IGIHE

Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

  • Former Kenyan governor sentenced to 12 years in jail

    Former Kenyan governor sentenced to 12 years in jail

    In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said Milimani anti-corruption court chief magistrate Thomas Nzioki issued the verdict after he found Waititu guilty of fraud and conflict of interest in a Ksh588 million graft case.

    The second sentencing comes a day after the politician was found guilty of irregularly awarding tenders in Kiambu County in February 2018 during his tenure as the County boss.

    In a related judgement, Waititu’s wife Susan Wangari Ndungu was handed a 1 year jail term or fine of Ksh. 500,000.

    The other convicts in this case namely Luka Mwangi Wahinya (former Kiambu Chief Officer, Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities) will also serve 2 years in prison or pay a fine of 1 million shillings alongside a mandatory fine of Ksh.20 million or serve 5 years in prison in default.

    Also, the Directors of Testimony Enterprises Limited namely Charles Chege Mbuthia and Beth Wangeci were jailed for 4 years if they failed to pay a fine of Ksh.2 million shillings plus a mandatory fine of Ksh.294 million.

    This is after the Director of Public Prosecutions successfully proved to the court that the ex-county boss and his co-accused were guilty of conflict of interest, abuse of office, engaging in fraudulent practices in procurement, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and dealing with suspected property.

    Justice Nzyoki also directed that Waititu and his co-accused not be appointed or hold any public office for a period of 10 years.

    Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his wife have both been convicted.
  • DRC soldiers arrest by UPDF in Uganda

    DRC soldiers arrest by UPDF in Uganda

    The soldiers, who were found armed, were taken into custody by Ugandan authorities on February 12, 2025 before being handed over to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Nebbi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Abak confirmed the development, stating that the Ugandan government followed the proper channels to ensure the soldiers were safely returned. “We handled the matter diplomatically and ensured they were repatriated without conflict,” Abak said.

    However, sources close to the soldiers claim they were not in Uganda illegally. “We were not trespassing! This is our land,” one of them reportedly said while being escorted back to the DRC.

    Lake Albert, which sits between Uganda and the DRC, has been a source of tension between the two countries for years and the Congolese soldiers may have believed they were operating within their territory.

    Fishermen and security forces from both sides have clashed multiple times, with accusations of illegal activities and territorial violations.

    The DRC soldiers were allegedly operating illegally on Lake Albert in Buliisa District.
  • Ugandan scientist secures US patent for ground-breaking cancer treatment

    Ugandan scientist secures US patent for ground-breaking cancer treatment

    Magoola is the Founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, the pharmaceutical and biotech firm, currently developing a vaccines and drugs manufacturing plant in Mattuga, in the outskirts of near Kampala.

    This invention utilizes a novel composition of guided RNA attached to the Cas9 protein. This complex targets and disrupts mutated genes responsible for cancer, preventing their repair and ultimately killing the cancerous cells.

    While the foundational CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows for precise gene editing, earned Professors Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Magoola’s invention takes this technology a crucial step further.

    Instead of allowing the cell to repair the disrupted gene, his method prevents this repair, leading to the targeted destruction of cancer cells.

    Unlike existing FDA-approved gene editing products, Magoola’s invention is specifically designed to treat cancer by disrupting the mutated genes. Critically, it targets only cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

    This specificity offers the potential to treat all types of cancer, regardless of stage, and eliminates the debilitating side effects associated with traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and radiation.

    Following the patent publication, Magoola has been requested to submit an approval plan to the US FDA in March 2025, paving the way for clinical trials to begin before the end of 2025.

    “All details of the manufacturing of this product have been completed and are ready to go for testing,” Magoola stated in an interview recently.

    This ground-breaking treatment holds immense promise, and represents a USD 300 billion market. Its simplicity will make it accessible globally, including in developing countries, at a minimal cost.

    This is particularly significant considering the projected global cancer burden of 35 million cases annually by 2030. Magoola emphasizes that this invention is a humanitarian contribution aimed at eradicating cancer worldwide.

    This achievement follows another recent milestone for Magoola and Dei BioPharma. On January 7, 2025, the USPTO accepted their application for a patent on the world’s first universal vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

    This invention is a humanitarian contribution aimed at eradicating cancer worldwide, according to Dr. Magoola.
    Magoola is the Founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, the pharmaceutical and biotech firm in Uganda.
  • 45 Premium tourists kick off their visit to Rwanda

    45 Premium tourists kick off their visit to Rwanda

    The visitors, hosted by Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company, are set to explore various parts of Rwanda, including the Volcanoes National Park.

    These elite travelers embarked on a journey through different countries, having previously arrived from Kenya and Tunisia, with their journey starting in London, UK. Their tour includes visiting world-renowned natural attractions, and they are accompanied by Abercrombie & Kent staff throughout.

