In an official notice issued on August 1, 2024, RSSB confirmed that salaried mothers will continue to receive full pay during their maternity leave.
According to the new law, employers are responsible for the salary for the initial six weeks of maternity leave, with RSSB providing benefits for the remaining eight weeks.
“Rwanda Social Security Board is pleased to inform all employers and employees of the adoption of Law No. 049/2024 dated 04/06/2024, which amends Law No. 003/2016 dated 30/03/2016 establishing and governing the maternity leave benefits scheme,” the notice stated.
The notice also detailed the reimbursement process for employers, emphasizing that the employer will cover the maternity leave benefits for the full fourteen weeks and subsequently claim reimbursement from RSSB for the eight weeks.
The deadline for reimbursement claims has been extended from three months to six months following the completion of maternity leave.
RSSB advised employers who have granted the 14-week maternity leave to submit their reimbursement claims with the necessary supporting documents.
These documents should include a letter or certificate confirming the maternity leave granted and pay slips related to the fourteen weeks of maternity leave.
The extension aligns Rwanda’s maternity leave policy with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) recommendations.
The policy change follows advocacy from lobby groups and Members of Parliament, who argued that the previous 12-week leave was inadequate for mothers to properly care for their newborns. The extension to 14 weeks is seen as a step towards supporting working mothers more effectively.
Former Minister of Public Services and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, had expressed support for a six-month maternity leave during a Parliamentary session on March 21, 2023, noting that such an extension would require significant adjustments to the social security system and budget.
The new 14-week maternity leave policy is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to enhance social security and support for working mothers, providing them with additional time to bond with and care for their newborns during the crucial early months.
In a communication to the incoming students, UR expressed enthusiasm for their achievements.
“Congratulations on your admission to the University of Rwanda. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are thrilled to welcome you to the University of Rwanda Community,” the statement read in part.
The preparatory program aims to support a smooth transition from high school to university. It will help students become familiar with campus facilities, academic expectations, and provide essential skills for a positive learning experience. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to meet academic staff and peers.
“This program will allow you to familiarize yourself with your campus, its resources, and academic expectations. It will also equip you with skills that foster a positive learning experience during university studies,” the university stated.
Attendance is compulsory, with the university emphasizing the importance of full participation.
“This is a compulsory program, and we highly encourage you to participate in all scheduled sessions. This will equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in your studies,” the letter explained.
Students are expected to arrive at their campuses on August 10th or 11th, 2024. The university has arranged transportation from the nearest bus station and will provide accommodation, meals, and necessary stationery. Students are advised to bring personal sanitary facilities and sportswear.
For those facing significant obstacles to attending, the university has requested notification via email to the respective campus focal persons.
The University of Rwanda’s preparatory program aims to ensure that new students start their academic journey with the necessary support and resources.
The drive, held on Saturday, July 27, brought together more than 150 riders using electric motorbikes, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and reducing carbon emissions across the continent.
The drive commenced at Spiro’s warehouse in Masoro, located in the Special Economic Zone, where the company has so far deployed 1,000 bikes on the road.
The route weaved through the scenic streets of Kigali, showcasing Spiro’s cutting-edge electric bikes and raising awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and its role in combating climate change.
The flag-off was conducted by two of Spiro’s youngest staff members, Atete Benigne and Akimanimpaye Odile, symbolizing the future generation’s involvement in sustainable initiatives.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, described the drive as a testament to the growing community of sustainable transportation advocates.
“We are proud to bring together 150 riders who share our vision for a cleaner, greener future,” the CEO stated.
Arun Bhandari, Head of Spiro Rwanda, said, “This drive is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a strong statement of our commitment to sustainable mobility in Africa. We are excited to see the positive impact our electric bikes are making in Rwanda and beyond.”
Spiro affirms that its bikes, equipped with mid-drive motors, are built to deliver better performance on Rwanda’s hilly terrain, which poses unique challenges for transportation.
“By placing the motor in the middle of the bike, the weight is evenly distributed, enhancing stability and making it easier to climb steep inclines. This design allows riders to tackle hilly terrains with greater ease and efficiency,” Spiro explains.
Spiro is keen to expand its operations into new regions, bringing the benefits of electric mobility to more communities across Rwanda.
