In a situation update, the Ministry of Health said nine cases of the viral disease had been confirmed in the previous week—five at Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro district and four at Matanda transit centre in Kanungu district.
All three settlements are located in western Uganda.
“Active case searches are ongoing at the community and facility level. VHTs [village health teams] are continuing with door-to-door sensitizations and active case searches,” the ministry said, noting “ongoing screening at the points of entry at the facilities by the triage teams for fever, rashes, dry cough and runny nose.”
Health authorities have launched a measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting newly arrived refugee children aged 6 months to 15 years, the update said.
At least 105 children were vaccinated against measles and rubella at the Matanda transit center on Sunday, it said.
In March, at least two children died from measles and 68 others were diagnosed with the viral disease in a refugee settlement hosting South Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s mid-western district of Kiryandongo.
Measles is a highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing and can lead to severe complications. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of measles appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.
From midday on the day of his death, church bells tolled in parishes across the country to mark the beginning of the mourning rites. This tradition, deeply rooted in Catholic liturgy, serves as a public call for prayer and remembrance. It also symbolises the Church entering a time of reflection and spiritual solidarity.
The Archdiocese of Kigali, under the leadership of Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, issued a directive for all parishes to ring their bells and begin special prayers for the late pontiff a few hours after the announcement of his death.
In a communique, Cardinal Kambanda urged Christians, particularly members of religious congregations, to dedicate prayers for Pope Francis and for the universal Church during this critical period.
“May all Christians and people of goodwill find strength during this period of mourning. Let us all look to the risen Christ,
According to canon law and Catholic tradition, the Pope must be buried within nine days of his passing. The mourning period, commonly referred to as novemdiales, involves a series of liturgical observances, including Masses and special intentions for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed the date of Pope Francis’s funeral, but preparations for the conclave—the highly secretive process of electing a new pope—are expected to begin soon.
Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote and must gather within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death to begin the election process. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected.
Until a new pope is chosen, prayers for the Church and its leadership will continue. Rwandan Catholics have been encouraged to use this time not only to mourn but to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, who championed humility, dialogue, and inclusion throughout his papacy.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected in 2013 and became the first pope from the Americas. During his tenure, he initiated widespread reforms in the Vatican, prioritised the needs of the poor, and challenged the global Church to engage more openly with modern issues.
Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea are both being closely watched. Turkson, 76, has long been an influential voice on social justice, climate change, and human rights. Though he has maintained the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and priesthood, he has shown a willingness to critique harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa, arguing for more compassionate responses.
His moderate stances, combined with decades of experience in Vatican diplomacy, position him as a potential bridge between the global south and Rome.
Robert Sarah, 79, represents the more conservative wing of the Church. A vocal critic of modern gender discourse and a staunch traditionalist, Sarah has previously aligned with former Pope Benedict XVI on issues such as clerical celibacy. His election would signal a sharp turn away from Francis’s progressive reforms.
If chosen, either cardinal would become the first Black pope in centuries—a historic shift at a time when the Church’s fastest-growing populations are in Africa and Asia.
Historically, three African popes served in the early centuries of the Church: Pope Victor I (c. 189–199), Pope Miltiades (311–314), and Pope Gelasius I (492–496). All were of North African origin and played significant roles in shaping early Christianity. Since then, no African has held the papacy, making the current moment particularly significant as the Church grapples with questions of representation and global relevance.
Other frontrunners include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, considered a “continuity candidate” who played a key role in the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement with China and the Middle East. He is viewed as a pragmatic moderate, although his critics argue he compromises too much on doctrine for the sake of diplomacy.
From Asia, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, once seen as a natural heir to Francis, now appears to have lost momentum. Still, his advocacy for the poor and pastoral openness on LGBTQ+ and divorced Catholics make him a figure to watch.
Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő, 72, stands out as a leading conservative voice and could represent a break with Francis’s direction. Known for his intellect and defence of doctrine, Erdő has also drawn criticism for aligning with Hungary’s nationalist leadership on migration issues.
On the progressive side, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, of Italy, is closely associated with Francis’s legacy. Known for his peace-building efforts in Ukraine and relatively liberal views on same-sex relationships, Zuppi could carry the torch for a more inclusive Church.