    Each tourist paid between $300,000 and $400,000 for the 30-day trip, which covers travel, luxury accommodations, and services in some of the world’s most scenic destinations, including Rwanda’s prestigious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Kataza House.

    On their trip around the world, they came a private chef, doctors. Upon arrival in Kigali, 17 classic tourist vehicles were at their disposal to take them to the Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze District, where they will visit gorillas and other wildlife.

    Some moved by helicopter ride for some of them. The group will also visit local markets and shop for souvenirs.

    The travelers will continue their journey to other African destinations.

    Abercrombie & Kent primarily selects destinations known for security, high-end hotels, professional services, and unique natural wonders, with only a handful of countries included in their exclusive tours. Rwanda is consistently one of their chosen destinations.

    In an interview with IGIHE, Paul Muvunyi, the CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda, praised Rwanda’s continued progress and its strong tourism appeal. He emphasized that Rwanda’s safety, hospitality, and the opportunity to see the famous mountain gorillas are major attractions.

    Muvunyi noted that as demand grows, they aim to bring these high-end tourists to Rwanda more frequently, potentially even every month.

    These visitors, who are wealthy individuals worth millions of dollars, often return to Rwanda because of the unique experiences the country offers. According to Albert Mitcho, an Abercrombie & Kent staff member in the region, many tourists visit Rwanda repeatedly due to its exceptional offerings.

    Ann Epting, a senior representative from Abercrombie & Kent in the United States, highlighted Rwanda’s unique wildlife and culture as major reasons why clients choose to visit repeatedly. She emphasized that Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where tourists can experience mountain gorillas in the wild, contributing to its popularity.

    The travelers will continue their journey to other African destinations, including Botswana, South Africa, and West Africa, as part of their ongoing luxury adventure.

    Abercrombie & Kent, a leading luxury travel agency founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent, operates in over 100 countries with more than 60 branches, including one in Rwanda. They employ over 2,500 staff worldwide.

    many tourists visit Rwanda repeatedly due to its exceptional offerings.
  • Kagame reaffirms Rwanda’s right to self-defense amidst M23 allegations

    Kagame reaffirms Rwanda’s right to self-defense amidst M23 allegations

    As regional tensions continue to boil, with the M23 rebels seizing Goma in the eastern part of DR Congo and threatening to advance to Bukavu, Kagame firmly responded to the allegations in a video conference interview with Jeune Afrique.

    He called for a fair judgment based on facts and evidence rather than sweeping accusations. “We have faced existential threats for years. Threats and sanctions will not deter Rwanda from defending its sovereignty and security,” he said.

    Kagame made it clear that it is not his responsibility to intervene in the internal matters of the DR Congo or support any group for political change. “It’s none of my business to try and effect supporting them or do it for them to do the change that may be justified and they want to see,” he asserted.

    Regarding casualties during the ongoing conflict, Kagame explained that casualties in any conflict are inevitable, but questioned the logic behind holding those defending their nation accountable for enemy losses.
    The Head of State emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering position in defending its national interests while also encouraging a broader understanding of the complex situation in the Great Lakes region.

    The M23 crisis, which has been shaking the region for almost three decades, has once again come onto the international spotlight as leaders prepare to discuss the crisis further during the upcoming African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

    President Paul Kagame has reiterated Rwanda's right to self-defense and will not be intimidated by threats of sanctions.
  • RwandAir opts for alternative routes after DRC airspace restrictions

    RwandAir opts for alternative routes after DRC airspace restrictions

    On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the DRC government officially barred flights from Rwanda from entering its airspace or landing on its territory, citing security concerns. Just hours after the announcement, RwandAir confirmed that it had started implementing the directive.

    “Due to the closure of DRC airspace to Rwandan-registered aircrafts, RwandAir has established alternative routes for affected flights. We are doing everything possible to ensure safe and reliable travel while minimizing disruptions for our customers,” RwandAir said in a statement. The airline also apologized to passengers affected by the decision.

    “Civil or government aircraft registered in Rwanda, or elsewhere but operating in Rwanda, are prohibited from DRC airspace and territory due to security threats posed by the ongoing conflict,” the DRC Civil Aviation Authority said earlier.

    This decision comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise amid ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed group M23, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.

    The latest ban follows a similar measure imposed by the DRC in 2022, which suspended RwandAir’s operations within the country. Before that, RwandAir operated flights to key DRC airports, including Goma International Airport, Lubumbashi International Airport, and N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa.

    The Rwandan national carrier, RwandAir, has suspended flights over DRC airspace.
  • Qatar and Rwanda move towards Visa-free travel

    Qatar and Rwanda move towards Visa-free travel

    This agreement signifies that both nations have agreed to remove visa requirements for their citizens. However, once both parties finalize and confirm the terms, a formal agreement will be signed, ensuring there are no further changes or improvements needed.