Recently the company launched operations in Muhanga, located in the southern province. The operations of the office, the smart station, and the deployment of bikes were inaugurated by the CEO and the Spiro Rwanda team.
The launch was attended by cooperative members, including the president of the moto-taxi riders in Muhanga. The company has deployed 25 bikes in this area, with plans to increase the number of bikes on the road soon due to promising leads.
The company plans to expand into Huye, Bishenyi, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Bugesera, Nyamata, and Mayange before the end of the year.
So far, Spiro has distributed more than 18,000 electric motorbikes and 40,000 swappable batteries, which are in operation across Benin, Togo, Rwanda, and Kenya.
The management of Mega Global Market says the e-commerce platform will facilitate the buying and selling of various nutritional supplements and fitness equipment, promoting self-improvement and wellness.
Technology has permeated numerous aspects of human activity, with e-commerce demonstrating rapid growth.
While announcing the planned launch, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the CEO of Mega Global Market, revealed the products on the new platform will be shipped from various factories in China, America, and India.
He said, “We have four factories in China that produce health and beauty products, beauty and health machines that help you look good and prevent premature ageing. We also have factories in India that produce products that change many people’s lives, including children, women, and men.”
He explained that this market has its own system of conducting business, but anyone who wants to become a partner can request to have an account registered in their name.
He added, “E-commerce and bringing such modern items online, so you can buy them from anywhere, is the best and most modern method. We want you to have your own channel, but we provide you with modern health products that are enjoyable and that children will love.”
“Our goal is to help you by providing fitness equipment needed by elderly men and women to stretch their muscles, those with back problems, and equipment that will help people prevent different health issues by activating the body and massaging all parts of the body, starting from the feet to wake up all dormant nerves.”
Habumugisha revealed that customized fitness equipment or nutritional supplements can be provided upon request.
He explained that to start this business, certain products, including fitness machines, must be purchased first. These purchases will also grant the buyer a membership card and are associated with the opportunity to represent the market in a chosen region, country, or continent.
He mentioned that there are “contracts we sign with you through a notary, including the documents of our factories, and the system details where we agree on how the products will be shipped from our location to yours, how you will pay, and which region you will operate in. We provide products that you can start selling, and you can pay gradually and improve your business.”
It is estimated that individuals working with Mega Global Market can achieve a profit margin of over 30%. In addition to the online market, there is a physical store where customers can purchase items in person.
The management plans to open the first branch in Rwanda, staffed by experts including administrative officials and business development leaders. Subsequent branches will follow in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The African headquarters will be based in Rwanda.
Mega Global Market offers seven original nutritional supplements certified by various international institutions to ascertain their safety. Additionally, the market provides a range of wellness products, including massage chairs, spinal alignment devices plus muscle and joint care equipment.
The country recorded an impressive 98.20% voter turnout among the nine million people who registered to vote in the election.
The voter turnout was, however, not surprising given the previous trend. It represented a 0.05% increase from the voter turnout of 98.15% recorded in the 2017 presidential election.
Compared with the parliamentary elections of 2018, where 93% of registered voters participated, it was an increase of 5%.
Rwanda’s voter turnout is encouraging compared to neighbouring countries in the East African region and beyond.
Kenya, which held its general election in 2022, recorded a 64.77% voter turnout in the presidential election, Uganda’s turnout in 2021 was 59.35%, while Tanzania’s turnout in the 2020 election was 50.72%.
Low voter turnout has also been observed in developed countries like the United States, where only 66.6% of the 161.42 million registered voters participated in the 2020 election. Moreover, 40% of eligible voters, mostly young people, did not vote in the 2016 election.
Voter indifference across the world remains debatable, but there is a general consensus that mistrust in electoral systems, political violence, intimidation, and lack of civic education contribute to the issue.
Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), highlighted in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE that various civic education programs by the commission, coupled with lobbying from the political class and other interested parties, often contribute to the high voter turnout in Rwanda.
Munyaneza intimated that after the conclusion of the 2017 and 2018 presidential and parliamentary elections, the commission engaged in a continuous voter registration exercise that resulted in the registration of 1.8 million new voters for this year’s election.
A majority of these voters were registered during an intense national voter registration drive conducted between March and June of this year.
