Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Tour du Rwanda 2025: Lessons ahead of the World Championship

This international cycling race, in its 17th edition since becoming a global event, was officially launched by President Paul Kagame alongside David Lappartient, the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), on February 23, 2025.

This year’s edition held special significance as it took place just months before Rwanda hosts the World Cycling Championship slated for September.

Organizers aligned some stages with the championship routes, including the first-day prologue and the seventh stage. UCI’s chief commissioner was also present during the race’s closing stages.

Before the race began, concerns were raised about security due to the conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, which borders Rwanda’s Rubavu district. Despite these concerns, 14 teams, including Belgium’s Lotto-Dstny Devo Team, participated, and the event proceeded smoothly.

Freddy Kamuzinzi, the Director of Tour du Rwanda, reassured the public that the country’s security was not compromised. “Security was never an issue, especially in Rubavu, despite initial concerns raised by international media and some teams. Our country has shown that everything is under control,” he said.

Rwandan cyclists displayed impressive resilience throughout the competition. Vainqueur Masengesho finished seventh overall, the best finish by a Rwandan since 2022.

Nsengiyumva Shemu won the King of the Mountains classification, while Didier Munyaneza excelled in intermediate sprints. Rwandans also led for the longest stretches in six out of the seven stages.

The most controversial moment came on the final day. Heavy rain caused the road near Mont-Kigali, known as “Norvège,” to become too dangerous. During the shortened loop around Kigali Convention Centre, several riders, including Amanuel Gidey and Duarte Marivoet, suffered crashes.

With one lap remaining, race leader Fabien Doubey requested the race’s suspension, citing unsafe conditions. After discussions with UCI officials, the stage was canceled, and Doubey was declared the winner based on his previous lead.

Fabien Doubey became the first Frenchman to win Tour du Rwanda. However, his actions led to a fine of 200 Swiss Francs (approximately 315,000 Rwandan Francs) for violating UCI sportsmanship rules, and he may face further disciplinary measures.

Kamuzinzi defended the decision to cancel the stage, attributing it solely to the weather. “It was not our intention to stop the competition. We wanted to see the best rider win, but safety came first,” he explained.

Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire emphasized that the incident provided valuable lessons for the upcoming World Championship. “UCI officials were impressed with our preparations, but today’s weather-related issues highlight areas for further improvement,” she said.

She also stressed Rwanda’s commitment to not only hosting world-class events but also strengthening the skills of local cyclists.

Tour du Rwanda 2025 featured 69 riders from 20 countries, including 16 Rwandans. The competition showcased Rwanda’s organizational capabilities and provided insights to refine preparations for Africa’s first-ever World Cycling Championship later this year.

March 4, 2025
30 Rwandan students to represent Africa at global robotics competition in the U.S.

The competition promotes education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by encouraging participants to use robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve global challenges.

The Rwandan team will compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), the most advanced category that involves designing and building large, industrial-style robots. These students earned their spot after excelling in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competitions held in Rwanda.

Following their victory, they joined forces and applied to compete in the more challenging FRC category. Their request was approved, allowing them to become the first African team to participate at this advanced level.

Their team, known as Ladybug FRC 9647, will make history as no other African country has competed in the FRC category. This level requires advanced technical skills and significant resources, making it difficult for most African countries to participate beyond the FLL level, which involves simpler robots.

The team is receiving vital support from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, ICT Chamber, and FabLab Rwanda. These institutions are providing equipment, training, and financial support. Every weekend, the students gather at FabLab in Kigali to work on their robot and prepare for the competition.

The competition will take place in two phases. The first phase will be held on April 2, 2025, in Florida, where the team will face 47 other teams from around the world. If they succeed, they will advance to the final phase in Texas on April 19, 2025.

Beni Bonheur Karangwa Muhoza a sixth-year student at Collège du Christ-Roi in Nyanza, described the competition as a life-changing opportunity. “Working on this project every week teaches us a lot. Being one of the 30 students representing Africa is a huge honor,” he said.

Liza Ndabikunze Ineza, a fifth-year student at Collège Saint André in Nyamirambo, is excited to improve her technical skills. She hopes the competition will help her build robots that solve real-world problems beyond industrial use.

Pacifique Rubagumya, a student at Kagarama Secondary School in Kicukiro, is passionate about robotics and believes the competition is a chance to showcase Rwanda’s potential. “Youth are the driving force of our country. We want to lead in technology and accelerate national development,” he said.

