IGIHE

Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

  • RBC warns public against using lemon, ginger, eucalyptus for Covid-19 self-medication

    The public has had perceptions that consuming a lot of lemon, ginger and applying Aromatherapy helps Covid-19 patients to recover though it was not scientifically proved.

    As a result, lemon has been rare and expensive on Rwanda’s markets as some people stored them in bulk for Covid-19 treatment purposes.

    Dr. Nsanzimana has told RBA that consuming quantities of lemon and ginger doesn’t add up to recovery but rather can worsen health conditions.

    “I once met people carrying lots of eucalyptus. I asked them, where are you taking them? They replied that it is in context of fighting Covid-19. We don’t allow the application of Aromatherapy in health sector but rather might cause side effects. People should avoid such vice,” he said.

    “Ginger tastes like chili. The more you consume much ginger, the more it damages the stomach. These lemons also contain acid. The stomach gets complications when the acid is too much. Many people have recovered from Covid-19 but claimed that stomachaches remained. We made follow up and established these complications emanate from these plants,” he said.

    Dr. Nsanzimana explained that all foods have specific nutrients and vitamins and discouraged people from taking excessive quantities because it becomes destructive.

    “Lemons contain vitamin C. A person is not required to drink much dose exceeding recommended vitamin C. By consuming much doses, a person is putting own health at risk. To this effect, you are destroying your health if you consume ten cups of lemon and ginger per day,” he said.

    Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that consuming average quantities of lemons and ginger is normal like other foods that overconsumption doesn’t add up to combating Covid-19.

    “Drinking tea with moderate ginger lemon is helpful because it can strengthen immune system somehow but doesn’t kill the virus,” he revealed.

    Dr. Nsanzimana warned evangelists encouraging people to drink lemon and ginger instead of seeking medical attention.

    To date, Covid-19 has no vaccine that health facilities use existing medicaments to treat related symptoms.

    Some vaccines have been manufactured but do not prevent Coronavirus infection at 100%.

    The Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.

  • Nyabihu students taken aback for studying nine years without ICT skills

    Akimitoni was initially a primary school and became Groupe Scolaire Akimitoni in 2011 as the Government of Rwanda introduced Nine Year Basic Education program.

    It is now ten years since the program was introduced but students have never used computers at the school.

    Students told IGIHE, they only cover theoretical part of ICT skills course, or sometimes walk over 5 kilometers to use computers from another school.

    Niringiyimana Désiré, a student at G.S Akimitoni says, he has touched a computer five times only since he went to the school.

    “It is unfortunate that I have used computer five times only since I joined the school three years ago. We don’t have computer skills because we only cover theoretical part without practical session. To this end, we cannot properly attend to homework requiring us to check online sources,” he said.

    Dukuzumuremyi Elisa, 17, says he is not able to identify different parts of a computer’s hardware.

    Another student, Iradukunda Esta has said that the lack of computers at the school pushed her to change course options in advanced level.

    “We only study ICT theories that we don’t apply. I had planned to study Computer Science in advanced level but poor education especially in ICT has prompted me to change options because I cannot compete with others yet I am starting from scratch,” he said.

    Mukawera José has also revealed that he used a computer four times within three years noting that some of his colleagues didn’t get a single chance to use computers.

    Hitimana Jean Baptiste, a teacher of ICT at G.S Akimitoni says he struggles to teach the course without computer.

    “I sometimes take students to G.S Kabatwa to access computers. It takes time to reach the school and return which delays or cancels attendance to other courses on timetable. In some cases, prefer to go there over the weekend but not all students are available as a matter of beliefs,” he said.

    “I am supposed to teach Excel component but there are no equipment. I am currently using the laptop of the head teacher but my timetable ends after showing two or three students. I seem to be doing nothing because showing how Microsoft Excel to 3 out of 45 students is shameful,” added Hitimana.

    They have appealed for Government support to get computers.

    The head teacher of G.S Akimitoni, Sebatware Gabriel has explained that concerned officials were informed of the problem.