Portugal’s José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, at 59, is among the youngest candidates. Though close to Francis, his age and progressive views—particularly his openness to modern cultural issues—may prove too controversial for traditionalists.
Other names in contention include Malta’s Mario Grech and Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, known for his advocacy for Christians in the Holy Land and his personal sacrifice during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The election will follow centuries-old Vatican traditions. The College of Cardinals, composed of those under 80 years old, will cast secret ballots inside the Sistine Chapel. For a candidate to win, he must secure a two-thirds majority.
If no consensus is reached in a round, the ballots are burned and black smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney—signalling to the world that the conclave continues. White smoke, however, will announce the moment the Church has chosen its new leader.
The signing of the MoU took place during the first official visit to Pakistan by the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The agreement was announced on Monday, April 21, during a joint press conference in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Both sides hailed the visit as a significant milestone in the steadily growing relationship between the two nations.
“This is a historic occasion — the first ever visit by a Rwandan Foreign Minister to Pakistan,” said Dar.
“We held in-depth discussions today, focusing on strengthening our existing ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The signing of the MoU in diplomatic training is just the beginning.”
The visit comes on the heels of increased high-level exchanges between the two countries. Pakistan established its High Commission in Kigali in 2021, while Rwanda inaugurated its diplomatic mission in Islamabad in 2024. Both sides view these steps as foundational pillars for deepening collaboration across multiple sectors.
“Our relationship is based on mutual respect and a common drive to work together,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
“This visit, accompanied by a delegation from the Rwanda Development Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, underscores our commitment to doing business with Pakistan.”
The Rwandan minister emphasised that the two countries are actively reviewing additional MoUs in sectors such as education, defence, and trade.
Trade featured prominently in the discussions, with both ministers highlighting opportunities to expand commercial ties. Pakistan currently imports $26 million worth of Rwandan goods annually — primarily tea — and is exploring imports of coffee, avocados, pulses, and horticultural products.
In return, Pakistan, which exports approximately $100 million in goods to Rwanda, sees potential for its pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, surgical instruments, and sports equipment in the Rwandan market.
“Our economies are complementary,” said Dar. “This provides a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Rwandan businesses have recently increased their engagement with Pakistan, including active participation in the health, engineering, and minerals exhibition held in Lahore. More engagement is expected at the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa next month.
{{Technology and innovation cooperation
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Both countries are eyeing strategic cooperation in technology and innovation. Pakistan, with its growing ICT sector, is keen to support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional tech hub. Areas under consideration include digital transformation, fintech, e-governance, and innovation platforms for youth.
“Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Rwanda in building digital ecosystems,” said Dar, pointing to potential joint ventures and knowledge exchanges.
On the multilateral front, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to global peace and security. Pakistan and Rwanda are among the top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Minister Nduhungirehe praised Pakistan’s role on the UN Security Council and its efforts to address conflicts affecting Africa, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We appreciate Pakistan’s contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution,” Nduhungirehe said.
“Rwanda is committed to regional peace, and we will continue to engage in multilateral efforts for lasting solutions.”
The visit concluded with both ministers expressing optimism about the future of Rwanda-Pakistan relations. High-level visits and diplomatic engagements are expected to continue, with both sides prioritising economic development, regional integration, and mutual support at international forums.
“We see in Pakistan not just a partner, but a friend,” said Minister Nduhungirehe. “This visit has laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation that benefits both our peoples.”
His death comes after years of fragile health. The pontiff had long battled respiratory complications stemming from a serious illness in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung at the age of 21.
In recent months, his condition had deteriorated significantly, with multiple hospitalisations due to bronchitis and other complications.
Despite his failing health, Pope Francis remained deeply engaged in his pastoral mission, often addressing issues of injustice and human suffering around the world, including the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
As the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina — brought with him a distinctly global perspective.