Philemon Manzi Mucyo, a research specialist at FabLab, expressed pride in supporting the team. He said FabLab is committed to providing the tools and resources needed to help the students succeed.

Ladybug FRC 9647’s participation marks a historic moment for Rwanda and Africa. Their journey demonstrates the potential of African youth to lead in global technological innovation and paves the way for future generations.

March 4, 2025
Tshisekedi blames military leaders for DRC-M23 war poor performance

The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) are struggling to contain the advance of the M23 rebels, pointing out the significant issues within the army, including corruption, poor pay, and a lack of equipment. These factors have led to desertions and crimes against civilians.

The rebel’s advanced weaponry captured from the government forces have created a severe imbalance on the battlefield, leaving Congolese soldiers under equipped, demoralized and prompting trials from the military courts of their own government.

Previous trials in Musienene and Bukavu have brought attention to the dysfunction within the army. Over 300 soldiers faced charges for crimes such as theft, rape, and murder, allegedly committed as they fled from the rebels.

Many soldiers denied the charges, stating they were separated from their units during fighting. The trials resulted in severe penalties, including death sentences for over 260 soldiers.

The M23 rebels, have made substantial gains since late December, escalating the conflict to its highest level in over a decade.

Critics argue that Tshisekedi’s reliance on regional forces and mercenaries has made matters worse. Despite increasing military spending, soldiers are still underpaid and under equipped, contributing to low morale.

As the conflict continues, the indiscipline within the army fuels clashes, particularly in cities like Uvira near the Burundian border. These clashes have led to many casualties, leaving residents anxious.

The government has announced operations to track down soldiers accused of committing atrocities, but the root problems remains unresolved. The future of the FARDC and the region’s stability depend on addressing these deep issues to restore peace and order in the DRC.

March 4, 2025
Rwanda hailed as a model for primary healthcare development in Africa

This acknowledgment came from Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the Acting Deputy Director-General and Head of the Division for Public Health Institutes and Research at Africa CDC, during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC) 2025.

“Rwanda is a great example. They have made significant progress in advancing primary healthcare. As we gather here today, let’s seize this opportunity to understand how Rwanda achieved this success,” he remarked.

He pointed to the country’s effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak and its ability to reduce related fatalities as clear evidence of the country’s robust healthcare system.

Tajudeen emphasized the importance of improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services, stressing that building a strong primary healthcare system is the key to achieving this goal.

He explained that strengthening primary healthcare involves focusing on the needs of the population and empowering communities to take responsibility for their health.

Additionally, he highlighted how primary healthcare could drive technological innovation, particularly through increased access to the internet and smartphone usage, which already reaches 80% across Africa. Tajudeen also addressed the declining levels of international aid to African countries, urging governments to seek sustainable ways to close funding gaps.

He commended President Paul Kagame for demonstrating that investing in healthcare in Africa is not only possible but essential. “President Kagame has shown that willingness alone is not enough. What matters is turning commitment into action,” he added.

“We must be intentional about learning opportunities. More importantly, we must find ways to deliver affordable and quality healthcare services. How do we achieve that? How do we ensure healthcare is both affordable and effective? The only way is to build a strong primary healthcare system that delivers quality services,” he said.

He further emphasized the need for African countries to develop their pharmaceutical industries and locally produce medical equipment. Acknowledging the growing commitment of African leaders to this cause, he encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to invest in healthcare, assuring them that Africa CDC would continue to provide support.

When asked about Rwanda’s strategy for enhancing primary healthcare, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, outlined six key pillars driving the country’s success.

First, Rwanda is increasing its healthcare workforce, from community health workers to national referral hospitals. Through the “4×4 Reform” initiative, the country aims to quadruple its health workforce within the next four years.

Second, Rwanda is building capacity by ensuring healthcare workers receive comprehensive training to deliver high-quality care. The third pillar focuses on investing in healthcare infrastructure. Rwanda has constructed 1,280 health posts, representing 57% of the country’s healthcare facilities and 510 health centers.

Over the next five years, the government plans to build 100 modern health posts and renovate 420 existing ones, ensuring that each administrative unit has at least one health facility.

The fourth pillar involves leveraging technology in healthcare. Rwanda is adopting advanced medical equipment and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages.

