Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Healey said on social media platform X that at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting held on Monday, participating countries reached a new agreement to supply critical air defence ammunition to Ukraine, “as part of a 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.”

Last week, Trump said that he had secured an agreement with NATO allies to facilitate large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine. He also warned Russia that it would face a second round of tariffs if it fails to reach a peace deal within 50 days.

At the UDCG meeting, Healey affirmed Britain’s support, saying that Britain “backs this policy” and will fully participate to ensure its success, according to French news outlet AFP.

Healey also revealed that Britain and Germany have agreed to jointly provide air defence missiles to Ukraine. The partnership is part of a wider European initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

According to a press release from the British Ministry of Defence on Monday, Britain has already delivered more than 150 million pounds (202.5 million U.S. dollars) worth of air defence missiles and artillery to Ukraine over the past two months. The country is also ramping up procurement efforts to provide hundreds more air defence missiles and thousands of artillery shells.

In total, Britain is expected to spend at least 700 million pounds on air defence and artillery support for Ukraine this year, including the 150 million pounds worth of equipment already delivered, according to the release. (1 pound = 1.35 U.S. dollars)

This decision was one of the key resolutions made during an International Scientific Symposium held on July 19, 2025, which brought together members of RMC and the Muhammad VI Foundation. The summit explored how Islamic moral values can serve as powerful tools in promoting peace and harmony across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, emphasized the importance of living out Islamic principles beyond religious spaces.

“Islamic values shouldn’t just remain within religious gatherings. We must embody them in our everyday lives, in how we treat one another, and how we engage with society,” he said.

He noted that values like respect, peace, and justice not only reflect faith but also shape responsible and compassionate citizens.

Also addressing the gathering, Deputy Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, praised Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey as a model of resilience and reconciliation.

“The efforts made after the genocide—through forgiveness, Gacaca courts, and government-led unity programs—have transformed Rwanda. Other nations can learn from our story,” he stated.

He further called for the documentation of humanitarian acts carried out by Muslim families and others during the genocide, noting they could serve as inspirational case studies for future generations.

Sheikhat Sauda Niyirora, who leads Muslim women in Rwanda, reflected on how Islam was once misrepresented in public discourse.

“Islam used to be misunderstood and unfairly judged. But thanks to Rwanda’s leadership, today every Rwandan enjoys equal rights. We must now prove through our actions who we truly are.”

The planned research center will be built in Rwanda in collaboration with the Muhammad VI Foundation, which has pledged funding to support its academic and cultural activities.

This initiative marks a significant step in preserving Rwanda’s complex past while using faith-based values to build a peaceful, united future.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Ishiba acknowledged the disappointing results and expressed a strong sense of responsibility.

“What is most important right now is to avoid causing stagnation in national politics,” he said, vowing efforts to fulfill the responsibilities as the leading party.

His remarks came amid growing public dissatisfaction over rising living costs and policy missteps, which analysts say contributed to the poor performance of the ruling bloc.

According to the final vote count completed in the early hours of Monday, the LDP secured only 39 seats of the 125 contested seats in the upper house election, while Komeito took eight, below their combined target of 50.

Even with their existing non-contested seats of 75, they now held fewer than the 125 seats needed for a majority in the 248-member upper chamber.

Despite the setback, Ishiba emphasized the need for stability and continuity in government, and formally declared his intention to continue serving as prime minister.

Her installation ceremony was held in Kigali on the evening of July 18, 2025.

Mukanyange succeeds Aimable Rumongi, who led the club during the previous year. Reflecting on his term, Rumongi highlighted key accomplishments, particularly the club’s support to two primary schools in the Masaka and Kimihurura sectors. These schools received water harvesting systems and filtration equipment to improve access to clean water.

Additionally, the club extended financial support to women’s groups in Rugando, Kimihurura Sector, and offered assistance to teenage mothers in Gicumbi District.

In her remarks, the new President Mukanyange stressed the importance of collaboration with other Rotary Clubs both in Rwanda and internationally. She affirmed her intention to continue existing projects while initiating new ones to address pressing community needs.

“We are guided by our national vision to empower citizens and help them break free from poverty,” she said. “Our goal is to promote sustainable change. We’re currently supporting teenage mothers through vocational training programs, covering tuition and providing tools. We also help those who wish to return to school. This initiative has primarily been based in the Byumba Catholic Diocese, but we plan to expand it nationwide through partnerships.”

Mukanyange also announced that the fight against child stunting will be a key focus during her tenure.

“We aim to contribute to the country’s efforts to eliminate stunting by working closely with Gasabo District. Together, we will identify existing programs and determine how we can best support them,” she added.

