Aloys Habimana, 52, was arrested red-handedly in Marumba village, Gihonga Cell of Busasamana Sector.
Western Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said the suspect Habimana, who hails from the neighbouring Mudende Sector, had just received the consignment from a supplier in DR Congo through a porous border in Rubavu District.
“ANU officers had information that Habimana is a drug dealer and was trailing him. They later received information that he had ordered for 6000 pellets of cannabis from DRC, but the supplier delivered only 5000 pellets, which he was caught up with. We are still following up on other people connected to his drug-dealing ring, including those that Habimana supplies,” said CIP Karekezi.
The suspect and exhibits were handed to Gisenyi RIB Station for further investigation.
The spokesperson applauded residents of Rubavu and the region in general, for continued partnership and ownership especially in the fight against drug dealing and smuggling.
Art 3 of the Ministerial order nº 001/moh/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation classifies Cannabis in the category of very severe narcotics.
Article 263 of the law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general states that “any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence.
In case of “very severe narcotic drugs” the offender is liable to between 20 years and life imprisonment and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
The statement released last night also shows that 249 people have caught the virus, 90 recovered while 6 are critically ill.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 22167 people have been tested positive of whom 20398 recovered, 1459 are active cases while 310 succumbed to the virus.
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.
The group, which had flouted the national directives meant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, were converged in the house of one Claudine Mukamuzungu located in Kimisagara Cell, Birama Village.
Their arrest came two days after the arrest of 41 others, who were also found in a house in Katabaro cell also in Kimisagara Sector, worshipping.
Mukamuzungu, who hosted the prohibited congregation, said she has been holding similar prayers with people coming from different parts of Kigali.
“We are from different churches but we come together at my home for worship. I know that what I did to host this gathering is against the government directives and regret for my action,” said Mukamuzungu.
Jean Bosco Karengera, another violator from Kinyinya Sector in Gasabo District, said he has several times congregated with many other people at Mukamuzungu’s house.
The group was found congested in a small living room.
According to the Executive Secretary for Kimisagara Sector, Charles Havuguziga, the collaboration between security organs, local government entities and the citizenry through community policing, helps to detect such violations.
“Two days ago, we found 41 people holding prohibited prayer gathering in Katabaro village, today we have arrested 43 others. This signifies strong partnership at all levels, which facilitates easy flow of information on violators,” Havuguziga said.
RNP Spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera warned against such errant behaviours.
“Rwanda National Police commends those who abide by the national health and safety guidelines but also go an extra mile to report such violations,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “Guidelines on religious services are clear and so are other directives guiding other services in the country, all which must be adhered to.”
Places of worship were allowed to resume with no more than 30% of maximum occupancy.
CP Kabera urged believers to follow the government prevention measures and not to be misguided by some religious individuals or leaders.
Higiro, 49, was listed through ‘Angaza Awards’ program recognizing outstanding women in East Africa with expertise creating impact and reshaping banking and financial sector’s management.
The awards are given to outstanding women in honor of their contribution to the banking and financial services sector.
These awards seek among other things, to raise to number of women involved in decision making positions at different financial institutions.
The Angaza Award criteria included an assessment of the applicants’ area of responsibility and contribution to firm performance. Scores were also awarded for achievement that transcended the institution and resulted in the sector and, or community shared value creation.
Professionals in Banking, Capital Markets, Insurance, Investment Banking, Fintech, Fund Management, Microfinance, and Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) were invited to submit their applications or nominations via the Kenyan Wallstreet Award Web page.
Lina Higiro emerged the 3rd among top 10 Women Shaping East Africa’s Banking and Finance Sector following a four-month entry period which saw professionals from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda submit applications.
Lina serves as Chief Executive Officer of NCBA Bank PLC, one of the fastest growing banks in Rwanda. Higiro was appointed the CEO of NCBA Bank Plc in July 2018. She has over 10 years’ experience in banking covering SME lending, product and business development, strategic planning, marketing and communications and sales.
Previously she was the Chief Operating Officer of AB Bank Rwanda for a period of two years, served five years as the Head of Strategy and Marketing at I&M Bank Rwanda and four years as the Head of SME banking at Fina Bank Rwanda (now GTBank), where she launched the business unit.
Her global experience includes sales, research, and service delivery in various sectors such as real estate, education, NGO’s and energy in Canada and South Africa respectively. She holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in
Communication.
A key approach to her leadership is to foster institutional growth through digital-led efficiency and staff engagement.
In her first years as CEO, Lina consolidated operations, revised the business model and introduced new income and customer segments, resulting in a remarkable growth in operating income by 141 percent, driven by a 163 percent growth of the loan portfolio.
She has delivered five key digitization and efficiency projects, which attracted new customers and grew the bank’s deposit base by 99 percent ($21m to $41m) between 2019 and 2020; and mobile money customer base to represent 80 percent of Rwanda’s active mobile money users.
Lina’s leadership style has resulted in a positive culture within the bank, which is rated the highest in the NCBA group in terms of employee satisfaction.
