Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

How Heineken’s UEFA final viewing party went down at Kigali Golf Resort (Photos)

The highly anticipated event united Bralirwa’s partners and football fans for a premium celebration of sport, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.

The high-stakes showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan unfolded on big screens in a premium setting, as guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment, from crisp, ice-cold beers to gourmet cuisine, all curated for an unforgettable fan experience.

As the match kept fans on the edge of their seats, the energy reached a peak with the final whistle and trophy presentation, capturing the spirit and emotion of Europe’s biggest club football night.

Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Inter Milan not only thrilled the crowd but also marked the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title, making the moment even more historic. But the night was far from over.

An exclusive afterparty turned the event into a full-fledged celebration, featuring thrilling live performances by the Symphony Band and Moogisha, alongside DJs Lamper and Khizz Beats, who kept the crowd energised late into the night.

The Kigali viewing party was the climax of a series of pre-final activations rolled out by Heineken across key outlets in the city. The consumer engagements gave lucky fans the chance to win exclusive merchandise and coveted invitations to the main event, building up momentum and excitement for the final.

Speaking about the impact of the event, Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa, noted:

“The UEFA Champions League is more than just a game. It’s a moment that brings people together. Through unique experiences like this, Heineken continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed international premium beer in Rwanda. We’re proud to deliver moments that matter for our consumers and partners alike.”

From start to finish, the event showcased Heineken’s unmatched ability to blend sport, lifestyle, and premium experiences, raising the bar for branded events in Rwanda — and leaving guests with memories to last well beyond the final whistle.

Scroll down for exclusive photos from the night.

June 3, 2025
Kabila holds talks with delegation representing vocal Tshisekedi critic Franck Diongo

The delegation, comprising members of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC), arrived from several countries, including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

According to Reconstruire RDC (Rebuild DRC), a social media platform founded by Kabila, the delegation delivered a message from Diongo, affirming the MRC’s readiness to support national recovery and respond to Kabila’s call for unity.

“Carrying a message from the Honourable Franck Diongo, delegates of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC)… were received this afternoon in Goma by President Joseph Kabila,” the platform stated.

“The MRC is committed to playing its part, responding to the call made by President Kabila to all those who passionately love Congo to come to its aid.”

Diongo is a vocal critic of President Tshisekedi. He has in the past strongly criticised Tshisekedi’s regime, calling it ‘bloody’ and accusing it of human rights violations, terror, and corruption.

According to the politician, who obtained political asylum in Belgium in June 2024, Tshisekedi’s government threatens unity and the future of the DRC.

The Monday meeting adds to a growing list of political engagements by Kabila since his return to the DRC from South Africa in late May. In recent days, he has also met with leaders of religious organisations and officials of the M23 rebel movement, which has seized large swaths of territory in eastern DRC.

Kabila also received youth associations from Goma on the same day. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the critical role of young people in preserving national unity and resisting division in the wake of the security situation in the DRC.

Youth representatives welcomed the message and expressed their desire to be actively involved in shaping the country’s future.

The series of meetings follows a national address delivered by Kabila on May 23, in which he proposed a 12-point roadmap to end violence and rebuild the DRC. His proposals include the withdrawal of foreign forces, disarmament of armed groups, and strengthening of regional cooperation.

June 3, 2025
Bill Gates praises Rwanda’s use of Artificial Intelligence in maternal healthcare

The Gates Foundation chairman spoke at the foundation’s event held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday, June 2. The event was attended by over 12,000 participants, including African leaders, health workers, development experts, and youth.

He reiterated his commitment to donate $200 billion over the next 20 years, most of which will go to Africa, to support health systems and sustainable development.

Gates said that resilient health systems cannot be achieved without African leadership and homegrown solutions. He emphasised that unleashing human potential through health and education should place every African country on a path to prosperity.

“By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity – and that path is an exciting thing to be part of,” he added.

He stressed the transformative role AI can play in healthcare, citing Rwanda’s use of AI-powered ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies and improve maternal care.