    “It is known that the school has no computers because we didn’t have enough rooms,” he said.

    Sebatware said the school was supposed to receive computers in 2019 but lacked space for computer lab.

    He expressed optimism that the issue will be addressed soon because rooms have been completed.

    The mayor of Nyabihu district, Mukandayisenga Antoinette has told IGIHE that she is aware of the problem highlighting that the school will receive computers after making preparations.

    “It is a worrying situation that children don’t have computers. The problem had persisted because the school didn’t have rooms reserved for computer lab but these rooms have been constructed. They will receive computers soon as they finish setting up all required equipment including desks and tables,” she explained.

    Groupe Scolaire Akimitoni is located in Kabatwa sector, Nyabihu district, Western Province.

  • Pozo taking advantage of e-commerce to improve delivery services during Covid-19 pandemic

    Food delivery, the provision of sanitary items, and electronic gadgets are among essential services needed in daily lives but people face difficulties to access them easily during lockdown.

    However, customers using online marketplaces have got ease as they can place orders and receive goods from the comfort of their homes.

    Since Rwanda imposed lockdown in March 2020, quite a number of people have been embracing online shopping as the easiest way.

    Some online marketplaces have land-based stocks used to deliver to clients while others connect buyers and sellers through distributor’s website or application.

    Pozo delivery is one of such companies tapping into online platforms to improve service delivery. Pozo delivery works with over 35 companies selling fresh, cooked foods and connects them to buyers.

    Customers seeking to place orders of their choice can install Pozo delivery app to access details about available foods and partner companies.

    After placing orders, foods are packed and delivered not later than 45 minutes from wherever in Kigali.

    Considering the increased demand, the company’s management affirms that online shopping has been gaining momentum especially during lockdown.

    Murenzi Herve, the Managing Director of Pozo delivery has told IGIHE that the youth were majority clients but elders also embraced online shopping as an alternative due to lockdown restrictions.

    “The youth are normally active users of technology that they were accustomed to place orders. It is not easy to convince a parent to buy online, many of them prefer land-based shops to touch and taste their products before buying,” he said.

    “The lockdown pushed them to place orders with us because they had no other alternatives. This gave them chance to witness our top notch services which they appreciated and continued to work with us,” added Murenzi.

    As he explained, the lockdown increased clients to 70% which Murenzi considers a great improvement in e-commerce.

    “We used to serve between 80 and 100 clients per day. The number has however risen to 120 clients from across Kigali placing orders on daily basis. This gives optimism fore-commerce to thrive because they have already witnessed how efficiency it is ,”revealed Murenzi.

    In a bid to contain spread of Coronavirus pandemic, Pozo delivery has adopted cashless payment system.

    “Clients would place orders and pay cash in hand upon arrival. We currently encourage them to use MoMo Pay to avoid cash in hand that could spread Coronavirus,” he said.

    E-commerce continues to gain momentum in Rwanda as the Government continues to scale up efforts to promote technology and internet penetration. Currently, over 5 million Rwandans are internet users.

    Pozo provides delivery services within Kigali city.

  • Two suspected poachers arrested

    Theobas Habiyaremye, 25, and Faustin Nizeyimana, 18, were arrested in the night of February 6, in Murundi Sector, Buhabwa Cell in Gakoma Village with an Antelope, which they had killed.

    The Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said that two other poachers fled.

    He added that the suspected poachers were reported by herdsmen, who were rearing cattle in the nearby farm.

    “Herdsmen called the Police reporting a group of poachers that kill animals in Akagera or ambush them in the bordering farms. Police officers deployed that night arrested two of the poachers at about 1am, after killing one Antelope. Two others escaped in the process,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

    He added that the search for the two accomplices is still underway.

    Habiyaremye and Nizeyimana, who hail from Rwimbogo Sector in Gatsibo District, were handed over to RIB at Murundi station.