During her leadership, the bank that was initially called Commercial Bank of Africa, Rwanda (CBA Rwanda) rebranded to NCBA Bank Rwanda Plc following the merger with NIC Group Plc.
Commenting on the merger last year, Lina Higiro, Chief Executive Officer of NCBA Bank Rwanda Plc said the new brand identity will help the bank leverage the strength and value of NCBA Group to reach more customers.
“Our new brand identity sets us apart in a bold and distinctive way that resonates very well with our customers,” she said.
“With the financial strength, expertise, regional connectivity and expanded range of products and services, NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC is set to become a market leader in corporate, retail, asset finance and digital banking within the region,” she added.
Nuru Mugambi, the Chairperson of Angaza Awards Judges Panel & Director Public Affairs Kenya Bankers Association said that these women are quietly, behind the scenes, creating an impact for their organizations and in turn shaping the financial sector.
“They have certainly earned the recognition and we congratulate them for their accomplishments. I often am asked ‘where are the women,’ when it comes to board appointments. Considering the financial sector employs thousands of women, we recognize that this list is not exhaustive, but it is a start in showcasing the many women who are ready and able to serve,” he said.
{{Top ten list:}}
1. Mary Wamae, Executive Director, Equity Group Holdings PLC (Kenya)
2.Catherine Karimi, Chief Executive Officer, APA Life Assurance Company (Kenya)
3. Lina Higiro, Chief Executive Officer, NCBA Bank PLC (Rwanda)
4. Elizabeth Wasunna Ochwa, Business Banking Director, Absa Bank PLC (Kenya)
5. Joanita Jaggwe, Country Head of Risk and Compliance, KCB Group PLC (South Sudan)
6. Millicent Omukaga, Technical Assistance Expert on Inclusive Finance, African Development Bank (Kenya)
7. Emmanuella Nzahabonimana, Head of Information Technology, KCB Group PLC (Rwanda)
8. Judith Sidi Odhiambo, Group Head of Corporate Affairs, KCB Group PLC (Kenya)
He has revealed this in a message dedicated to remind Rwandans to continue adhering to preventive measures.
In his message, he reminded Christians to avoid parties that would lead to massive spreading of Coronavirus.
“We lead to Easter season for Christians. We should not be complacent and avoid holding parties at home because it spreads COVID-19. Besides, disregarding preventive measures on the day, gives loopholes for the upsurge of COVID-19 cases leading us to stringent measures including lockdown,” he said.
Minister Ngamije went on to request parents to help students comply with preventive measures and reminded Rwandans that the upcoming commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi should be held observing COVID-19 health guidelines.
“To parents, let us avoid complacency, help students in holidays to comply with health guidelines. Holidays should not fuel increased COVID-19 cases,” he said.
“During the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, let us remember our victims observing COVID-19 preventive measures. Community based health workers will help us to handle of those experiencing trauma as we continue to collaborate with grass root leaders to ensure the commemoration event goes well,” added Dr. Ngamije.
The Minister also thanked Rwandans who participated in the vaccination program and assured others that they will get vaccines in not so long.
“We thank all Rwandans who participated in the COVID-19 vaccine roll out program. Those who have to yet received the vaccine should not be worried because the program is ongoing and will reach you. We have pledged to cover 60% of Rwandans before the end of 2022,” he said.
Dr. Ngamije also reminded people who received the first vaccine dose to be ready to take the second and continue observing preventive measures.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 21 918 people have been tested positive of whom 20 308 have recovered, 1302 are active cases while 308 have succumbed to the virus.
Among others, 348 926 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide vaccination 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.
Uzabakiriho Placide is one of singers that have released such songs ahead of the 27th commemoration.
In his newly released song dubbed ‘Twibuke twiyubaka’ translated as ‘remember and rebuild’, Uzabakiriho reminds the general public to avoid using social media to spread genocide ideology.
“The song features messages on the commemoration and paying tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, fighting genocide ideology massively spread via social media,” he has told IGIHE.
Uzabakiriho has explained that social media should be channels to demystify propaganda spread by people trivializing, undermining genocide.
Uzabakiriho who also survived the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi said that he chose to produce commemoration songs so as to educate people on unity and reconciliation as well as preserving history.
“I survived genocide at the age of 13. I lost parents, relatives and the entire family. I saw people dying and spent nights hiding in bushes. In fact, I experienced several difficulties. That is why I decided to sing on such history Rwanda endured , promote unity and reconciliation as well as fighting genocide ideology,” he noted.
The artiste who joined the music industry in 2019 has another commemoration song dubbed ‘Muze Twigire ku mateka’ translated as ‘Let us learn from history’.
The credentials were presented to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Claude Gakosso on Wednesday.
The ceremony was observed in compliance with COVID-19 preventive guidelines where participants respected social distancing, wore face masks and sanitized hands among others.
After presenting copies of credentials, Amb. Mutsindashyaka held talks with Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso revolving around existing cordial relations and cooperation in different areas.
