown taxi-park, said he started selling the banned skin whitening products eight months ago.

    “We have heightened operations against shops and other people selling these products, which have ill-effects on people’s health. We call upon the public to continue reporting dealers,” said CP Kabera.

    {{Side effects}}

    The outlawed creams and oil brands contain chemicals such as mercury and hydroquinone, which can cause liver damage, reduce resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, and increase anxiety, according to the World Health Organization.

    If it enters the bloodstream, it also results into fatal liver and kidney damage, although medics say the most immediate visible side effect is skin scarring.

    Health experts confirm that prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can also decrease levels of collagen in the skin.

    Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of striae commonly known as stretch marks.

    {{Legal framework}}

    Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or any other products derived from plants, commits an offence.

    Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or one of these penalties.

  • COVID-19: Rwanda confirms two more deaths, 284 new cases

    The statement released last night shows that 284 people have caught the virus.

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 28 146 people have been tested positive of whom 26 341 recovered, 1435 are active cases while 370 have succumbed to the virus.

    A total of 389,389 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.

    Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

    Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.

  • Dr. Gashumba, Prof. Shyaka appointed ambassadors

    They were nominated during the cabinet meeting held on Saturday 12th June 2021 chaired by President Paul Kagame.

    The new appointments saw Dr. Gashumba becoming Rwanda’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, Prof. Shyaka became Rwanda’s ambassador to the Republic of Poland while James Gatera will represent Rwanda to the State of Israel.

    Michel Sebera has been also appointed Minister Counsellor in the Embassy of Rwanda to the Kingdom of Netherlands.

    The cabinet meeting has also approved Antoine Anfré as the new French Ambassador to Rwanda with residence in Kigali. The post has been vacant for six years.

    Dr. Gashumba holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Masters in Medicine specializing in Pediatrics. She started practicing in 1999. She was appointed Minister of Health on October 4th, 2016 replacing Dr. Agnes Binagwaho.

    Prior to that position, she was the Cabinet Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in the cabinet of Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi.

    She also served as the Director General at Kibagabaga Hospital for 3 years.

    Between 2010 and 2016, she worked with a USAID-funded child and maternal health project as “Senior Team Leader”.

    Dr. Gashumba resigned from her position as the Minister of Health on 14th February 2020 and had no other official duties prior to the ambassadorial post.

    Prof. Shyaka is a politician who served as the Minister of Local Government from October 2018 to March 2021. Prior to that, he worked as CEO of Rwanda Governance Board since 2011.

    He once served as the Director of the Center for Conflict Management at the University of Rwanda.

    James Gatera appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to the state of Israel previously worked as CEO of Bank of Kigali from 2007 to 2016 when he was appointed the CEO of Crystal Ventures.

    Michel Minega Sebera has been also serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

    Prof. Anastase Shyaka has been appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Poland.
    Dr. Diane Gashumba has been appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Sweden.
    Michel Sebera has been also appointed Minister Counsellor in the Embassy of Rwanda to the Kingdom of Netherlands.
    James Gatera previously served as the CEO of Crystal Ventures.