In his address, Kagame emphasized the critical responsibilities the new ministers face, urging them to be resourceful and innovative in executing their roles.
“Your jobs involve finding the necessary equipment and resources to carry out your duties effectively,” he said. While acknowledging that the country may not have an abundance of resources, Kagame encouraged the ministers to be strategic in using what is available based on need and capacity.
For the Minister of Sports, Kagame highlighted the importance of building on existing achievements and focusing on talent development.
“Sports is a business that thrives on talent. We must explore and nurture the available talent in Rwanda, while continuously improving our sports infrastructure across the country,” he remarked.
The President further stressed that the government has already laid down infrastructure to support sports, and the next step is to maximize its potential.
Turning to the newly appointed Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury, Kagame stressed the importance of financial acumen in driving economic growth.
“It’s not just about counting money, but understanding where it comes from and how to increase its inflow,” he said. The President called on the Ministry of Finance to focus on effectively managing resources and increasing national income through strategic policies.
The President also emphasized that success in these roles depends not only on individual efforts but also on strong collaboration with other leaders and sectors across the government. “Working together with others in different capacities and sectors is crucial in achieving our collective goals,” Kagame stated.
Kagame reminded the new ministers that their oaths of office are not just formalities. “I often say, the oath is not just a tradition; it carries weight, and it reflects the work you are about to undertake,” he said.
Mukazayire previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and a senior official at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) before was appointed Minister of Sports.
Rwego Ngarambe has expertise in sports law and previously served as the Director General for Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports before becoming Minister of State for Sports.
Godfrey Kabera is formerly the head of the Planning and Research Department at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
Nsanzimana made this statement on the evening of December 18, 2024, during a memorial event organized to honor the deceased medics, with participation from Rwanda’s health sector.
The event, held in collaboration with the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), the Rwanda Medical Association (RMA), and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), brought together health professionals, families, and friends of the fallen doctors.
The ceremony reflected on the legacy of these doctors, their dedication to saving lives, and their ultimate sacrifice.
The nine doctors who lost their lives to Marburg are; Dr. François Ntawuruhunga, Dr. Claudine Uzamukunda, Twahirwa Diogène, Mbabazi Joyce, Jean de Dieu Nduwamungu, Isabelle Ngenzi, Grace Uwanesheje Cyiza, Alice Dushimirimana and Schadrack Nambayisa.
Nsanzimana commended the bravery of health workers who fought against the outbreak, underscoring the extraordinary courage of these individuals who stayed committed to their duties despite the risks.
He highlighted that nine of the total number of 15 people who succumbed to the virus were healthcare workers.
He reassured the families of the deceased that the government is planning special measures to support them.
“The government has pledged to take concrete steps to support the families of the doctors who died battling Marburg by the end of December 2024. This initiative is a gesture of solidarity and recognition of their sacrifice.
Additionally, RSSB will explore extraordinary measures to assist these families, acknowledging the significant contributions of these professionals,” he said.
André Gitembagara, President of the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Health’s leadership during the unexpected Marburg outbreak.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our colleagues in combating this virus. I received calls from nurses working in Marburg treatment centers expressing their fears, but the structured and organized approach in those facilities reassured them and strengthened their resolve to care for patients,” he said.
Gitembagara affirmed the commitment to continue supporting the families of the deceased and praised RSSB for standing with its members even after their passing.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro, assured the families that benefits due to them will be processed promptly to provide them with comfort and support.
The Ministry of Health noted that the 42-day period required to declare the outbreak eradicated concludes on December 19, 2024. It extended gratitude to all Rwandans for their dedication in overcoming the outbreak and reaffirmed the need for vigilance in the fight against future epidemics.
The celebration took place on December 13, 2024, at their new premises located in Remera, KG 8 Avenue. Established in 2015, the company provides multimodal transport services by sea, air, and road, as well as customs clearance, warehousing, and freight forwarding solutions.
Audrey Akimana, the company’s Rwanda representative, expressed her gratitude to the team, partners, and clients for their unwavering support.
“We are deeply thankful to everyone who supported us and our partners who made this milestone possible. A special thanks to our hardworking team. Without collaboration, we wouldn’t be where we are today. This is a day of joy as we celebrate the year’s end and inaugurate our new offices,” she said.
The company CEO Kamiya Hakizimana also addressed attendees, appreciating their presence and reaffirming the company’s commitment to excellence. “We are honored to share this evening with you and proud to gather here in our new Rwanda offices,” he said.