In 2017, Pope Francis made a historic and unprecedented gesture when he publicly acknowledged and apologised for the role of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during a meeting with President Paul Kagame at the Vatican on March 20, 2017, the Pope expressed deep sorrow:
“I feel the pain, the sorrow, and the shame of the fact that some of the Church’s sons, ministers, priests, have been involved in the genocide, in that unspeakable crime. I ask forgiveness for the scandal that this has caused to the Church and to all humanity.”
It was a moment that shifted the tone of relations between the Vatican and Rwanda. For years, survivors and the Rwandan government had called for an acknowledgement of the Church’s complicity.
Some members of the clergy were directly involved in atrocities, while others failed to protect victims or speak out. Pope Francis’s direct and heartfelt apology broke with the Church’s prior reluctance to confront its failings.
President Kagame welcomed the gesture, calling it “an important step in the journey of reconciliation.” Many Rwandans viewed the apology as a powerful act of humility and truth-telling—qualities Pope Francis consistently championed.
{{A Cardinal for Rwanda
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Another major milestone in Rwanda’s relationship with the Catholic Church under Pope Francis came in 2021, when he appointed Archbishop Antoine Kambanda as the country’s first cardinal. A genocide survivor himself, Cardinal Kambanda’s elevation was both a personal recognition and a national symbol of Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to hope.
“This is not just a personal honour,” Cardinal Kambanda said after his appointment. “It is an acknowledgement of the progress Rwanda has made in healing and in building a future based on justice, peace, and unity.”
By naming Kambanda a cardinal, Pope Francis affirmed Rwanda’s place in the global Catholic community and highlighted the Church’s role in the country’s healing process. The decision was also widely seen as reinforcing the Vatican’s commitment to local leadership and its desire to support African voices in shaping the future of the Church.
{{A Papacy of reconciliation and courage
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Throughout his twelve-year papacy, Pope Francis emphasised a Church that is humble, compassionate, and willing to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy of leadership was deeply influenced by his own experiences in Argentina during the Dirty War, where he quietly helped victims of state violence. That background helped shape his emphasis on social justice and his refusal to let the Church remain silent in the face of moral crises.
His approach to Rwanda reflected this ethos. He did not shy away from the uncomfortable legacy left by the Church during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Instead, he took ownership, offering not just words but gestures that signalled a readiness to accompany Rwandans on their path to healing.
As he once said in his meeting with Kagame, “Reconciliation is a gift that God gives, but it requires an active commitment from everyone. Only through dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to heal the wounds of the past can we build a future of peace.”
Pope Francis’s legacy extends far beyond Rwanda. He is remembered globally for his progressive views, humility, and concern for the marginalised. From advocating for climate justice to addressing income inequality, from engaging in interfaith dialogue to supporting migrants and refugees, he continually reoriented the Catholic Church toward service.
But in Rwanda, his legacy is particularly profound. It is the legacy of a man who looked into the face of a nation’s pain and responded not with defensiveness, but with repentance and solidarity. In doing so, he helped to begin mending a broken relationship and set an example for moral leadership.
As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and reconstruction, Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who listened, who apologised, and who walked alongside a grieving nation with grace and courage.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Kabasinga shared her experiences, ranging from the daily struggles of her job to the broader issues of tracking genocide suspects and the urgent need to combat the rising tide of genocide ideology.
Kabasinga noted that a major challenge in prosecuting genocide suspects lies in identifying them, as many deliberately conceal their identities. Some change their names and nationalities, claiming to be Congolese, Zimbabwean, Malawian, or Cameroonian, which complicates the process of bringing them to justice.
“They change names, claim to be Congolese, Zimbabwean, Malawian, or Cameroonian. So, imagine trying to convince someone in Cameroon that their neighbour took part in the Genocide in Rwanda—it’s not easy,” she explained.
Another major hurdle is the difficulty of international cooperation in extraditing suspects. Countries require detailed documentation before arresting and handing over individuals. This demands that prosecutors in those countries fully understand the gravity of the crimes, which is not always the case.
Kabasinga highlighted legal barriers in some nations, where their laws prevent the extradition of individuals who have acquired citizenship, preferring instead to try them domestically, if at all.
“Some countries question why they should spend millions of dollars prosecuting these individuals, sending them to prison for life. They see it as a financial burden and say, ‘This isn’t our problem.’ That’s one of the core challenges,” she added.