Fifth, the country is committed to improving governance and ensuring efficient management of the healthcare system. Lastly, Rwanda is exploring new methods of health financing to reduce dependence on donor support and promote long-term sustainability.

Nsanzimana emphasized that if African nations prioritize technology and embrace innovations like AI, they can overcome many healthcare challenges and significantly improve service delivery across the continent.

Rwanda’s approach demonstrates that with strategic planning and commitment, it is possible to build a resilient and effective primary healthcare system that serves the needs of the population.

March 4, 2025
Benni McCarthy eager to revive Harambee stars: “I can’t wait to make Kenya a powerhouse again”

McCarthy, 47, replaces Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving in an interim capacity following the resignation of Turkish coach Firat Engin last year.

During his unveiling on Monday, McCarthy expressed his excitement about taking charge of the national team, emphasizing his ambition to restore Kenya’s place among Africa’s top footballing nations.

“It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be here in Kenya. I am delighted, and I can’t really wait to start our new journey… making Kenya again one of the powerhouses in Africa,” McCarthy said.

The former Manchester United forwards coach will be supported by an experienced technical team, including Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. The entire coaching staff has signed two-year contracts.

“Together with my coaching team, including Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad. Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success,” McCarthy added.

“I’m looking forward to putting my experience into practice and bringing success to Kenyan football. With the right mentality, we can achieve our targets and make it to the World Cup. We want to win every point available to us. It will not say it is easy but it is also not impossible. We need to start to be positive and players see the coaches are winners and want to win so that they too can push,” McCarthy said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in McCarthy and his coaching staff, stating that their experience and leadership would help elevate Kenyan football.

“After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions,” Hussein said.

He also welcomed the rest of the technical team, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the squad’s future.

“This team brings a wealth of expertise, and we believe they will instill tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality as we prepare for upcoming competitions,” he added.

McCarthy will make his coaching debut for the Harambee Stars later this month in a crucial away match against The Gambia, followed by a home clash with Gabon.

Kenya currently sits fourth in World Cup qualifying Group F, trailing group leaders Ivory Coast by five points. However, with six matches remaining, the team still has an opportunity to climb the standings.

In the qualification format, only the group winners secure an automatic World Cup spot. The four best runners-up from all groups will have another chance to qualify through a playoff round.

Harambee Stars, currently ranked 108th in the FIFA world rankings, are just four points behind second-placed Gabon, keeping their hopes alive for a potential qualification breakthrough.

March 4, 2025
Uganda deploys more troops in northeastern DRC

“Our troops have entered Mahagi town, and we are in control,” Defense and Military Affairs spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told AFP Sunday.

The deployment was requested by the Congolese army following alleged massacres of civilians carried out by a militia known as the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), he said, without providing further details.

Mahagi is in Ituri province, which borders Uganda, where at least 51 people were killed on February 10, 2025 by armed men affiliated with CODECO, according to humanitarian and local sources.

CODECO claims it defends the interests of the Lendu community, mainly composed of farmers, against the Hema community, who are mainly herders.

Uganda already has thousands of troops in other parts of Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government. Last month, Uganda announced its troops had “taken control” of the provincial capital, Bunia.

Ituri is just north of the provinces of North and South Kivu, which at the end of January fell under the control of the anti-government M23 armed group.

March 4, 2025
Blatter, Platini back in court

The two were previously acquitted in 2022 over a controversial 2 million Swiss franc (£1.6m) payment made to Platini in 2011, which was approved by Blatter. The pair maintained their innocence, arguing that the sum was a delayed payment for advisory work Platini had done for FIFA.

However, Swiss federal prosecutors have appealed the ruling, bringing the case back to trial. The new proceedings are expected to last until Thursday, with a final verdict anticipated on March 25, 2025.

Blatter, 88, reaffirmed his innocence in court, stating, “Lies and deception have never been a part of my life.” Meanwhile, Platini’s legal team defended the original acquittal, insisting the payment was lawful.

A former UEFA president and Ballon d’Or winner, Platini played a key role in European football, captaining France to victory in Euro 1984 and later managing the national team.

The case, originally sparked by a 2015 corruption investigation, led to both men being banned from football for ethics violations. In their first trial, they argued that FIFA was financially struggling at the time of the agreement, causing a delay in Platini’s payment.

With the appeal now underway, the football world is watching closely as one of FIFA’s biggest scandals resurfaces in court.

