IGIHE

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  • Ukraine’s Poroshenko Sworn in as President

    Ukraine’s Poroshenko Sworn in as President

    {{Petro Poroshenko took the oath on Saturday as Ukraine’s president, buoyed by Western support but facing an immediate crisis in relations with Russia as a separatist uprising seethes in the east of his country.}}

    “I pledge with all my strength to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,” the 48-year old confectionery billionaire said at his swearing-in ceremony before parliament.

    Poroshenko was elected on May 25, three months after his pro-Moscow predecessor Viktor Yanukovich was toppled by street protests and fled to Russia. Within weeks, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, provoking the deepest crisis in relations with the West since the Cold War.

    Since Poroshenko’s election, government forces have begun an intensified campaign against separatist fighters in eastern Ukraine who want to split with Kiev and become part of Russia.

    The rebels have fought back, turning parts of the east into a war zone. On Friday they shot down a Ukrainian army plane and killed a member of the interior ministry’s special forces in the separatist stronghold of Slaviansk, where residents said shelling continued all day.

    On the eve of his inauguration, Poroshenko held a brief meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in France, where both were attending World War Two commemorations.

    French officials said the two shook hands and agreed that detailed talks on a ceasefire between Kiev government forces and the pro-Russian separatists would begin within a few days.

  • EAX to Support Farmer Coops Across Rwanda

    EAX to Support Farmer Coops Across Rwanda

    {{ The East Africa Exchange (EAX) has signed a cooperative agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) to work together to provide grain storage and warehouse management services in support of farmer cooperative groups across Rwanda.}}

    Part of the agreement includes the Exchange managing thirteen (13) warehouses which have been set up by the Government of Rwanda around strategic production areas under land consolidation.

    Those warehouses are all linked to the National Feeder Road Program which eases access to markets and inputs.

    The Exchange will provide top quality grain storage and warehousing management services through Collateral Management International (CMI), a highly specialized agricultural services company with presence in several African countries including but not limited to South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, and now Rwanda.

    The Exchange will provide professional warehouse storage and inventory management, including moisture testing, drying, cleaning and weighing of stock prior to storage to reduce storage losses.

    It’s expected that good storage management will translate into better revenues for farmers. The first phase of the thirteen (13) warehouse rollout plan will include (4) structures that have been identified in the areas of Karongi, Nyanza, and Kayonza.

    Under the agreement, the Exchange will provide electronic warehouse receipts, so that farmers could trade their grains through the Exchange’s world class NASDAQ trading platform.

    The farmers could also use their electronic warehouse receipts for loans from the Exchange’s partner banks. “EAX is committed to strengthening its relationship with the Government by being a true partner in the development of agricultural value chains.

    This warehouse program gives us the opportunity to fulfill our objectives of contributing to the reduction of post-harvest losses through proper grain storage and then trading high quality grains through the Exchange.

    We will continue to support and empower the farming community,” said Paul Kukubo, EAX Chief Executive Officer.

    On their part, MINAGRI will facilitate a sensitization and outreach program for the farmers so that the Exchange can educate them on warehouse receipting, grain standards, grain certification, trading on the Exchange and access to finance.

    “MINAGRI expects that this joint initiative will contribute in mobilizing farmers to improve the quality of their grains, will strengthen their marketing efforts and will further facilitate their access to finance,” said Tony Nsanganira, Permanent Secretary.

    The two entities share mutual interests in the development of agricultural value chains, particularly farmers, ensuring that farmers have access to more diversified markets beyond just the ‘’farm gate‘’ to improve their chances of securing a better income and reward for their toils.

    The partners also seek to transform small holder farmers from rural agriculture to commercialization.

  • Agric Trade Fair Opens at Mulindi

    Agric Trade Fair Opens at Mulindi

    {{The annual agriculture trade fair commenced June 5th to 12th June 2014 at Mulindi ground show located in Gasabo district.

    It is the 9th agriculture exhibition organized by Ministry of agriculture under the theme of “transforming Agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods.}}

    The show was launched by the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Agnes Matilda Kalibata and the Minister for Youth and ICT Nsengimana Jean Philbert who were accompanied by HIS Excellences ambassadors of German, China, Egypt and Holland.

    The Minister noted the exhibition will be a good occasion for participants to share experiences on best agricultural practices, innovations and enable them forge partnerships in business.

    Dr. Kalibata urged both agricultural and animal farmers to consider using modern machinery in their production so as to achieve sustainable and high yields in their productions.

