Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The statement released last night shows that majority of new cases were found in Karongi: 26, Gicumbi: 12, Rubavu: 10, Ngororero: 6, Kigali: 2, Nyamagabe: 2, Rusizi: 2, and Nyanza: 1.

Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 25 714 people have been tested positive of whom 24 155 have recovered, 1221 are active cases while 338 have succumbed to the virus.

A total of 350,400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.

Rwandans are reminded to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive directives, washing hands with clean water and soaps, wear face masks in out of home.

The meeting is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Tanzania Police Force (TPF) in 2012 to partner in security related matters, including joint exercises, operations, training and timely exchange of security information.

IGP Munyuza expressed the commitment of Rwanda and RNP in particular to the existing cooperation framework to jointly combat cross-border security threats.
“Combined and focused force can achieve great success to secure our region, ensure the safety of the people and lay a firm foundation for business growth and development,” IGP Munyuza said.

Effective communication, sharing intelligence, joint border operations and training, he said, are some of the important factors in achieving the intended results.

On his part, IGP Sirro noted that both Rwanda and Tanzania share a lot in common including the challenge of combating crimes, hence the need for concerted efforts and cooperation to fight cross-border crime.

He emphasized the need to work together to enhance security along borders in order to facilitate reduction of cross-border security threats.

The meeting, which brought together delegations from both sides, resolved to lay strategies to address existing security threats; revive joint programmes including border operations, training, field exercises and regular meetings at all levels.

The two forces also agreed to effectively share information and intelligence on terrorism and other transnational and organized crimes; border security and control to minimize likely security threats; exchange of fugitives; establish deradicalization programmes and rehabilitation centres for those affected by terror and other related criminal acts.

Rotary Clubs intervene in the provision of safe water, promoting quality education, prevention of pandemics, eradication of poverty, environment protection, striving for durable peace and promoting citizens’ livelihoods.

Rotary Club is classified into three categories including Interact Club made of children members in the age bracket between 12 and 18, Rotaract Club bringing together members from the university in the age bracket between 18 and 25 while people aged beyond 25 are classified in the category of Rotary Club.

All these groups were represented during the event.

The Deputy Governor- of Rotary Club International District 9150, Jeannette Rugera has said that holding commemoration events is critical in a sense that it helps to reflect on history and leave a lesson to the youth.

“It is time to reflect on what happened and bring the youth to learn Rwanda’s and Genocide history. It is an occasion to remind Rwandans and the global community that it is our collective responsibility to prevent reoccurrence and resist people denying and trivializing Genocide. The youth should also take the front lead to distance themselves from people luring them into such destructive acts,” she noted.

Rugera explained that Rotary Club holds different talks featuring historians so as to give the youth chance to learn from history and collaboratively brainstorm on best ways to prevent Genocide ideology.

As part of ongoing capacity building initiatives, Rotary Club also provides scholarship to university graduates to attend peace restoration and conflict management courses
Rugera urged the youth to uphold peace, strive for unity and stand against whatever tends to drag them into ethnic discrimination.

The President of Rotaract Club SFB Kigali, Murungi Mariam has also highlighted that learning from history helps to know the truth and requested colleagues to speak with one voice and resist propagandists misinterpreting history.

Rotary Club International was established 116 years ago. It is currently comprised of 1.2 million members from 200 countries.

Of these families, 14 are from Kigoma sector, 34 are from Bukomeye cell in Mukura sector while 16 received decent shelters in Mara cell, Ruhashya sector.

These houses constructed within ten months of the fiscal year 2020/2021; are equipped with basic furniture, sanitary items, kitchen utensils, beddings, chairs, tables and cupboard among others.

Huye district has via Twitter handle announced that 14 families have already settled in newly constructed houses while the remaining houses will be inaugurated soon.

“Activities to construct houses for 34 families in Bukomeye cell, Mukura sector near completion. Beneficiaries will settle in after installing basic furniture,” reads the tweet.

Speaking at the inauguration of newly constructed houses in Kigoma sector recently, some survivors explained that their livelihoods are set to be transformed.

Patricie Mukarurinda, 51, said that she had an old house in poor conditions that she was obliged to move to Eastern Province where she did casual work to get rental fees.

“I went to Kibungo in September 2017. I January I learnt that they are building houses for us and was surprised again recently when the executive secretary called me to come and chose a house randomly,” she revealed.

Mukarurinda is a mother of three. He thanked the leadership for providing decent shelter and pledged to take good care of it.

“I will properly take care of the house and replace broken glasses without requirement for further support,” she noted.

The President of IBUKA, organization umbrella of Genocide survivors in Huye district, Théodate Siboyintore has said that failure to get decent shelters is among other challenges facing some Genocide survivors noting they will gradually support them within available means.

“There are still problems related to Genocide consequences like trauma and unhealed wounds. Inadequate shelters and old houses also worsens survivors’ hard life but we provide decent shelters gradually as we get means starting from those with most pressing needs,” he explained.

Each of these houses of two-in-one units was completed at Rwf 12.7 million.

In Karongi District, eight of the violators tested positive for Covid-19.
They are part of the group of 60 people affiliated to ‘Abatampera’ religious denomination, who were found congregating in the house of one Elina Mukamwiza, 80, located in Kabeza Village, Kibirizi Cell of Rubengera Sector.

It was the third time that this group has been caught in related violations, according to the Acting District Police Commander for Karongi, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Jean Bosco Habihirwe.

The DPC led the operation alongside the vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Valentine Mukase.

Mukase reminded the violators of the risks they are exposing to their families and communities, and derailing the government efforts against the pandemic.

“As you know, Karongi is still among the districts with high cases of Covid-19 infections. You disregarded the safety guidelines and exposed your lives to grave danger because of your inappropriate behaviours and practices,” Mukase told the violators.

CIP Habihirwe warned against such behaviours and thanked members of the public, who continue to support national efforts in the enforcement and providing information on errant individuals and groups.

“They were overcrowded in a small room praying with no face masks and with children,” said CIP Habihirwe.

Those found positive were transferred to Mwendo treatment center while others are quarantined in their respective homes.

Meanwhile, 53 other violators were caught drinking in three separate hospitality establishments in Misanze and Gicumbi districts, which have since been closed.

At about 4:30pm, Police and local authorities caught a group of 13 people drinking at Tourist restaurant located in Nyarubande, Rwebeya Cell in Cyuve Sector, Misanze District. Others escaped during the operation.

Later at about 7pm, Police arrested other 20 people at Caves hotel located in Rwembogo also in Musanze where they were gathered drinking. Also arrested is the manager of Caves hotel, Jeannete Muhawenimana.

In Gicumbi District, 20 people were arrested at Urumuri hotel in Byumba Sector, Nyarutarama Cell where they were holding a wedding reception.

The groom identified as Janvier Kwizera, also arrested, is an employee at Urumuri hotel.

After a religious marriage in Kigali, Kwizera and his bride led guests to Urumuri hotel for the reception, where they were arrested.

The manager and proprietor of the hotel, Jacques Nsekuye was also taken into custody for disregarding the directives.

All the hospitality establishments were also closed. All the violators will also be tested for Covid-19 at their own cost and handed administrative fines accordingly.

The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases were found in Gicumbi: 27, Karongi:18, Nyamagabe: 6, Kigali: 5, Ngoma: 3, Rubavu :2, Rusizi :2, Nyaruguru:1, Kamonyi : 1 and Ngororero:1.

Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 25 652 people have been tested positive of whom 24 153 have recovered, 1161 are active cases while 338 have succumbed to the virus.

A total of 350, 400 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.