    CIP Twizeyimana thanked communities residing around the park for their role in fighting poaching and other illegal activities in the gazetted national park.

    The law on environment of 13/08/2018 in its article 58, states that any person who hunts, sells, injures or kills a protected animal species and products thereof, commits an offence.

    Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf7 million.

  • COVID-19: Rwanda records three more deaths, 287 recoveries

    The deceased include two women aged 96 , 91 respectively and a 47-year old man from Kigali city.

    The statement released last night shows that 170 new cases were found out of 3453 sample tests.

    The Majority of new cases were found in Kigali:47, Nyamagabe: 14, Kirehe: 12 while Gatsibo , Ruhango, and Kayonza districts recorded 11 cases respectively.

    Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus patient on 14th March 2020. Since then, 16621 people have been tested positive of whom 12629 have recovered, 3769 are active cases while 223 have succumbed to the virus.

    The Ministry of Health has also reported that 21 patients admitted to COVID-19 treatment centers are critically ill.

    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.

  • RwandAir suspends flights to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

    In a statement released yesterday, RwandAir explained that the decision was taken due to new Coronavirus variant reported in these countries.

    “In a view of the global concerns on Covid variants prevalent throughout Southern Africa, RwandAir announces the suspension of its flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lusaka and Harare, effective 8th February 2021,” reads part of the statement.

    RwandAir also revealed that scheduled flights will resume soon as there is more clarity on the situation.

    “Affected customers can rebook and fly at a later date at no additional cost or request a refund. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused,” adds the statement.

    The decision comes few days after RwandAir announced suspension of flights from Nigeria to Dubai.

    RwandAir is among other flight carriers that have been affected by Coronavirus pandemic due to preventive measures that saw activities halted last year for quite some time.

    After the pandemic emerged in March 2020, RwandAir resumed flights on 1st August 2020.

    Despite these challenges, the airline continues to speed up recovery efforts where it recently launched bi-weekly flights to Central African Republic.

    RwandAir has also applied for license to operate flights from Kigali to the Unites States of America through Accra in Ghana.

    Currently, RwandAir conducts flights to 30 destinations including the recent one to central African Republic.

  • Lockdown lifted in Kigali, new directives take effect

    The new measures as outlined by the Cabinet meeting held on February 2, will run up to February 22.

    All you need to know about new directives:

    {{Kigali
    }}

    As the new directives take effect, movements between Kigali and provinces, and districts are prohibited, except for essential services or tourism.

    Vehicles transporting goods will continue to function with no more than two people onboard.

    Public and private transport will resume within Kigali. However, public transport should not exceed 50% capacity and bus operators are tasked to ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed onboard.

    Private businesses will resume with essential staff at no more than 30% capacity while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis. Markets and malls shall open for essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders.

    All resuming businesses must close by 5pm.

    Public offices will be closed. All employees will be working from home except for those providing essential services.

    Motos and bicycles are permitted to carry passengers but must observe strict hygiene

    All schools (public, private, universities) will remain closed.

    Restaurants and cafes will only provide take-away services.

    Gyms and recreational centres are prohibited

    Individual sports are permitted between 5am-9am.

    Crosscutting directives and prohibited services across the country

    Movements are prohibited between 7pm-4am.

    Attendance at vigil shall not exceed 10 persons at any one time. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons.

    Physical meetings, events and gatherings are prohibited.

    All bars, gamings, places of worship, religious ceremonies, receptions and conferences are prohibited.

    Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with exception of tested guests staying at hotels.

    Specific directives in provinces

    Movement between districts is prohibited.

    Schools will continue while respecting COVID-19 prevention measures.

    Public transport including motos and bicycles will continue to operation within districts.

    {{Tourism }}

    Tourism activities will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 prevention measures. This include hotels, tour operators and transport services.

    Tourists must possess negative COVID-19 test results.

    Kigali International Airport will remain open. Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the first departure; must self-quarantine for 7 days and take a PCR test at the end of this period.

    Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before departure.