    She urged those who can’t afford to buy machinery for the start to rent them from the partner firms that have and are willing to rent them out to the farmers at their time of need.

    She also urged farmers not to rely on seasons for planting and harvesting as they are no longer reliable due to climatic changes.

    Farmers were urged to use updated farming methods like irrigation, using tractors, manure, fertilizers and so forth. These are key to farmers and neglecting them would mean neglecting yields.

    “This is a good day for Rwandans to discover farming with a purpose through diversification. If you are to grow crops, do it with a purpose of yielding more and same applies to animal keepers.”

    Youth were called upon to get involved in the ongoing trade show so as to learn and create jobs for themselves within the agriculture sector.

    The minister assured Rwandans that the ministry has many projects and programs in place meant for the citizens and encouraged everyone to take part in these programs to benefit their livelihoods and the economy.

    Among the programmes launched at the trade show Include; “shisha wumva” a campaign meant to promote milk consumption from the current 40 liters to 80 liters consumed annually.

    She noted that by end of this year there will be three milk production plants in the country to increase production to deal with current high demand and satisfy the market while achieving the main objective of 80liters per individual annually.

    In this regard, farmers were urged to improve hygiene for milk to satisfy the market being created for them.

    The exhibition is mainly organized with goals of supporting linkage between smallholder agri-business with financial services and credit, increasing awareness and access of farmers to information on the financial products and services available in the market to all other agricultural partners.

  • Nyagatare & Kayonza Host Annual Reading Day Campaign

    Nyagatare & Kayonza Host Annual Reading Day Campaign

    {{Imbuto Foundation’s 2014 Reading Day Campaign took place on June 6th in Nyagatare and Kayonza districts. }}

    The theme is: ‘Today a reader, tomorrow a leader’. John Rutayisire of the Rwanda Education Board and Zaina Nyiramatama of the National Children’s Commission were the Guests of honour at Nyagatare and Kayonza respectively.

    The Reading Day Campaign aims to promote a reading culture among young Rwandans. It is a social mobilization campaign also meant to raise awareness among teachers and parents on the importance of reading.

    We involve teachers, parents, and the communities in this reading effort, so that they can support and encourage their children to read more young students.

    Reading is FUNdamental it: expands knowledge, enhances memory, improves analytical skills and improves writing.

    In 2011 Imbuto Foundation launched its Reading promotion campaign. Our Reading promotion campaign is part of the countrywide Rwanda Reads! Campaign.

    In partnership with ONE UN, Imbuto Foundation has conducted Reading promotion campaigns in five districts in Rwanda: Gicumbi, Rubavu, Nyanza, Nyagatare, Gasabo and Nyarugenge.

    Over 1000 primary school students and 1000 community members have participated in these campaigns.

  • Fruit Processors Complete training on Quality Control

    Fruit Processors Complete training on Quality Control

    {{Over 30 fruit processors and extractors this Friday concluded the second phase of training in hazard control, quality assurance and preservation during wine and juice processing. }}

    The training is meant to groom fruit processors and extractors into large scale companies that can operate independently, contribute to the national development and compete favourably in the East African market.

    Participants in the three day training were middle range income wine and fruit juice processors from the six districts of the country.

    This workshop was opened by Mr. Kabera Celestin a coordinator at Masaka Business Incubation Center (MBIC). The training was organized by Association for Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda in partnership with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

    Kabera urged trainees not only to be present for trainings and take everything theoretically but also to put an initiative to ensure that they make use of RDB so as to get registered and recognized.

    This would facilitate them where necessary purchasing better production equipment so that they can compete favourably in the regional market.

    Being the second phase the trainees were briefed about the previous trainings where they were trained on hygiene and safety in work houses or production plants and later introduced to hazard control, use of preservatives and alcohol content measurement in wine production.

    Hategekimana Jean Paul a lecturer at KIST facilitated the first lecture on food safety and quality assurance control where he pointed that “consumers are becoming aware of the importance of safe and high quality products through media mainly”.

    He urged juice processors to put into practice what they were taught about quality assurance and food safety seriously.

    More to that the participants had practical trainings on wine processing and packaging they were given insight on how to apply preservatives and additives during production and finally how to brand their products which they call “etiquette”.

    The training was conducted by Mr. Juvenal Ndayisenga a Food processing consultant at BIO HOTICULTURE APICULTURAL, and Mr. Ralf Loepez GIZ- Technical Adviser with RDB.

    The training was concluded with the participants being briefed by KCB bank and Airtel officials who noted that the main reason why there is slow progress and growth in these peoples’ business is because they lack immediate capital which makes it hard for banks to give them loans since they don’t even have certification from RDB.