He also highlighted how African youth are embracing AI and thinking critically about how to apply it to solve local problems.

In addition to Rwanda, Gates mentioned Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia as countries where data, technology, and community-based systems are being used to reduce child mortality and combat diseases like malaria and HIV.

“I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources. The kind of fieldwork to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible,” Gates remarked.

In Rwanda, companies such as eFiche are providing AI-powered health services that include disease prediction, health data management, and advanced diagnostics.

Recently, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health launched a new AI-driven platform that allows community health workers to receive training via mobile phones, removing the need for in-person sessions.

During his speech, Gates called for deeper investment in primary healthcare, describing it as foundational to improving well-being and reducing inequality across the continent.

“With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results,” he said.

“Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.”

The event also featured remarks from international figures such as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and advocate Graça Machel, who called for sustained partnerships to advance Africa’s development goals.

Machel described Gates’ long-standing collaboration with Africa as a reflection of his respect for African leadership, ideas, and innovation.

“We are counting on Mr Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” Machel stated.

Gates committed to giving 99% of his wealth to charity as the Gates Foundation marked its 25th anniversary last month. At the event, he also shared his plan to wind down the foundation by 2045.

He noted that this decision was inspired in part by Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay, ‘The Gospel of Wealth,’ which argued that the rich should return their fortunes to society.

June 3, 2025
Maize, bean production decline as Irish potato and cassava rise in 2025

Maize production was estimated at 481,246 metric tons, a 5% decrease compared to Season A of 2024. The area cultivated also declined slightly to 244,095 hectares, down by 2%. Similarly, beans were grown on 327,147 hectares, a 0.6% decrease, resulting in a total production of 230,456 metric tons, which is 1% lower than the previous year.

In contrast, Irish potato output rose by 3%, reaching 475,785 metric tons, with a stable cultivated area of 54,485 hectares. Cassava production increased by 5% to 542,874 metric tons, despite a small drop in cultivated area. Both crops also recorded higher yields compared to cereals and pulses, 13.5 tons per hectare for cassava and 8.7 tons per hectare for Irish potatoes.

While the report does not offer direct explanations for changes in crop performance, it highlights significant differences in yields between small-scale and large-scale farmers. For instance, large-scale maize producers harvested an average of 4.1 tons per hectare, more than double the 1.9 tons recorded by smallholders. Similar yield gaps were observed across other major crops, suggesting structural differences in productivity that may help explain broader production trends.

Input use varied across the farming population. Only 37.3% of farmers used improved seeds, and 63.2% applied inorganic fertilisers. The report notes that the use of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation systems was much more common among large-scale farmers, contributing to their higher productivity.

Overall, agricultural land use remained stable, with 59% of Rwanda’s total land area dedicated to agriculture. Seasonal crops occupied the majority, followed by permanent crops and pasture. The Eastern and Northern provinces continued to lead in production of maize, cassava, and Irish potatoes.

The SAS 2025A report provides detailed crop estimates, input usage rates, and land use trends to support data-driven planning and policy decisions in Rwanda’s agriculture sector.

June 2, 2025
Masaka Farms expands product line with launch of ‘Eggless Mayonnaise’

The unveiling of the egg-free product took place at Bicu Lounge in Kimihurura and was attended by Masaka Farms management, staff, and various partners.

The mayonnaise comes in two varieties: Eggless Lemon Mayonnaise and Eggless Cocktail Mayonnaise.

Tumusiime Peace, Masaka Farms’ Marketing Manager, said the launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it ventures beyond dairy products.

“For the past 10 years, Masaka Farms has been primarily known for dairy processing, but we are now entering a new journey of going beyond that. These new mayonnaise products symbolise the direction we want to take,” she stated.

Luke Lundberg, the CEO of Masaka Farms, described the new mayonnaise as the beginning of an expansion journey beyond dairy processing.

“Being able to release a mayonnaise is a sign of the new path we are taking. Masaka Farms is going beyond dairy – we’re stepping into producing other essential consumer goods,” the CEO stated.