Mutsindashyaka once served as mayor of Kigali city, Governor of Eastern Province and State Minister in the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC).
Since 2013, he was the Executive Secretary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA).
He was appointed ambassador to Congo Brazzaville in the cabinet meeting that convened on 14th August 2020 replacing Amb. Habyalimana Jean Baptiste.
Rwanda and Congo Brazzaville enjoy longstanding bilateral relations. Rwanda opened embassy in the country in August 2016.
In 2011, Rwanda and Congo Brazzaville signed cooperation agreement in the areas of air flight transport, trade, tourism, refugees’ management, energy, hustice, environment protection, fishing and telecommunication among others.
Since 2018, the country made it easier for Rwandans to get visa to travel to the country.
Movements to the country are also eased by RwandAir flights.
The president also highlighted that COVID-19 pandemic has shown that building capacity of the health sector should be prioritized.
Kagame revealed this yesterday during a panel discussion organized by Tony Blair Institute for Global Change established by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair.
Dubbed ‘Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa: What It Takes and Why It Matters’, the panel discussion revolved around the impact of COVID-19 in Africa and how Africa can mobilize own resources to set up factories able to manufacture vaccines in a bid to fight against emerging global pandemics.
Kagame was participating alongside Tony Blair; Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Africa has 1.2 billion population accounting for 17% of World population. However, 99% of vaccines used on the continent are from abroad. Seven African countries only manufacture vaccines with Senegal being the sole country to export vaccines.
President Kagame said that COVID-19 pandemic has shown a huge gap in Africa’s health sector especially in the area of manufacturing medical supplies including vaccines.
“The COVID-19 pandemic magnified some institutional weaknesses across Africa. But it also uncovered some hidden strength which we can build on. One of the big gaps is that Africa does not produce significant quantities of medical supplies and it has been said many times,” he said.
“We have been completely dependent on external sources, for tests, therapeutics, PPEs and now vaccines. The real solution is to prioritize manufacturing in Africa. The new Continental Free Trade Area for Africa makes this even more attractive for investors,” added Kagame.
The President highlighted that one of the hidden strengths that has made big difference over the past year, is the effectiveness of Africa’s continental institutions and commended Africa CDC for playing a major role in coordinating supply deliveries for every country as well as the African union’s special envoys including Ngozi for successfully pushing for debt service suspension for Africa.
Kagame said that the pandemic has set the whole world back in terms of development progress including Rwanda and inevitably the wider African continent and stressed need for strengthened health and education system.
“The world can’t go back to business as usual if we don’t use this opportunity to really strengthen our health and education systems, it would be a big loss. I think every one of us should be considering health spending from our resources as probably the number one priority because if we get that right, then it enables us to deal with other priorities,” he underscored.
This was communicated during a General Assembly held yesterday at the Defence Headquarters, Kimihurura. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira and attended by the Minister of Justice Johnston Busingye, Chief of Defence staff Gen Jean Bosco Kazura; as well as service chiefs and heads of security organs; and selected list of members.
During the meeting, Zigama CSS leadership headed by its chairman Board of Directors, Dr. James Ndahiro expressed optimism for its development despite the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the country’s financial status in general and thanked the guidance of Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic and Commander -in- Chief of Rwanda Defence Force who advised the Cooperative to invest in digitalisation and IT earlier on in 2005.
“All that we registered for the last year as interest was mainly due to the use of IT services. Members were quick to embrace the technology and this has helped to positively sustain the Bank. We commend the guidance received from the Commander- in- Chief who emphasised that we should invest in digitalisation and IT systems, it was the best way to go and we realised that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic” said Dr. Ndahiro.
ZIGAMA CSS continues to expand the use of IT services such as Mobile money, Mobile application, ATM, USSD, SMS message to facilitate its members for different transactions.
ZIGAMA CSS is a financial cooperative with membership drawn mainly from Security Organs namely Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National police, Rwanda Correctional Services, National Security Services and Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said Nsengiyumva was reported by a member of the local night patrol-Irondo.
“A member of Irondo in Kamuhanda trading centre, while on duty at about 9pm, got suspicious after he saw two people disassembling a new motorcycle plate number RE 535Y, putting some spares parts in an old motorcycle RE 608P,” SP Kanamugire said.
He added: “When he approached them to inquire, they tried to bribe him so as to prevent him from calling the Police.
The Irondo member later called the Police after making them believe that he had agreed to the deal. Nsengiyumva was arrested red handed although two fellow culprits managed to flee.”
Nsengiyumva, who was handed over to RIB for alongside the exhibits for further management, said the two escapees are from Kigali and had hired him to disassemble the motorcycle.
“We are still searching for the rightful owner of the motorcycle. It could have been stolen from somewhere else and brought to Runda where it was being disassembled and probably to be sold is spare parts,” the spokesperson said.
He commended the role of community policing including neighbourhood watch and community night patrol in identifying, fighting and preventing crimes.
SP Kanamugire warned motorcycles thieves and thanked citizens for sharing information with security organs.
The law nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general states that; “any person convicted for theft 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 Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties.”
