Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

It has been 5 months that the new year of mutual health insurance started but some residents of Muyumbu sector had not been able to subscribe for lack of money.

In their campaign on teaching on leading a healthy life and the benefits of environmental protection, Access Bank, in addition, built a house for one citizen who was homeless.

Olive Batamuriza, head of a family of four, praised this initiative that will enable her and members of the family to access medical services.

Nadine Rutabayiro, the Team Leader of Woman Banking at Access Bank said that the campaign was organized to teach citizens on leading a healthy life while protecting the environment.

“We desire to help people contribute in their wellbeing and take care of the environment. We cannot say we serve the country when its citizens lead a miserable life,” she said.

The executive secretary of Muyumbu sector, Gilbert Simpunga lauded the support to vulnerable families.

He added that Clotilde Mukankuranga, the resident who received the new house has a family of six all of who were living a miserable life. ”Thanks to the Access Bank’s initiative their lives are turning for the better.”

During a consultative meeting between promoters, RRA staff, and artistes, it was emphasized that artistes should understand workings and why they should pay.

RRA has assured that the majority of Rwandan artists now understand tax mechanisms and regimes and are now embarking on working with promoters that ship in international artists to ensure that they are, too, taxed.

Taxing international artistes

RRA representative, Innocent Kayitana told IGIHE that normally there are two types of taxes concerning foreign artistes.

“They are to pay 18 % of VAT and 15% tax on profit. This means that the total tax on their income is 33%,” he said.

Kayitana added that this has to always be categorically well stated in contracts drawn between the artist and the promoter, failure of which the cost eats into the organizers’ profits.

In the past, international artistes have been coming to Rwanda, entertain revelers and get paid, leaving with all their pay without benefiting the economy

In 2016, there were 17,000 reported minors who carried unwanted pregnancies throughout the country, a number that rose to 19,000 in 2018, according to information from the Ministry of Health.

On November 5, as he inaugurated the new judicial year, President Paul Kagame observed that the efficiency in the delivery of justice but expressed concern over light sentences given to the perpetrators of crimes.

Statistics reveal that RIB received 2091 defilement cases in 2016/2017 that rose to 3060 in 2017/2018 and 3512 in 2018/2019.

The number of related suspects arrested was 3417 in 2018/2019, 3001 in 2017/18 and 2092 in 2016/2017.

Five of the envoys that presented their credentials to President Kagame yesterday are resident in Nairobi-Kenya; two in Kampala –Uganda, four in Kigali and one is in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

Speaking to media after handing in their credentials, the envoys committed to work to improve the relations between the countries they represent and Rwanda, with specific emphasis on boosting trade and investment.

“We have been partners with Rwanda over the past 25 years. We have seen our relations develop from the very start from 1994 where our engagements were mostly humanitarian assistance,” said Matthijs Clemens Wolters, the new Dutch envoy.

“We are shifting from aid to trade and we will be investing our time in convincing Netherlands investors to come to Rwanda,” he added.

Thomas Kurz, the new German envoy said his country is also looking to invest more in Rwanda.

Ambassador Charity Manyeruke of Zimbabwe highlighted specific sectors of engagement: “We have very excellent relations with Rwanda and now we are hoping to deepen especially our economic relations and in sectors including agriculture, education, mining, ICT, politics, and governance,” she said.

The appointment of the Qatari ambassador Abdulla Mohd Al- Sayed comes a few months following the three-day state visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

The visit which took place in April ended with the signing of four bilateral agreements in the areas of culture, sports, cooperation in the field of tourism and business events.

Other countries whose envoys presented credentials yesterday are; Ireland, Hungary, Malaysia, Philippines, South Sudan, Spain, Botswana and Serbia with residence in the East African region.

Francisca Pedrós Carretero the Spanish ambassador to Rwanda said she had a frank conversation with President Kagame about working to improve the relations of both countries bilaterally and in multilateral forums.

Dragan Zupanjevac the Serbian envoy to Rwanda expressed the willingness for both countries to cooperate in business.

Chef Bizimana has been a junior sous chef since 2017 at Kigali Marriott Hotel, where great Chefs from the region are committed to taking diners to a global culinary tour with diverse tastes that meet with the most elegant full-course meals.

He has been building up to his dreams and talent in the culinary world.

He is most grateful to Kigali Marriott Hotel for pushing him to this level and will not stop until he reaches his dream of becoming the Rwandan Gordon Ramsay.

IGIHE caught up with him, and he is now taking us through the journey of his passion for culinary practices, the Gorilla Highland SilverChef competition, and aspirations.