He added that, in collaboration with institutions like the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RFDA) and with support from Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), the company will continue to innovate and improve their offerings to meet consumer needs.

Masaka Farms was founded in 2015 and is known for its dairy products. The company has now expanded into non-dairy processing, with products available in various parts of the country.

June 2, 2025
Rwanda bans unauthorised foreign currency pricing, sets fines of up to Frw 10 million

The move is part of broader efforts to tighten control over foreign exchange operations and reinforce the role of the Rwandan franc as the country’s legal tender, following a rise in cases such as tenants being asked to pay in dollars for business or residential premises.

Under the new directive, individuals or businesses not authorised by the Central Bank are prohibited from quoting, advertising, or receiving payments in foreign currency for goods or services within Rwanda.

Violators face steep penalties, with fines of Frw 5 million for a first offence and Frw 10 million for repeat violations.

The revised regulation, inserted as Article 20 bis into Regulation No. 42/2022, clarifies that only payments linked to exports or imports are permitted to be made in foreign currencies.

All other domestic transactions must be priced and conducted in Rwandan francs, unless the Central Bank grants special authorisation.

The term “pricing in foreign currency” is broadly defined to include not only charging clients in foreign currencies, but also displaying prices in foreign currency, verbal or written communication of such pricing, advertising, invoicing, or including foreign currency amounts in contracts.

Additionally, unauthorised foreign currency transactions, such as accepting payment in foreign currency, are penalised more severely. First-time offenders may be fined 50% of the transacted amount, while repeat offenders risk fines of up to 100% of the foreign currency involved.

The regulation applies to both residents and non-residents operating in Rwanda. Licensed financial intermediaries and authorised dealers are also subject to penalties if they breach the foreign currency pricing rules when dealing with residents.

To ensure compliance, the Central Bank will collaborate with other relevant institutions and has been granted the authority to impose sanctions. Defaulters who fail to pay imposed penalties within 15 days will be reported to the Credit Bureau and charged an additional 1% of the unpaid amount per day of delay.

Furthermore, the regulation introduces whistleblower provisions under Article 37 bis, obligating every person to report any unauthorised foreign currency operations to the Central Bank. Whistleblowers will be protected in line with applicable laws.

The Central Bank reforms aim to promote financial stability, protect the integrity of the local currency, and combat unofficial foreign exchange activities that could distort Rwanda’s monetary policy.

June 2, 2025
Rwanda and Egypt deepen defence ties with new agreements

The agreements were signed in Kigali on Sunday, June 1, during the official visit of Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathi Ibrahim Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, who met with his Rwandan counterpart, General MK Mubarakh, at RDF Headquarters.

The three-day visit marks a significant step in deepening bilateral defence relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a long-term and sustainable partnership.

Discussions between the two military chiefs focused on enhancing joint military initiatives and exploring new areas of collaboration.

Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Khalifa paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

June 1, 2025
Qatari PM, Rwandan FM Nduhungirehe discuss bilateral ties and DRC peace efforts

According to a statement released by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two diplomats reviewed cooperation relations between Doha and Kigali, exploring avenues to enhance them.

The discussions also focused on the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC and Qatar’s role in the mediation process.

The meeting comes on the heels of a similar diplomatic engagement on Saturday, when Sheikh Mohammed held talks with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to discuss ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict between the two neighbouring countries.

Qatar has taken a leading role in efforts to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region. Talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group, which says it’s fighting for the rights of marginalised Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the eastern DRC, are being held in Qatar.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of aiding M23 hostilities in the eastern DRC. Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed the claims, insisting that its primary concern is the continued presence and collaboration between Congolese forces and the FDLR militia group. The group, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, continues to pose a security threat on the border with Congo, fueling the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC.

Meanwhile, the African Union has also taken a central role in the region’s peace efforts following the early 2025 decision by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a unified framework. This unified initiative, coordinated by the AU, aims to streamline regional mediation efforts.