A majority of the new voters were young people. Munyaneza noted that various social media campaigns rolled out by NEC helped the commission appeal to the youth and encouraged them to exercise their democratic right.
The campaign involved the use of catchy short messages, graphics and videos detailing the registration process, the process of voting, and why it is important to vote.
“We have been crafting and sending out messages through various social media platforms, and they have proven to be very effective,” Munyaneza explained.
The commission also implemented technology that simplified self-confirmation of voter registration and the process of changing polling stations.
To make voting easier and more convenient, NEC established over 16,000 polling stations across the country, an increase of about 500 from those set up in 2017. This ensured that polling stations were easily accessible to eligible voters, whether in towns, markets or villages.
“We ensured that each polling station had no more than 900 people assigned to it to avoid long queues,” he added.
The government has also played a role in engaging citizens with the electoral process. Local government officials use weekly public forums, such as ‘Inteko y’abaturage,’ to discuss issues affecting the community. These forums provide platforms for both mobilization and civic education on the electoral process.
Mnyaneza also observed that lobbying by the political class during the campaigns contributed to the voter turnout.
President Paul Kagame, who was re-elected in the recent election, had urged the youth to become actively involved in politics ahead of the polls.
He advised young people who shy away from politics to reconsider their stance, as all decisions made by countries, whether good or bad, are the result of political processes.
“There is no where you are going to run away from politics, this is a fact. You, especially the young people should join us and we combine efforts to strengthen the good politics,” he said.
Kagame, who ran for the presidency on RPF Inkotanyi party ticket, is credited with transforming Rwanda through significant economic and social reforms.
Under his leadership, Rwanda has experienced growth and development in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which were severely hurt by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame has also been lauded for his firm anti-corruption stance in his administration, which has promoted accountability among government officials. This approach has also fostered public confidence in both public institutions and the electoral system.
He won this year’s presidential election with 99.18% of the votes cast, securing 8,822,794 votes. Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda came in second with 44,479 votes (0.50%), while Philippe Mpayimana finished third with 28,466 votes (0.32%).
In the parliamentary election, Kagame’s RPF Inkotanyi and its coalition partners remained dominant in the House of Deputies after securing 68.83% of the votes. The parties, including PD, PPC, PSR, PSP, and UDPR, will share 37 seats in parliament with the RPF.
Other parties that will be represented in the House are PL (5 seats), PSD (5), DGPR-Green Party (2), PDI (2) and PS Imberakuri (2).
Available statistics show that there are 101 known species of snakes in Rwanda, seven of which are extremely venomous and considered life-threatening. Six of the venomous species can be viewed at the Kandt House Museum.
Named after Richard Kandt, a German physician, explorer, and writer believed to be the first European to have thoroughly documented the geography and wildlife of Rwanda, Kandt House Museum is located at his former residence in the heart of Kigali.
A snake and crocodile exhibition at the facility is regularly held to help educate the general public about human-wildlife interaction.
A large section of the museum is dedicated to showcasing Rwandan life in all aspects – social, economic, and political way even before the colonial times.
Richard Kandt is famous for using his explorations to serve as the first resident of Rwanda under German colonial rule and his administration laid the groundwork for the German colonial presence in the region.
Here are the venomous snakes housed at the Kandt House Museum:
{{1. Puff Adder
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Puff adders are highly venomous snakes found in savannahs, grasslands, and rural farmland in Rwanda and most parts of Africa.
Hendrik Hinkel, a snake curator at the Richard Kandt House Museum, says that puff adders are responsible for most snakebite fatalities in Africa due to various factors, such as wide distribution, frequent occurrence in highly populated regions and their aggressive disposition.
“One thing that makes puff adders common is their tolerance to humans, unlike other snakes that live primarily in rainforests,” Hinkel explained during a visit by iGIHE.
He revealed that puff adders possess cytotoxic venom, which damages cells and tissues at the bite site, causing pain, swelling, blistering, and tissue destruction. In severe cases, this can lead to necrosis (tissue death) and potential loss of limbs, such as fingers or toes.
These snakes vary in colour ranging from sight yellow to dark brown, synonymous with their habitats. They have characteristic “V” shaped markings that run from top downwards the snake’s rib cage. Their heads are triangular in shape, a common characteristic for most venomous snakes.