Kamiya commended the local management team for their dedication, ensuring the company achieved its goals. He reassured clients of continued quality services tailored to meet their needs.
Having already served time in detention, the remainder of his sentence will be carried out under house arrest with electronic surveillance. The verdict aligns with the prosecution’s request. His legal representative indicated that an appeal is likely.
“He is in a state of shock. From the outset, he has maintained his innocence. They did not take into account the fact that he has been manipulated, the fact that he has been forced to do things beyond his control,” stated lawyer Mbeko Tabula.
The trial proceeded without the presence of Paul, who is now out of contract and searching for a new club.
The judge instructed Mathias and five other men to face trial following an investigation into whether Paul was subjected to extortion by Mathias and childhood friends in 2022.
Last month, Mathias was put on trial “for the offences of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy.” The five co-defendants demanded 13million euros (£10.7m) from the 31-year-old France player, who was confronted at gunpoint by masked men in March 2022.
The defendants persistently intimidated Paul, asserting that he should have supported them after his rise to international football stardom. They were charged with extortion, abduction and confinement to facilitate a crime, as well as criminal conspiracy.
Roushdane K., the alleged mastermind behind the blackmail, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence. The other defendants also received jail terms.
Court documents reveal that Paul suffered financial losses amounting to 197,000 euros (£164,000) and emotional distress valued at 50,000 euros (£41,000).
All defendants, excluding Mathias, were ordered to collectively pay this sum to the ex-Juventus player. During the investigation, Paul admitted to paying 100,000 euros (£83,000) to the organized group, which included his own brother.
This milestone marks a significant step for Rwanda’s capital markets at a time when the global demand for responsible investing and sustainability is rapidly increasing.
At the launch event, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, the CEO of RSE, highlighted the importance of these guidelines in positioning Rwanda as a competitive player in the global investment landscape. He explained that ESG is no longer just a trend but a foundational element for attracting investments.
“ESG is not just a trend but a fundamental pillar for attracting global investment. By adopting ESG reporting, we are ensuring that Rwanda remains competitive and aligned with international standards for responsible investing,” Rwabukumba said.
The guidelines, developed over the past two years in collaboration with various stakeholders, aim to support companies listed on the Stock Exchange as well as those beyond it.
Rwabukumba further emphasized that while the global emphasis on ESG is growing, the RSE is taking proactive steps to ensure that local companies are not left behind. He assured companies that the guidelines are flexible, offering enough time for them to align with the new framework.
“ESG has become dominant in investment decisions. A lot of investors today are not just focusing on profitability. They are looking at the environmental, social, and governance impact of businesses,” he noted.
Dr. James Ndahiro, the Technical Advisor from the Capital Market Authority (CMA), reinforced the significance of sustainability for Rwanda’s future economic development. In his address, he noted that markets must lead the way in transparency and accountability.
“Our markets must lead the way in transparency and accountability. ESG reporting is a cornerstone for creating businesses that not only deliver financial returns but also contribute to environmental stewardship and social development,” Ndahiro stated.
Bhongolwethu Sonti, the Africa Program Manager at GRI, shared his insights into how companies can implement ESG reporting frameworks.
“Effective ESG reporting allows businesses to align their operations with global sustainability goals while addressing local challenges. This is how we create resilient and impactful organizations,” Sonti explained.
He also underscored the importance of strong corporate governance as the foundation for successful ESG integration, emphasizing that businesses must ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making at all levels.
Sonti praised Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the country’s strong governance structures make it an ideal environment for the integration of ESG principles.
He encouraged businesses to embrace the guidelines not merely as a compliance requirement but as an opportunity to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape.
The launch event was preceded by a one-day training session facilitated by Protos Capital LLP, where Loise Wangui Musyoka, Managing Partner at Protos, spoke about the importance of integrating ESG into business strategy.
“ESG reporting is more than a compliance exercise; it is a powerful tool for driving innovation and building trust with stakeholders. These guidelines are not just a process flow document; they are a how-to guide that provides templates and tools to help companies integrate ESG into their operations,” Musyoka remarked.
She addressed concerns regarding the cost of implementing ESG practices. While acknowledging that there are initial costs, especially for upskilling internal teams and adapting business operations, she argued that the cost of non-compliance could be far higher in the long run.
Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, the Managing Director, Mahwi Grain Millers Ltd, one of the companies listed on the RSE said that the launch of these ESG guidelines is a critical step for Rwanda, not only in attracting investments but also in positioning the country as a leader in sustainable business practices in Africa.
With this new framework in place, Rwanda, through RSE, becomes the seventh member of the Africa Stock Exchange Association and only the second in the East African region. It joins countries including South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco and Eswatini.
This shows that capital markets are slowly but surely moving towards meeting the growing global demand for transparency, accountability, and sustainability in business operations.
In response to Muhoozi’s latest remarks, Opondo has questioned the legitimacy of the general’s words. “So, being a buffoon, proven or otherwise, is now an offence?” Opondo responded challenging Muhoozi to provide specifics on his allegations.
“If you have serious allegations, General Muhoozi, be specific. Who is the fool you are talking about, and what have they done?” Opondo’s sharp response underscored the growing rift within Uganda’s leadership, as Muhoozi’s critics, including Opondo, accused him of undermining military cohesion and creating unnecessary divisions.
Opondo further argued that public name-calling does nothing to resolve internal disputes and only exacerbates tensions. “We have institutions to handle disputes. Calling someone a fool or a buffoon in public does not solve anything. It only creates more division and confusion,” he said.
This comment highlighted the deepening divide between those who support Muhoozi’s outspoken nature and those who view his remarks as harmful to Uganda’s stability and diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi has said that Muhoozi’s posts are not the official position of government of Uganda.
“Regarding the comments attributed to general Muhoozi, the CDF, on DRC and Sudan, those are comments made on social media, casually, privately, and not the official position of UPDF or Ministry of Defense or government of Uganda,” Baryomunsi said.
He urged the public and the international community to treat Muhoozi’s tweets as casual comments.
“They should be treated as casual comments, if at all he made them, and therefore there should be no anxiety at all about those comments, both within the country and even our friends outside Uganda. So, they shouldn’t be treated as an official position of the government of Uganda,” Baryomunsi said.
Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time for his inflammatory tweets about Sudan, the DRC and internal military circles.
Muhoozi’s initial remarks about Sudan, in which he threatened to invade the country with the support of the United States, quickly sparked outrage both locally and internationally.
The Sudanese government has since called on the African Union, regional and international organizations, and the entire international community to condemn Muhoozi’s statements, which it said, pose a threat to regional and international peace and security.
Another post where Muhoozi threatens to wipeout all white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC prompted he Congolese government reacted by summoning Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Matata Twaha Magara to get clarification on the official position of government of Uganda.
Although Muhoozi did not single out a mercenary group, it is widely believed that he was referring to foreign operatives associated with Bulgaria’s Agemira group and Romania’s RALF, who have been assisting the Congolese national army (FARDC) in its fight against M23 rebels since 2022.
The Congolese government has repeatedly stated that these individuals are not mercenaries but trainers working to strengthen the FARDC’s capacity in modern warfare and safeguarding strategic locations like Goma and Sake.
Critics have argued that Muhoozi’s inflammatory statements could be part of a broader political strategy, suggesting he is being used as a scapegoat by powerful figures within the Ugandan government.
Just days after the Sudan debacle, Muhoozi stirred internal unrest by targeting his fellow military officers, including Lt. Gen. Peter Elweru, whom he publicly called a “buffoon” while accusing him of incompetence.
This sparked a firestorm of debate, with many Ugandans questioning whether such remarks were appropriate from a senior figure in the military and political scene. Muhoozi’s critics suggested that his outbursts were intentionally encouraged to draw attention away from larger issues.
Muhoozi’s actions come at a time when his political ambitions are under close scrutiny. His critics believe that these outbursts may be part of a broader strategy to bolster his profile ahead of any future political ambitions, while others argue that he is being manipulated as a scapegoat for political maneuvering within the government.
While he has since deleted many of his inflammatory tweets, the diplomatic and internal fallout looms. Uganda’s international relations, particularly with neighboring Sudan and DRC remain in jeopardy, and the tensions within the Ugandan military and political circles show no signs of easing.
As the fallout unfolds, many are left wondering whether Muhoozi’s controversial remarks will continue to shape the country’s political landscape or whether Uganda’s leadership will regain control of the narrative.