    The announcement of this agreement was made on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

    The official confirmation took place during a Government Council meeting led by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

    This approval means that Rwandans wishing to travel to Qatar will no longer need a visa, and similarly, citizens of Qatar will not require a visa to visit Rwanda. Since 2019, Qatar has included Rwanda among the countries whose citizens can travel to Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.

    Opening the doors for citizens of other countries to easily obtain visas upon arrival, or apply for them later, aims to promote trade, business, and tourism between the two nations.

    This agreement comes shortly after President Kagame’s official visit to Qatar, where he met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. President Kagame arrived in Doha on the evening of February 11, 2025, for a working visit.

    Rwanda and Qatar already share strong cooperation in several sectors, including security. In October 2024, the Rwanda National Police and Qatar’s internal security agency, Lekhwiya, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance security and fight crime.

    Additionally, the two countries collaborate in air transport, with Qatar Airways expected to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir in the near future.

    Qatar also holds a 60% stake in the Bugesera International Airport project, which is set to be completed with an investment of $780 million. Upon completion, the airport will be capable of accommodating 14 million passengers annually.

    President Kagame’s met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on his official visit.
  • President Kagame, Emir of Qatar hold bilateral talks

    President Kagame, Emir of Qatar hold bilateral talks

    The two leaders discussed the “continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors,” according to the President’s Office.

    A day before, the Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit. He was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, at Hamad International Airport.

    Rwanda and Qatar are friendly nations with cooperation in various sectors that benefit both sides. These countries collaborate in areas such as security, investment promotion, economic partnership, trade and technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more.

    Qatar is also partnering with Rwanda in transportation investments, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake.

    Last month, Kagame mentioned that significant progress had been made regarding agreements Rwanda signed with Qatar for the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the purchase of a 49% stake in RwandAir, with most aspects bearing fruitful results.

    At the end of the work visit, the head of state, along with his delegation, was once again accompanied by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, to Hamad International Airport for departure.

    The two leaders discuss the continuous positive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Qatar and partnership in key sectors.
    The Head of State arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a work visit on February 11, 2025.
    On February 12, 2025, President Paul Kagame was received by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
  • Catholic and Anglican Church representatives meet M23 rebels in Goma

    Catholic and Anglican Church representatives meet M23 rebels in Goma

    The meeting brought together leaders from the political coalition AFC, which consists of various political groups and the M23. Among the attendees were AFC leader Corneille Nangaa, North Kivu’s Deputy Governor Manzi Willy, and M23 military officials.

    Recently, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Anglican Church (ECC) launched a program to engage with various groups in the region in a bid to bring peace to Eastern DRC.

    On February 9, 2025, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa, announced that the churches were ready to engage M23 rebels, with peace as the primary goal.

    “If going to Goma is necessary, we will go. We will meet and talk with everyone. Even if they are in the moon, we will meet them there. We cannot achieve anything if we don’t give everyone a chance, if we want these talks to lead to a lasting solution,” he stated.

    However, the initiative by CENCO and ECC has been criticized by the ruling UDPS party in the DRC, which argued that the churches should not be involved in political activities without authorization from President Félix Tshisekedi.

    UDPS stated, “UDPS/Tshisekedi reminds that religious groups do not have a mandate to engage in political processes on behalf of the state. We call on religious leaders to focus on promoting peace and unity among citizens, while respecting the authority of the legitimate state leadership.”

    Both the Catholic and Anglican Churches support the peace initiatives endorsed by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which include halting fighting in Eastern DRC and facilitating talks between the DRC government and M23.

    The meeting brought together leaders from the political coalition AFC, which consists of various political groups and the M23.
    Representatives of the Catholic and the Anglican Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have met with the armed group M23 in Goma.
  • President Kagame arrives in Qatar for official working visit

    President Kagame arrives in Qatar for official working visit

    The Rwandan Head of State was warmly received by Dr. Ahmad bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, the Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Hamad International Airport, as confirmed by Rwanda’s Embassy in Qatar.

    Rwanda and Qatar share a strong, friendly relationship, cooperating in various sectors, which is further cemented through their ongoing diplomatic engagements.

    At the end of last year, President Kagame participated in the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate event in the Formula 1 calendar.

    In February 2024, President Kagame made another working visit to Qatar aimed at reinforcing the already solid ties between the two countries.

    Qatari officials have also previously visited Rwanda; on January 31, 2025, President Kagame hosted Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters.

    In June 2022, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Rwanda as a state guest during a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Kigali. This followed a visit in April 2019 by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Supreme Leader, aimed at advancing bilateral relations.

    The two nations cooperate in security, investment promotion, trade, technology, tourism, anti-corruption, and more. Qatar is also collaborating with Rwanda on the Bugesera Airport project, with Qatar Airways holding a 60% stake.

    In January 2025, President Kagame noted significant progress in agreements signed with Qatar, especially concerning the construction of Bugesera International Airport and the acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir.

    President Paul Kagame is in Doha, Qatar for an official working visit.