When endangered, the snake powerfully exhales, creating a loud hissing sound.
Puff adders are ambush predators that feed on a variety of prey including birds, mammals, lizards, frogs or any remains of animal flesh.
{{2. Forest twig snake
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The Forest twig snakes possess hemotoxic venom, which affects the blood and tissues. The venom can either coagulate the blood or liquefy it, causing severe bleeding.
Forest twig snakes have a slim, brown coloured body with dark marks in the shape of a twig. The head is also often slim with a pointed snout and glittering eyes. The top of the head is usually green and the bottom orange for males and cyan/white for females.
When threatened they puff up their throat and are usually seen hanging in branches vertically with their heads facing downwards.
Their prey of choice are lizards and chameleons but they also eat frogs, fellow snakes and wild birds.
{{3. Black mamba
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The black mamba is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. The snake is known for its aggressive nature when endangered. It often rears up and strikes multiple times.
A black mamba possesses a highly potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the human central nervous system. The venom delivery is rapid due to long fangs and powerful muscles.
Ironically, the black mamba is not black in colour. Normally, it’s typically grey or dark brown, with a lighter underside. Its name originates from the black interior of its mouth.
This is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world and can grow up to 4.3 meters (14 feet). Its preferred habitat is thick savannas, woodlands, and rocky hills.
The black mamba primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
{{4. Rhinoceros viper
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The Rhinoceros viper derives its name from the distinctive horn-like scales on its snout.
The snake’s venom is basically hemotoxic, although it also exhibits some cytotoxic properties.
These types of snakes are heavily coloured and patterned, with shades of green, yellow, blue, red, and black in various shapes and lines. Most notably, they have a pair of small horn-like structures protruding at the top of their snout.
Their heads are triangular in shape, a common characteristic of most vipers. When in danger, the snake powerfully exhales, creating a loud hissing sound.
Rhinoceros vipers are extremely rare and are only found in a few places in the rainforests of western Rwanda, such as Nyungwe Forest. They are usually camouflaged in the leaf litter.
Rhinoceros vipers are typically ambush predators that feed on a wide variety of prey, including birds, mammals, lizards, fellow snakes, and frogs.
5. Forest cobra
The forest cobra, also known as the black cobra or black and white-lipped cobra, is a large and highly venomous snake found in Rwanda. It has a very strong neurotoxic venom similar to but not as strong as that of the black mamba.
Whereas black mamba venom may kill you within four to five hours, the effects of forest cobra venom can last for 12 hours or more.
Bites from the forest cobra are rare because the snakes are “very shy” and tend to hide or move away when they cross roads with humans. The snakes are common near water sources such as Lake Muhazi or Lake Kivu. They are very good swimmers and enjoy spending time inside the water.
These types of snakes feed on a wide range of prey including fish, frogs, birds and their eggs, rodents, lizards and other water bodies.
{{6. Gaboon viper
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Gaboon vipers are heavily coloured and patterned, with a variety of brown, white and purple colours. They grow impressively large.
Their heads are triangular in shape, powerfully exhale and create a loud hissing when in danger. They are considered extinct in Rwanda.
The last sightings of Gaboon vipers were near the foot of Muhabura in the 1930s. These snakes are highly vulnerable and typically die when their forest habitat is destroyed.
These snakes are believed to have the longest fangs in the world measuring about 3.5 centimetres long. They also have the biggest stock of venom compared to most snakes in the universe.
If bitten by a Gaboon viper, it’s usually not the venom itself that kills, but rather a condition called anaphylaxis where the body can no longer handle the amount of foreign toxic substances and simply shuts down.
Apart from the venomous snakes, there are five non-venomous snakes at the Kandt House Museum. The species include the Dasypeltis atra, also known as the egg eater, the Angola bush snake, the Python, the brown house snake and the spotted bush snake.
Watch the video below to learn more facts about the snakes found in Rwanda.
The traders were angered that for a second time, President Yoweri Museveni called off a meeting he had scheduled to discuss their grievances. The July 31, 2024 date had been chosen after an earlier one that had been expected on June 20 was postponed.
The presidency explained that Kololo Ceremonial Grounds – the planned venue for the meeting – was being renovated.