Speaking to Imvaho Nshya, RCS Spokesperson CSP Thérèse Kubwimana addressed accusations raised in an October 2024 Human Rights Watch report. The report alleged cases of torture and unlawful detentions, including claims from a detainee at Rubavu Prison who reported being subjected to beatings and electric shocks.
Kubwimana firmly denied these allegations, emphasizing that RCS does not condone such acts and whenever committed, these are personal choices and not directives from RCS or the government.
“No leader assigns duties that include torturing others. Those found guilty of such actions are held accountable in courts of law,” she stated,
She criticized the tendency to generalize individual misconduct as institutional failure and expressed disappointment over narratives portraying correctional facilities negatively without verified information.
“It is deeply troubling because those making these claims have never visited our facilities to see for themselves. I can confidently say our prisons provide good living conditions, contrary to these allegations,” she said.
Highlighting the credibility of RCS, Kubwimana pointed out that its personnel are entrusted with responsibilities in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Sudan and the Central African Republic, where they work alongside Rwanda’s army and police forces.
“A country accused of systemic torture would not be selected to provide peacekeepers who promote human rights and dignity,” she noted.
RCS continues to improve inmate welfare through programs like farming and livestock management, which contribute to dietary needs within facilities. Vulnerable prisoners and children in custody benefit from milk produced by RCS-owned cows, reflecting a positive commitment to humane incarceration.
Meanwhile, the government is taking further steps to enhance reintegration for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General recently announced the establishment of Rwanda’s first social reintegration center, set to open in February 2025 in Rwamagana District.
The facility, commonly referred to as a halfway home, will initially accommodate 250 female inmates, allowing them to transition back into society by engaging in day-to-day activities outside the center while returning in the evenings. This initiative is aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting a smooth reintegration process.
Ugirashebuja shared that the halfway home will also offer civic education and vocational training. If successful, the program will be expanded to other regions in the country.
With these measures, Rwanda demonstrates its dedication to balancing accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration for a fair and humane correctional system.
The community outreach, led by members of the Parliamentary Forum on the Prevention and Denial of the Genocide Against the Tutsi (AGPF), focused on five districts that had been identified as areas where Genocide ideology and acts of violence against survivors had been prevalent.
These districts are Nyaruguru, Ngoma, Karongi, Rusizi, and Ruhango. The goal of the initiative is to encourage local communities to stand united against division and to actively support the principles of unity and reconciliation.
Senator Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, the Forum President explained to IGIHE that the visits were aimed at raising awareness and building local capacity to prevent the recurrence of genocide ideology.
“We are not only sending a message of support and comfort to the survivors but also urging the people to hold fast to the values that promote unity and equality among Rwandans. We must ensure that the progress we’ve made in promoting unity and peace in Rwanda is not reversed,” he said.
The forum’s members engaged in discussions with local leaders, youth, women, and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to outline strategies for addressing and eliminating any remnants of divisive rhetoric or actions.
These efforts are supported by educational campaigns and clear calls for unity, stressing that any attempt to create divisions or diminish Rwanda’s progress toward peace must be resisted.
Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized that the parliament’s actions are a direct response to the recent incidents of violence linked to genocide ideology.
“We are sending a clear message that these acts will not be tolerated. Our objective is to make sure that such destructive ideologies are rooted out from society and that every Rwandan feels secure and respected,” he asserted.
Going forward AGPF plans to continue its outreach in all districts. In early 2025, the forum will expand its efforts by targeting youth in different age groups, teaching them the dangers of genocide ideology and reinforcing the importance of unity and national development.
This initiative is part of Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
Teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan treated the fans who thronged the host country’s coast region to some exhilarating displays of sporting artistry.
The games were officially opened by Kenya’s President, William Ruto in the presence speakers from the region’s various parliaments, ambassadors and sponsors including Mchezo Limited Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo at a colorful procession that snaked the city and terminated at the Mama Ngina Drive tourist site.
Once again Uganda, who have won the overall title in the last two editions of the games maintained their championship slot, having clinched the most gold medals in various field and track events.
They were closely followed by Kenya while Tanzania was third. Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan took the fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.
One of the most interesting facets of the games was the accolade of the active athletes bestowed to non-other than the EALA delegation Chairman Kanini Kega who took part in most of the events including volleyball and golf.
Kega represented the Mchezo-sponsored EALA volleyball team, athletics, football among other disciplines and was feted for his never-say-never attitude towards sports.