June 1, 2025
AU chairperson, Qatari PM discuss Rwanda–DRC peace efforts

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement released late on Saturday night, said the two leaders reviewed the evolving situation in Africa, with particular emphasis on diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the protracted conflict in eastern DRC.

The talks also focused on enhancing cooperation between Qatar and the AU in promoting peace and regional stability across the continent.

Chairperson Youssouf commended Qatar’s growing role in supporting African peace initiatives, especially its mediation efforts in the Great Lakes Region, where tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have persisted despite multiple peace attempts.

Qatar has taken a leading role in efforts to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region. Talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group, which says it’s fighting for the rights of marginalised Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the eastern DRC, are being held in Qatar.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of aiding M23 hostilities in the eastern DRC. Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed the claims, insisting that its primary concern is the continued presence and collaboration between Congolese forces and the FDLR militia group. The group, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, continues to pose a security threat on the border with Congo, fueling the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC.

Meanwhile, the African Union has also taken a central role in the region’s peace efforts following the early 2025 decision by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a unified framework. This unified initiative, coordinated by the AU, aims to streamline regional mediation efforts.

Togo is currently guiding the final stages of this mediation process, in coordination with a panel of distinguished African leaders who were appointed as facilitators of the process earlier this year. The leaders include former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia).

The international community has also increased its engagement. In May, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, announced that Washington had presented a draft peace agreement to the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC for their review.

A historic ceremony is scheduled for June at the White House, where Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi are expected to formally sign the peace accord in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.

June 1, 2025
How Kigali’s rehousing project changed lives of Mpazi slum dwellers

It wasn’t unusual to see children playing in front of these fragile homes, causing parents to feel an instinctive fear as if their hearts had skipped a beat, worried that the walls might crumble on them at any moment.

Rainfall posed a major threat not only to the residents but also to local authorities, as it had the potential to destroy homes or even claim lives.

This persistent fear is what prompted the City of Kigali administration to commit to improving housing in the area, which lies at the entrance to the city.

The authorities came up with a plan to resettle residents in better-quality homes without displacing them. Additional housing was also built to accommodate those relocated from other life-threatening locations.

Today, after a relatively short period of construction, the area has undergone a complete transformation. The once-disparaged zone of Dobandi and similar neighbourhoods has become Ubwiza Modern Village, a new estate set to host more than 680 residents.

This village consists of 18 apartment blocks, each three storeys high (G+3), and is expected to serve as a model for affordable, modern, and environmentally friendly urban housing.

Residents of the new estate express disbelief and joy at their new living conditions, something they say they never imagined, like Umutoni Clarisse, who lives with her family of seven.

“We used to live in a terrible place that was a real threat to our lives. The houses were so weak, and when it rained, you’d go to bed unsure whether you’d wake up again. Then the government came up with this idea and built us these homes,” she said.

“We’re very happy now. We are thankful to His Excellency the President of the Republic, who made this happen. We never imagined we’d live in such houses, or that we could sleep peacefully. Now, it rains and we sleep soundly throughout the night. The place we came from was awful.”

Umutesi Vestine, who received a four-bedroom house where she also runs a business, echoed the words, saying, “The area we lived in used to put many lives in danger. There was a time when the Mpazi River overflowed and swept away a house nearby, along with a couple and all their belongings. We recovered the woman’s body, but we never found the man’s.”

She described how, during floods, the drainage channels would overflow and destroy homes. People couldn’t dig latrines, and makeshift roofs were held in place with tyres or stones.

She also noted that the new houses matched the value of the land residents previously owned, with some receiving two or three homes, depending on what they had before.

Uwimana Denise confirmed she received two homes, one of which she now rents out for Frw 80,000 per month.

The Mayor of Kigali, Dusengiyumva Samuel, stated that this approach will be replicated in other disorganised neighbourhoods across the city and encouraged private investors to participate in this kind of development.

{{Photos: Nzayisingiza Fidele}}

June 1, 2025