    Tourists and service providers shall inform RDB of their itineraries.

    {{Awareness and enforcement }}

    Rwanda National Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the past three weeks of lockdown in Kigali were characterised with increased violations.

    “Across the country, 185, 356 pedestrians were arrested in varied violations; 3,792 vehicles and 1,518 motos impounded while 6,360 people were arrested in bars drinking,” CP Kabera said.

    He took time to urge the general public to comply with the new directives maximumly.

    RNP, CP Kabera said, will continue to work with other entities including local leaders and youth volunteers in awareness to further influence behavioral change but also to penalise errand violators, including those holding prohibited gatherings like parties and prayers in homes and bars.

    Between January 19 and February 6, a total of 327,509 people applied by movement clearance permit of which 232,520 permits were issued and 94,989 denied.

    “Effective Monday, February 8, movement clearance will be issued for those moving in prohibited hours; going or coming from the airport, discharged from quarantine in hotels and those seeking medical services,” CP Kabera said.

  • Lighting strikes student dead in Rutsiro

    The incident took place on Sunday around 2am in Musasa sector, Rutsiro district, Western Province.

    The survivors of lighting strike were taken to Murunda hospital for medical attention.

    The executive secretary of Musasa sector, Ruzindana Ladislas has said that the lightening caused several damages.

    “Apart from these children, lightning also struck a woman in the neighborhood who survived with injury on the leg. She has gone for medical attention at nearby heath center. Lighting also destroyed a CashPower and electric pole at sector offices,” he said.

    Ruzindana appealed on residents to avoid sheltering under trees and urged them to unplug all sorts of electronics as it rains.

  • Kagame congratulates Moussa Faki, Nsanzabaganwa

    Dr. Nsanzabaganwa, 50,who has been the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda replaces Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who held office since 2017.

    She was elected with 42 out of 55 votes.

    Dr Nsanzabaganwa was seconded to the position by the Government of Rwanda in December last year.

    President Kagame has via Twitter handle congratulated the new AUC Deputy Chairperson and re-elected Chairperson for their victory and assured them full support.

    “Congratulations to Moussa Faki on your re-election and to Monique Nsanzabaganwa, elected as Deputy Chairperson of the AUC. African leaders have given their trust to you as a team and we are confident that you are up to the task. You have our full support,” he said.

    Dr. Nsanzabaganwa was competing with other candidates including Hasna Barkat Daoud from Djibuti who once served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism; Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi , the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority of Uganda.

    Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the office for four-year term, renewable once.

    The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.

    Dr Nsanzabaganwa has longstanding experience qualifying her to fit for the position.
    She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.

    Dr Nsanzabaganwa has been the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).

    She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

    Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.

    She is a wife and mother.

  • Kagame tips national football team on discipline

    After progressing to quarter finals in which Rwanda fell to Guinea, it was reported that the team had some mismanagement related issues.

    Speaking to the team at La Palisse Hotel in Nyamata, Bugesera district, Kagame urged them to work as one team with common understanding, remain disciplined and pick lessons from whatever they do.

    “The coach has to do his job and the players should play their role. They can discuss the issues at hand and find solutions with each one of them playing their part but the players cannot replace their coach. Discipline enables such an environment to be put in place,” he said.

    “You have to ask yourself what lessons have you learned? I don’t mean lessons like in school, ask yourself what have you learned from the wrong that was done to you, or the praises you have received? Everything requires discipline, it enables people to do things professionally and to stick to one’s goal and draw lessons from all that you do. Every game you played, the ones you lost, won or drew, each of them has a lesson,” added Kagame.

    Among others, the president commended the performance the team exhibited in Cameroon, despite the challenges they may have faced while preparing for the tournament due to the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Kagame also pledged more support to the team in their endeavors, so that they can perform even better. He revealed that he had already engaged with the Ministry of Sports to give the players a prize to appreciate their performance in the CHAN tournament.

    President Paul Kagame has tipped Amavubi on discipline.