The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including guest of honor Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Governance (ASG) university. Although not a Rotary member, Prof. Moghalu praised the club’s structured and impactful work around the globe.

“I’m not a member of Rotary Club,” he said, “but I deeply admire how Rotary brings together a strong network of men and women doing meaningful work worldwide. That’s why I married a woman who’s in Rotary!”

Other notable guests included Ozonnia Ojielo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, and Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa.

Rotary Club Kigali Seniors is one of 12 Rotary Clubs operating in Rwanda. The club has been active for the past four years.

According to a statement from the army, the first operation took place on July 15 in coordination with air forces from the Alliance of Sahel States, resulting in the elimination of around 40 terrorists in the Anderamboukan area in the north.

The second operation, conducted two days later, led to the destruction of a terrorist logistics and training base in the Niono area in central Mali, and the death of about 30 terrorists, the statement added.

Mali has been facing a multifaceted crisis since 2012, marked by separatist rebellions, jihadist incursions and intercommunal violence that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.

The event took place on the evening of Friday, July 18, 2025, in Kayonza District. It was attended by customers representing others from the districts of Rwamagana, Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe, and others who came from Gatsibo District.

Xavier Shema Mugisha, Executive Director Commercial Businesses at BPR Bank Rwanda, expressed delight at joining the customers of the Eastern Province to celebrate the achievements of the 50 years since BPR Bank Rwanda was founded, especially as they were celebrating in the place where the bank originated. He assured customers that the bank will continue to get closer to them and support their development.

Eulade Bayingana thanked BPR Rwanda for helping him progress from working at a car wash to buying a car, all with the support of this bank.

Rehema Uwamahoro expressed gratitude to BPR Bank Rwanda for giving her the courage to take out a loan and improve her life.

“It encouraged me, gave me courage to take a loan. Now I have reached this point, whereas before I used to be afraid and stay behind at home. But they encouraged me to take a loan and improve myself,” she said.

Jean de Dieu Nkurunziza, Head of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in the Eastern Province, thanked BPR Bank Rwanda for taking the time to celebrate with their customers.

He pledged cooperation on many projects where businesspeople need funding and encouraged the bank to get even closer to them and collaborate more.

John Bosco Nyemazi, the Mayor of Kayonza District, said that the fact that this bank started in their district means a lot both for the district and for BPR Bank Rwanda.

He said, “It is an honor to have the unique distinction that the history of this bank began in our district. Now we are pleased that they are coming back to the source to renovate where it all started along with many other great planned projects.”

Patience Mutesi, the CEO of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, thanked BPR Bank customers in the Eastern Province.

She said that currently, they have the capacity to provide a customer with up to 40 billion Rwandan Francs.

“Kayonza District is historic for BPR Bank Rwanda because it is where our bank started. We remember and cherish this, which is why we are here to thank you for being with us. Today, we are a major investment institution in the East African Community [EAC], and we are here to help you develop. We have many excellent services that can assist everyone who comes to us, both those requiring collateral and those who do not,” she noted.

BPR Bank Rwanda was founded on August 4, 1975, in Nkamba village, Ruramira sector, Kayonza District as a cooperative. It later became Banque Populaire du Rwanda, which merged with KCB Bank Rwanda Plc to become BPR Bank Rwanda Plc.

This new loan complements the initial Frw 20 billion agreement signed between BRD and Umwalimu SACCO in early 2023, bringing the total amount injected into the program to Rwf 50 billion. Initially, the program aimed to benefit approximately 1,900 teachers, but due to high demand, over 5,000 teachers have already received housing loans under “Gira Iwawe.”

Gaspard Hakizimana, Chairperson of Umwalimu SACCO’s Board of Directors, emphasized that the additional Rwf 30 billion will significantly improve teachers’ ability to access home loans.

“This loan will continue to boost the Gira Iwawe initiative and enable more of our members to secure permanent housing without struggle,” Hakizimana said.

He expressed deep appreciation to BRD for increasing the loan amount, noting the positive impact of the previous funding and the responsible use of the initial Frw 20 billion.

“We are pleased with the strong partnership with BRD, which allows us to continue providing Gira Iwawe loans to our members. It is a major step in improving the well-being of Rwandan teachers,” he noted.

Umwalimu SACCO now counts over 160,000 members, with around 5,000 new members joining in 2024 alone, all serving in various capacities within Rwanda’s education sector.

The members of Umwalimu SACCO who attended the meeting discussed the future of the cooperative.

The Chairman of the Board of Umwalimu SACCO, Gaspard Hakizimana, stated that the 30 billion Rwandan Franc loan granted by BRD will continue to help members acquire homes.