    Thus they will be working with AMIR towards partnering with these middle range income fruit processors to grow and boost their production income.

  • Uncle Austin Released from Detention

    Uncle Austin Released from Detention

    {{Uncle Austin a local radio presenter and musician has released a new song ‘Uko tayari’ after Police released him from detention over allegations of breach of trust.}}

    The Musician was set free this Friday June 6 after cooling behind bars at Muhima Police station since June 1st.

    His arrest followed failure to report to the Police station after three summons were served to him. He was seized after an arrest warrant was issued by the public prosecution.

    This is the second time the Musician has been arrested and detained in 2014.

    Uncle Austin updated his Facebook page status saying “Freedom is not Free.”

    When Contacted by IGIHE, the radio presenter said he could not discuss any details of his detention because he was in a sauna. Shortly after he wrote on his facebook page wall that he had released a new song called ‘Uko Tayari’.

  • North Province Leaders Seek Forgiveness for Working With FDLR

    North Province Leaders Seek Forgiveness for Working With FDLR

    {{The Governor of North Province on-behalf of local leaders in the Province has sought for forgiveness from the head of state. He said he was hurt and sorry that local leaders in the province were actively collaborating with FDLR rebels.}}

    Governor Bosenibamwe Aime on Thursday paraded all local leaders including executive secretaries, and village leaders and all together sought forgiveness from the head of state whom they told they had been collaborating with the FDLR rebels to destabilize the country’s security.

    President Paul Kagame had on Thursday told residents in Nyabihu district that government would not relax as country’s security was at stake.

    He noted, “We cannot allow anyone to compromise our security and our development. It starts with each of you playing your role”. he added,”We cannot and will not be a country where insecurity means tomorrow is uncertain.”

    Governor Bosenibamwe said; “Mr President you have done allot for us. I want to tell you something. some local leaders in the northern province are strongly engaged with FDLR. they have betrayed you. you helped all of us. However, am standing before you hurt and to tell you that we betrayed you. You have given us everything but because of greed some of these local leaders turned away to work with state enemy.”

    The Governor further explained to the president that most local leaders that were found collaborating with state enemies were arrested and tried in the courts of law.

    However, recently there has been international media reports that have castigated Rwanda over arrests and alleged disappearances of some citizens.

    Most recent was The United States calling upon the Government of Rwanda to account for individuals arrested over the past two months and currently in custody, and to respect the rights under Rwandan law and international human rights law of the individuals detained and arrested.

    President Kagame remained firm and defended such arrests saying Rwanda wouldn’t allow anyone to compromise national security and development and warned its also possible that such culprits could be be shot in broad day light.

    {{President Paul Kagame }}

    {{North Province Governor Mr Bosenibamwe Aime}}

  • Investors Ignore Risk in Favour of Value on Zimbabwe’s Bourse

    Investors Ignore Risk in Favour of Value on Zimbabwe’s Bourse

    {{Zimbabwe’s stock market has fallen so far from last year’s peak that some investors are stepping back in to scoop up consumer-oriented African growth plays.}}

    A rebound in the southern African country’s economy between 2010 and 2012, after a decade-long slump, spurred Zimbabwe’s benchmark industrial index to a record high 233.18 points last August.

    Disappointing economic growth since then in the country, rich in gold, uranium, platinum, diamonds and coal, has deterred investors, until recently.

    After hitting a trough in April, the benchmark has rallied 7% in the past six weeks to just above 177 points and foreign investors, who account for about 60 percent of activity on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, bought a net $37 million in shares in January-April, latest exchange data shows.

    “The big attraction is that valuations have been falling, reviving opportunities for investors who have not traditionally invested in Zimbabwe to buy stocks at really good prices,” said Grant Flanagan, managing director at Amigo Partners, which has a Zimbabwe-dedicated equity fund.

    “Despite the overriding strain the economy is taking at the moment, the very good businesses will continue to grow stronger and they make a compelling investing case.”

    The World Bank predicts Zimbabwe’s economy will expand by 3% this year, half the government’s forecast of 6.4% and compared with 10.5% growth two years ago.

    As businesses grapple with electricity and capital shortages, and the mining sector remains susceptible to changes in government policy, equity investors continue to be highly selective on Zimbabwe.

    wirestory

  • Rwanda Police Officers Awarded for South Sudan Mission

    Rwanda Police Officers Awarded for South Sudan Mission

    {{The United Nations has awarded Rwanda Police officers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan with medals for their professional and successful services.}}

    A contingent of thirty Rwanda officers were awarded in a function held at their headquarters in the capital Juba on June 4.