She also pointed to a disturbing trend where some genocide perpetrators seek refuge under the guise of being political opponents of the Rwandan government. This narrative is often accepted by host countries, giving them undeserved protection.
During her time at the ICTR, Kabasinga found it particularly difficult to work with foreign colleagues who lacked an in-depth understanding of Rwanda’s history.
“As a Rwandan, sitting in court and listening to a witness say, ‘I was hiding in a sorghum field,’ the translation into French or English sometimes didn’t capture the full meaning. A judge from Norway, for example, might not even know what sorghum is or how one could hide there. It was hard for us Rwandans because I couldn’t just turn around and explain everything to the court,” Kabasinga recounted.
She recalled the case of François Karera, the former prefect of Kigali, whose trial began in 2006. Prosecutors requested that the entire court visit Rwanda to better understand the history of the Genocide, which proved instrumental in delivering a sound judgment. Karera was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment.
{{Genocide perpetrators should not still be free}}
Kabasinga stressed that, in 2025, it is unacceptable that some individuals who took part in the Genocide against the Tutsi have still not been brought to justice. She warned that this fuels a culture of impunity.
“When countries refuse to prosecute these individuals, the message sent is clear: ‘If it happens again, there will be no consequences.’ That should never be acceptable.”
She further noted with concern that genocide ideology is on the rise, even among the younger generation—a worrying trend that could lead to history repeating itself elsewhere.
She pointed out that some individuals living abroad are engaged in denial and minimisation of the Genocide against the Tutsi and are actively influencing Rwandan youth with their propaganda. Stronger measures are needed to stop this.
Kabasinga called for intensive education of young people about Rwanda’s history so they can recognise and reject false narratives.
She also confirmed that, internationally, efforts to punish those spreading genocide ideology remain weak and inconsistent. She urged nations to take this issue seriously and adopt firm stances.
Kabasinga also emphasized that trivializing genocide ideology must never be tolerated at the international level.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Farrell said in a statement.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” he added.
Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday is a blow to the global Catholic community, casting a shadow over one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar. It leaves millions mourning during a time traditionally reserved for hope and renewal.
The Pope had been hospitalised several times in recent months due to health concerns, the most critical of which occurred in late February. On February 28, Pope Francis suffered a severe breathing crisis and was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the Pope’s lead physician, revealed that at one point, the medical team seriously considered halting treatment due to the pontiff’s deteriorating condition.
Pope Francis experienced a violent bronchospasm and aspirated vomit, which endangered multiple organ systems. The medical team faced a critical decision: whether to stop treatment and allow him to pass peacefully, or continue with aggressive interventions despite the risk of further damage to his organs.
After a tense discussion, they chose to proceed with treatment, and Pope Francis remained alert during the crisis, although at one point, doctors feared he might not survive the night.
Thanks to quick intervention and the efforts of his medical team, which included a non-invasive aspiration procedure and intensive medication, Pope Francis’ condition was stabilised. However, just days later, he suffered a second acute respiratory episode, which required the insertion of a specialised tube to clear his lungs.
The Vatican’s transparency during the Pope’s hospitalisation was notable, with daily updates on his condition. According to Dr. Alfieri, Pope Francis insisted on honesty about his health status, stating, “He wanted the truth about his condition to be shared. Nothing was hidden or omitted.”
After 38 days in the hospital, the Pope was discharged on March 23, appearing frail but determined. He thanked well-wishers from a hospital balcony, expressing gratitude for their prayers. Following his discharge, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis would undergo a strict two-month recovery period at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, with continuous medical supervision and oxygen support.
Despite his recovery, Pope Francis continued to face health challenges.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013.
Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice, he broke new ground in the papacy, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor, the environment, and promoting interfaith dialogue.
The ministry said Russian troops “remained at previously occupied lines and positions” while Ukrainian troops “attempted to attack the positions of Russian troops” in the Donetsk region overnight.
It added that Ukrainian forces had fired at Russian positions 444 times and counted more than 900 Ukrainian drone attacks.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that 26 Russian assault actions have taken place from 00:00 (2100 GMT on Saturday) to noon (0900 GMT), accusing Russia of violating its self-declared ceasefire.