March 4, 2025
Museveni approves copyright management system to protect Ugandan creatives

“When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,” President Museveni stated.

The announcement was made during a meeting held last week in Rwakitura, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).

President Museveni expressed satisfaction that the copyright management system has been developed to address emerging challenges in copyright protection and safeguard content creators’ rights.

The integrated system will allow creatives to register their works, monitor their usage, and receive payments for their content where applicable.

According to Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, musicians will register their songs, and licensed venues that play their music will be monitored by the system.

Businesses using music for entertainment, such as bars and hotels, will be required to contribute a fee, ensuring artists are compensated for their work.

“Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. The President and artists believe that musicians should receive a share of the revenue since their work is being used to generate income,” Isabirye explained.

Similarly, media houses will also be expected to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television stations.

“Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians don’t want all the advertising revenue, but they seek a fair percentage for their contribution,” Isabirye added.

To enforce compliance, bars and entertainment venues will be required to install a monitoring device as a licensing condition under the Ministry of Local Government.

The system will track music usage, and attempts to tamper with the device will trigger alerts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Police will oversee enforcement, ensuring that all entertainment venues comply.

“This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable, just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,” Isabirye noted.

For years, Ugandan musicians have struggled to benefit fairly from their work due to weak copyright laws. The new system will distribute revenue based on song play frequency rather than artist popularity.

For example, if a bar, radio, or TV station contributes Shs.1 million as a licensing fee, an artist whose song is played 60 times will receive 60% (Shs. 600,000), while the remaining Shs. 400,000 will be shared among other artists based on airplay.

“Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline. With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from royalties,” Isabirye emphasized, thanking President Museveni for supporting the initiative.

The meeting was attended by UNMF members and the State House science team, led by Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi, among others.

The initiative is expected to attract compliance and collaboration from regulatory agencies, including UCC, Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government.

March 3, 2025
Global health conference kicks off in Kigali with over 1,400 delegates from 56 countries

Speaking prior to the opening session on March 3, 2025, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, highlighted the importance of African countries working together to strengthen healthcare systems. He disclosed that more than 200 health sector partners from across the world are participating in the event.

“Health is a collective responsibility. It is crucial for nations to unite and work together to create safer societies because these are the environments where outbreaks begin,” Githinji said.

He also raised concerns following the United States’ recent three-month suspension of USAID funding, urging African nations to develop independent, sustainable solutions to maintain and improve healthcare delivery.

“The real concern is not just the loss of funding but the disruption of essential health services for vulnerable populations who rely on these programs,” he added.

Githinji revealed that AMREF had been collaborating closely with USAID on a $20 million project across Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zambia, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and HIV/AIDS management.

The World Health Organization’s Acting Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Andreas Ihekweazu, called for greater collaboration among African nations, emphasizing the need for local solutions.

“We still need to work together, and I believe we will find our own ways to address these challenges. We continue to encourage all countries to recognize the value of cooperation and open avenues for stronger partnerships,” he said.

Representing Africa CDC, Dr. Claudia Shilumani praised Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that President Paul Kagame had recently urged African leaders to seek alternative solutions in response to the USAID funding suspension.

“While I cannot speak for other countries, Rwanda has demonstrated strong leadership in navigating this crisis,” Dr. Shilumani said.

{{Rwanda’s commitment to a resilient healthcare system}}

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties.

He detailed ongoing initiatives, including expanding the healthcare workforce, investing in modern medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving governance within the health sector.

The Africa Health International Conference Agenda in Kigali aims to foster collaboration, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems amid evolving global health challenges.

March 3, 2025
Uganda confirms new Ebola case, patient dies at Mulago hospital

The WHO said ver the weekend that it continues to support the national response, working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen and sustain control measures to curb the spread of the virus and halt the outbreak.

“WHO continues to support Uganda’s Ebola response efforts. Our teams are working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing and tracing, infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management, and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus.”

On February 5 this year, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, announced that Uganda had kicked off clinical trials of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan.

Atwiine made the announcement just one week after the disease killed one person. The deceased was a nurse at Mulago Hospital.

She said that health workers and other people exposed to the disease were being targeted in the trial.

“It is right to test the vaccine in the condition we are in now because our health workers have been exposed, and I believe that it will have that ability. The safety trials were done, and the vaccine is safe. So now, we just want to see how protective it is because we are in the midst of the epidemic,” Atwine said.

March 3, 2025