IGIHE: What made you chose to become a chef in the first place and how did you get at Kigali Marriott Hotel?

Chef Bizimana: I developed the desire to become a chef when I was still a young boy. My family and I went out to share dinner at the Mille Collines Hotel where I saw an executive chef for the first time in my life who had come to ask about our experience with the meal.

I was immediately attracted by his outfit; the long hat with his white vest. (He pauses with a smile…) It was impressive. From there, the idea was implanted in my mind for good.

Immediately after secondary school, I enrolled in the Kagarama Culinary School, where I undertook a 3-year program in culinary arts.

On completion of the training, I got my first Job with Karisimbi Hotel where I worked for 5 years, building my chef experience. I then joined Kigali Serena Hotel as a sous chef, this too added greatly to my experience.

It was in 2017, as Kigali Marriott Hotel had just opened shop in October that I applied for the position and was immediately recruited as a junior sous chef.

During my time here at the hotel, I have had the opportunity to train under experienced chefs and get the chance to work with them on many events and signature dishes, which inspires me.

IGIHE: What would you describe as your preference in cooking? And what signature dish are you particularly proud of?

Chef Bizimana: I would say that I enjoy Indian food. When I came to Kigali Marriott hotel my executive sous chef introduced me to different Indian cooking styles; I became very fond of them especially this one ‘chicken biryani’. (He gives a chuckle of delight) I love spicy food very much.

Nevertheless, I would say that my signature dish is a more traditional dish and that is goat stew with banana. That is my first choice at any given time.

IGIHE: You are one of the three top chefs from this year’s Gorilla Highland Silver Chef competition; could you tell us what motivated you to participate in the first place? And how was the experience?

Chef Bizimana: I was here last time the Gorilla Highland SilverChef competition 2018 took place. It was hosted by Kigali Marriott Hotel and one of our chefs; Chef Sindayigaya participated and won the regional SilverChef award. I told myself I wanted to participate too.

So when the hotel chose me to represent the hotel in the competition, it was an opportunity that I could not pass on. With the help of the Hotel, I got in and also trained with colleagues and senior chefs.

I learned a lot of things during the competition. I gained speed, connection with fellow chefs from DRC and Uganda, and earned more experience with food presentation.

Being part of this regional experience was most definitely an amazing experience. I earned a certificate as one of the best chefs in the region.

IGIHE: Does your family share your love for cuisine?

Chef Bizimana: My family is my number one support, they pray for me, they are very supportive and they are very proud of me; both my wife and my children.

IGIHE: Do you enjoy cooking for your family too or you let your wife be in charge?

Chef Bizimana: I love cooking for my family on my day off. I would have enjoyed doing it all the time but I don’t always have the time.

IGIHE: What are your plans for the future?

Chef Bizimana: I dream of becoming a distinguished cook, one like Gordon Ramsay; he is a good chef, mentor and very tough (laughs).

He is my role model; I wish to be like him or even more and helping other chefs to be better at their specialty. I can see myself even hosting a TV show that showcases fine cuisines and training other aspiring chefs.

After the first meeting in Kigali on September 16th, the second was to be held in Kampala on October 18th, a month after but it never materialized.

Besides Rwanda and Ugandan delegates, the meeting in Kigali was also attended by ministers from Angola and DR Congo; the two facilitators.

In an interview with IGIHE, Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community confirmed that Rwanda has written to Uganda asking that the meeting be postponed.

Nduhungirehe said that the request to postpone the meeting is due to the fact that several members of the delegation that had to represent Rwanda will not be available on that date due to other engagements,

“It is true we have written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda informing them that unfortunately, there are several members of the Rwandan delegation who will not be available on November 18,” he said.

“We were proposing that the meeting in Kampala is postponed to a mutually convenient date that can be arranged through diplomatic channels,” He added.

Reacting to his twitter account, Ugandan Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo announced that he had received correspondence from Kigali via his ambassador in Kampala.

“Rwanda has asked for the date of the meeting to be postponed and we will announce the new date,” Opondo said.

The estate is made of five semi-detached apartments, each accommodating 8 families.

The beneficiaries include 16 elderly people from Maryoye estate in Nyamigina cell who say that their life has been changed for the better.

Their new homes are fully furnished with furniture and connected to water system and electricity grid.

Valerie Mukankwaya, one of the elderly beneficiaries said: “We were living a miserable life; always worried that our roof would collapse on us in rainy a season. I am feeling young again and full of hope even at my age.”

Bonaventure Uwamahoro, the mayor of Nyamagabe District asked the beneficiaries to keep cleanness that will also reflect in their wellbeing.