Athletics was one of the sports that produced thrills and spills, by and large, the 100m men’ s and women. The winner in the women’s 100m race was Acom Joan Alobo of Uganda. Alobo is in the 11th Parliament of Uganda as the Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament.
She beat Omanyo Catherine of Kenya and Sichalwe Condesta of Tanzania to a scintillating podium dash.
The men’s 100m race was won by Odoi Bernard Onen of Uganda who beat Ochan Patrick – Uganda and Vincent Musyoka (Kenya) to the podium.
Another sport that enthralled regional fans was Tug of War in which Female MPs from Kenya came third behind gold medalists Uganda and Tanzania. In the Male category flamboyant MPs from Uganda took gold followed by Tanzania and Kenya.
Football men’s accolades went to Uganda (gold), Tanzania (silver), Burundi (bronze) whilst Rwanda took the accolade of the Most Disciplined Team.
Wheelchair Darts was also a crowd pleaser. In the ladies’ category Museo Rose of Kenya took the top honors ahead of Uganda’s Kanushu Laura.
In the Men’s Wheelchair Darts, it was a Kenyan 1-2 finish led by Koskei Bishop and Tim Wanyonyi whilst Bahati Alex of EALA came third.
Speaking on behalf of Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo on Tuesday December 17, 2024, Mercy Mugao extended heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Kenya, and especially Mombasa County, for successfully hosting this prestigious event.
“Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed incredible talent and unwavering passion across various disciplines. In sports, there are moments of victory and opportunities to learn and grow,” Mugao said.
“To all the winners, congratulations! For those who didn’t secure victory this time, I trust valuable lessons were gained to fuel future success,” she added. Mugao also commended the Government of Kenya for hosting a seamlessly organized event.
“At Mchezo, we are deeply committed to advancing the sports industry in East Africa and beyond through strategic partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and impact. Our focus is threefold: Invest, Innovate, and Inclusion. These games are more than just competitions—they are a catalyst for regional cohesion, trade, and economic development,” she explained.
{{Other Award winners included;}}
In Golf Dickson Kateshumbwa (longest drive Man), Mary Maingi (ongest drive female), Thomas Tayebwa (nearest to the pin Man), Caleb Mule (best man overall), Mary Maingi (Best female overall).
Ugandan female team was the overall winner while for the male team, Kenya was the overall winning team.
In Basketball, Uganda’s Mwine Mpaka emerged MVP for Men while Esther Matiko was the MVP for ladies. In Netball, Sarah Kayagi Netalisile emerged the MVP as Uganda ecame the overall champion in netball.
In Football, Amollo Paul Otiende was the most outstanding player while women volleyball, Jesca Kishoa was the MVP Muhakwa Valens was the MVP in the men’s category. Kanini Kega was recognized as the most active player in the competitions.
This decision came after Judge Andrew Bashaija confirmed that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant a full trial.
The case revolves around allegations that Arinaitwe exploited a young woman under the guise of offering her employment. In mid-2023, the victim, who had been promised a housemaid position, traveled from Mbarara to Kampala after receiving transport money.
Upon arrival, she was taken to Arinaitwe’s residence in Nalumunye, Rubaga Division, where she worked as a housemaid. However, the victim claims she was later subjected to sexual exploitation.
“The evidence shows the accused arranged and paid for the victim’s transportation, received her at his home, and provided accommodation,” noted Justice Bashaija during the ruling. “As a law enforcement officer, the accused used his position of power to manipulate and exploit the victim.”
The court heard harrowing details from the victim, who alleged that Arinaitwe forced her into unprotected sex at gunpoint and subjected her to invasive acts to exert control over her. Medical examinations corroborated her claims, revealing physical injuries consistent with sexual assault.
In his defense, Arinaitwe did not deny the victim’s presence at his residence or certain interactions but refuted the allegations of coercion. However, the judge pointed out that the evidence, including the victim’s testimony and forensic findings, established substantial grounds for trial.
This case has reignited debates about accountability within Uganda’s law enforcement. Critics argue that cases involving public officials often highlight systemic abuses of power.
“The fact that this crime was allegedly committed by a law enforcement officer is deeply troubling,” said Henry Muguzi, Executive Director of the Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring. “It shows the urgent need for reforms to address abuse within public institutions.”
The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act categorizes trafficking by public officials as aggravated, carrying severe penalties upon conviction. Legal experts believe this case will serve as a litmus test for the judiciary’s commitment to justice.