Putin said the truce starts from 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Saturday and lasts until midnight on Sunday into Monday (2100 GMT on Sunday). Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine will respond in kind to the ceasefire.
Among those whose lives were cut short during the darkest chapters of Rwanda’s history was the country’s last queen, Rosalie Gicanda.
Queen Gicanda was killed on a day like today, April 20, 1994, just weeks into the Genocide. She was the widow of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, one of Rwanda’s most prominent historical figures. Those who knew her remember a woman of remarkable humility and moral strength, who lived with quiet dignity even as the monarchy she represented was dismantled.
Born in Rwamagana in 1928, Rosalie Gicanda married King Mutara III in January 1942. After his death in July 1959, she continued to live in Rwanda, even as political change swept the country.
In 1961, amid the shift to a republic, President Grégoire Kayibanda expelled her from the royal palace in Nyanza in an effort to erase traces of the monarchy. She then settled in Butare, now Huye District, where she remained out of the public eye for over three decades.
Despite her quiet life under both the First and Second Republics, Queen Gicanda was consistently denied the honour and protection that her status warranted. A devout Catholic, she lived modestly with her elderly mother and a few companions who assisted with household chores.
When the Genocide began, Queen Gicanda sought protection from Butare Prefect Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, a man known for resisting the massacres. But following Habyarimana’s arrest and assassination on April 17, fear spread rapidly through her household. She turned to Ngoma’s mayor, Joseph Kanyabashi, for help—but he declined.
On April 20, soldiers led by Lieutenant Pierre Bizimana stormed her residence under orders from Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, who was then Head of Intelligence and Operations at the ESO military school.
They abducted Queen Gicanda and six other women, taking them to a site behind the former National Museum of Rwanda, where they were executed. Her 80-year-old mother and a young caretaker, initially left behind, were also killed shortly after. A local priest intervened to ensure she was buried with dignity, and Mayor Kanyabashi later dispatched prisoners to carry out the burial near her home.
Queen Gicanda’s legacy is not only remembered through history books but also through personal testimonies, including one from President Paul Kagame. In 2017, he shared in an interview with Jeune Afrique how the queen had once helped save his life.
In 1961, during attacks on Tambwe Hill, where his family lived, a letter from Queen Gicanda arrived inviting them to seek refuge in Nyanza. They escaped just before attackers reached their home, later fleeing to Mutara and eventually into exile in Uganda.
President Kagame also revealed in a 2024 interview that he returned to Rwanda in secret during his years in exile to visit the queen in Butare.
This year’s commemoration takes on renewed significance following the arrest of Brigadier General Jean Baptiste Gakwerere, one of Queen Gicanda’s alleged killers. Gakwerere, once Secretary-General of the FDLR militia group, was recently handed over to Rwanda by the M23 rebel group after being captured during fighting around Goma.
At the time of the Genocide, he was a lieutenant at ESO/Butare and a close associate of Captain Nizeyimana. He reportedly led a notorious unit known as the “New Formula” soldiers, responsible for many of the massacres in Butare, including the killing of Queen Gicanda and Prefect Habyarimana.
Three decades on, Queen Rosalie Gicanda remains a potent symbol of grace, resilience, and national tragedy. Her life and death continue to remind Rwandans of the human cost of hate, and the enduring need to uphold dignity, memory, and justice.
The solemn event took place in Mwima, Nyanza District, where Queen Gicanda is buried.
The event was preceded by a memorial Mass held in remembrance of Rwanda’s last queen, bringing together her family, friends, and officials from various institutions. The group, led by Minister Bizimana, later proceeded to Mwima Hill, where they laid wreaths at her final resting place and offered prayers in her honour.
Queen Rosalie Gicanda, the widow of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, was tragically killed on April 20, 1994, just weeks into the Genocide. Revered for her humility and quiet dignity, she remains a powerful symbol of resilience and national identity. Her killing marked one of the many painful losses Rwanda endured during the Genocide.
This year’s commemoration is part of the broader 100-day national mourning period honouring more than one million lives lost in 1994.