The project was largely funded by Nyamagabe District in partnership with the Genocide Survivors Support and Assistance Fund [FARG]. MTN Rwanda also donated Rwf 9 million in April 2017 in support of the project.

Uwamahoro said that they still have many families living in dilapidated houses but a program to erect houses for them is already in motion.

The president sounded the warning, Thursday, as he officiated the swearing in of new cabinet members and senior military officials at the parliament.

Kagame said that Rwandans have reached a time where they can take security for granted adding that it will continue to be the case.

“We are going to raise the cost on the part of anybody who wants to destabilize our security. The cost is going to be very high, whether it is the means we are going to put into that to make sure we have everything it takes to ensure security and stability of our country and our development. It is also the cost mainly that those people who want to destabilize our country are going to incur; it is going to be a very high cost on their part. I mean it and you know that I mean it,” Kagame said.

“We have all along taken security for granted, and rightly so. We will continue to take it for granted,” he said, noting that is why the new measures are going to be deployed.
The President demanded that everyone in the country “come clean” to reveal their side; whether you are genuinely in support of state of affairs in the country or have a hidden agenda.

“For those who are involved, you’ll have to come clean. You can’t be here benefiting from the peace and security that we have paid for in blood and then do things that cause us problems,” he warned.

“For those who want to disturb our security, wanting to take us back where we used to be, we will put them where they belong.”

Citing the country’s tragic history, the President stated that his government will not tolerate anyone who propagates politics of division and hate, and genocide ideology.

He warned people that have been released from prison and have been forgiven for their role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi but resort to undermining the prevailing stability.

Though Kagame did not mention names or entities, in recent weeks following attacks in southwestern and northwestern Rwanda, some suspects inside Rwanda have been arrested.

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, herself pardoned by Kagame after serving 8 years of a 15 year sentence, and last week launched a new political party, has also been interrogated by RIB over alleged links to the attack of on Musanze last month.

Turning to the outside of Rwanda, Kagame said he was not bothered by those “making noise” from outside or Rwanda’s neighbors.

Among those sworn in are senior officials, including cabinet ministers; Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya (Environment), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba (Internal Security), and Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju (Sports).

Also sworn in are Edouard Bamporiki who was appointed State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, as well as Ignatienne Nyirarukundo, the new Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government.

Kagame, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), also presided over the swearing-in of new top military officials.

They include Gen Jean-Bosco Kazura, RDF Chief of Defence Staff; Gen Fred Ibingira, Chief of Staff, Reserve Force; Lt. Gen Jack Musemakweli, Inspector General of RDF; and Maj Gen Innocent Kabandana, the deputy Reserve Force Chief of Staff.

The ceremony attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda, families of the newly appointed leaders, among others.

The failure to attend exams in due course raises questions of susceptible cheating that might arise from postponing exams already made available at other examination sites.

The mistake reported at the Muhanga based school of arts and music saw 21 students receiving the question papers of Music Notation yet they had to sit for Music Composition Exam as per the time table.

The mistake was reportedly made by the team in charge of packing, sealing and delivering the examination papers.

The Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Fortunée Mukagatana has told IGIHE that they had a discussion with the students and came up with a consensus to cancel the earlier leaked exam and postpone it to Thursday after resetting the questions.

“There was no scandal since this school is unique in Rwanda. It won’t bring any side effects to other exams. The leaked exam questionnaires will be replaced,” she said.

Following the incident, all exams stocked at JAM Fred Nkunda-Shyogwe were taken back to Rwanda Polytechnic’s main headquarter for fresh checks to prevent similar mistakes.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of training, Institutional Development and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) attributed the mistake to false labeling of the question paper packs and assured the replacement of disclosed exams for students to proceed with their exams.

A total of 119 000 candidates from Ordinary Level and 51 291 from Advanced Level in secondary schools started National Examinations on Tuesday.

Of the 119,932 students, 65,429 are girls and 54,503 males. The number of candidates has grown from 99,898 of the previous year.

Meanwhile, 51,291 are sitting for Advanced Level candidates including 29,079 females and 22,212 males up from 46,024 of 2018.

Of the 119,932 students, 65,429 are girls and 54,503 males. The number of candidates has grown from 99,898 of the previous year.

Meanwhile, 51,291 are sitting for Advanced Level candidates including 29,079 females and 22,212 males up from 46,024 of 2018.

Last week over 280,000 thousand children sat for primary leaving examinations.

The Ministry of Education has launched exams in Huye district at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare at national level.

Dr. Isaac Munyakazi, the Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education who officiated the launch urged students to be composed during the exams, avoid absenteeism or tardiness, demonstrate good performance and stand against cheating.