    The UNMISS Police Commissioner, Dr. Fredric Yiga, who presided over the awarding ceremony, thanked them for their outstanding performance in restoring peace and stability in world’s youngest nation.

    “I thank you for your excellent performance in protecting civilians especially in this South Sudan crisis and for your relentless efforts to build the capacity of the South Sudan National Police Services,” Yiga said.

    Rwandan Police officers train the local police force in various professional disciplines including investigations, intelligence, traffic Police, Information Technology and Method of instructions among others.

    He also thanked the Rwandan government its efforts in ensuring and maintaining peace and stability in other countries.

    Commissioner of Police Felix Namuhoranye, Rwanda-United Nations Police Chief Training Officer in UNAMISS said that his country is committed to using its home-grown successful initiatives to bring about peace to the rest of the world and to share best practices with other police forces.

    Rwanda maintains about 600 Police officers in eight missions. The missions are Darfur, Abyei, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Mali, Liberia, Guinea Bissau and South Sudan.

    RNP

  • EALA Speaker Ignored Legal Advice: EAC Secretary

    EALA Speaker Ignored Legal Advice: EAC Secretary

    {Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) attend a session of the East African Court of Justice in Arusha yesterday. The court threw out an application to stop impechment proceedings against Eala Speaker Margaret Zziwa.}

    {{East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Richard Sezibera yesterday said legal advice from his office was ignored by the embattled Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly.}}

    He said the EAC counsel had consistently explained how the regional legislature could have handled an attempt to impeachment Ms Margaret Zziwa, but his advice was rejected by the Speaker, who opted to block the Motion from being debated.

    The East African Court of Justice (EACJ), the legal arm of the bloc, last Thursday last week declined to stop Ms Zziwa’s impeachment after she and Mbidde Foundation of Uganda filed a suit before the court seeking interim injunction to prevent the Eala from debating on the Motion.

    The court further ruled that the legislators’ move to throw her out of her office did not infringe the Treaty which established EAC although it asserted that Ms Zziwa and the Uganda-based entity can still seek an injunction if they produced sufficient evidence to merit stopping the move against the Speaker.

    But Dr Sezibera told the assembly yesterday during the debate on the 2014/15 budget estimates that by refusing the Motion to be debated according to Eala’s Rules of Procedure, the regional parliament under the current Speaker was setting a precedent which would have serious consequences on the EAC and the integration process in general.

    “There are consequences which have made the respected House to debate motions which are not on the Order Paper and ignoring those scheduled for discussion,” he said, referring to aborted attempts by a section of the MPs to have the Motion to impeach the Speaker heard.

    The EAC boss further pleaded with the assembly to respect the Secretariat, which is the administrative arm of EAC and which is mandated to implement decisions of the EAC Council of Ministers, the policy organ of the Community.

    “It is the Council of Ministers which advises the Heads of State Summit. It should be treated with due respect. If you don’t heed the Council we will be undermining the sanctity of the Community.”

    Dr Sezibera further warned against turning Eala chamber “into a theatre of unnecessary conflicts”, noting that the people of East Africa had entrusted the MPs and the Parliament to steer the regional integration agenda using the procedures agreed upon.

    The remarks by the secretary-general in defence of the Council of Ministers apparently aimed to stem a barrage of criticisms against it from the legislators. Besides being the policy organ, the Council oversees implementation of the EAC programmes, initiates and submit Bills to the Assembly and tables the Community budget.

    It came only hours after Ms Zziwa declared before the House that the issue of her impeachment by some Eala members has collapsed and was dead.

    “I find that the Motion falls short of the requisite four signatures from all the partner states as a mandatory requirement under Rule 9 on the Removal of the Speaker,” she stated, adding; “The Motion also suffers expiry within the meaning of Rule 9 as its tabling was not crystallized within the requisite seven days. In my considered opinion, it therefore collapsed.”

    The Speaker added: “The effect of the Motion is that it can no longer form part of the business of this House. This is my decsion on the matter of procedure that was raised as mandated of the Speaker by Rule 82 (2) of the rules of this House.”

    The Speaker further argued that Rule 82 (2) of Eala’s Rules of Procedures grants the Speaker of the Assembly the final powers on the interpretation and application of the Rules of Procedures and that the EA Court declined to take a decision restraining the Assembly from going ahead with a Motion for Removal of the Speaker and ruled that the matter should be resolved using available Rules of Procedure.

    NMG