But traders were unhappy that Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, had communicated President Museveni’s decision to call off the meeting via WhatsApp instead of issuing an official communication signed by the president.
Ahead of the shop shutdown strike, Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA) spokesperson Issa Ssekitto was aware that there would be divided opinion on whether to go on strike again or not.
Thus, he urged those who see sense in closing their shops [to] remain peaceful” and not to “cause chaos.
“Yes, the communication was an act of unprofessionalism and disrespect but we are responsible citizens. Just lock and go home. We shall not be responsible for anybody who causes problems to the rest,” Sekito said.
With this manner of communication, and unwilling to endure another postponement, the city traders resolved to close their shops in protest until the president has found time and an alternative venue or mechanism of addressing their concerns.
{{What are the traders’ grievances?
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Mainly, the traders are opposed to three things:
Firstly, the taxes on imports which they say are high, especially as President Museveni and his government move to promote local industry in their import substitution strategy;
Secondly, the rollout of the EFRIS) by tax collector Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). And lastly, foreigners dominating local trade.
“People want answers to all the three issues: Efris, taxation and the foreign traders that are dealing in petty businesses at the detriment of Ugandans whereby they [foreigners] become the factory, manufactures, wholesalers, retailers and hawkers,” Ssekitto said.
The traders’ shutdown strike closes a tough month for Museveni and his government.
In the last weeks of July 2024, youth protesters started anti-corruption protests demanding for the resignation of Parliamentary Speaker, Hon Anita Among, which the president has now blamed on funding from foreign agents.
As they threatened, several city businessmen were seen outside their closed shops as the strike entered its first day. The strike remains peaceful.
This stable stance reflects confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and growth prospects.
A statement released by the agency last week shows that Rwanda’s rating indicates a balance between the country’s vulnerability to balance-of-payments and efforts to improve fiscal position, sustained growth, and continued access to concessional financing.
According to S&P Global, Rwanda’s advantageous debt profile is visible, characterized by concessional loans with extended repayment terms. This debt structure has significantly reduced the country’s debt servicing costs compared to its peers.
With projected interest payments accounting for only 9.1% of government revenue between 2024 and 2027, S&P Global predicts that Rwanda will outpace regional economies over the next five years, driven by substantial public investments.
Rwanda’s economy grew by 8.2% in 2023 with year-on-year growth accelerating to 10% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and maintaining a similar pace in the first quarter of 2024.
Although agricultural output grew slowly in 2022 and early 2023, favourable weather conditions are expected to normalize production. Additionally, ongoing growth in the services sector is expected to boost private sector engagement from its current level.
While acknowledging Rwanda’s economic progress, S&P Global also highlighted the country’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, such as the severe flooding experienced in 2023.
The rating agency also lauded the government’s swift response to the floods through the implementation of infrastructure rehabilitation projects and enhanced preparedness measures to mitigate potential future shocks over the coming four years.
Both Iran and Hamas have pointed blame towards Israel for the shocking assassination that could escalate the already existing conflict with Israeli leadership.
“Brother, leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his headquarters in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) president,” Hamas said in a statement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran was “hit” and he was killed along with a bodyguard.
Haniyeh had travelled to Tehran to attend Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened “harsh punishment” against Israel for the assassination” of Haniyeh.
“With this action, the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime prepared the ground for harsh punishment for itself, and we consider it our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Khamenei was quoted by the country’s official news agency, IRNA.
The strike comes against the backdrop of Iran’s support for the Palestinian Hamas militant group, whose assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu had earlier vowed to destroy Hamas and bring back all hostages taken during the October 7 attack, which sparked the war in the Gaza Strip.
According to the latest Labour Force Survey report released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the service sector now employs 44 percent of the workforce, compared to agriculture’s 39.3 percent.
The service industry comprises a wide range of professions such tourism, medical, legal, bankers and teachers. Skilled workers such as mechanics, electricians, barbers, hairdressers, and retail workers are also included in the labour force.
This implies that new businesses are flourishing, and industries such as hospitality, retail, and telecommunications are thriving.
Despite this progress, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced approach. Agriculture remains a critical component of Rwanda’s economy, vital for food security and rural employment. The government continues to support agricultural modernization and value-added agro-industries to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
And as the new Presidential term begins, the focus on economic transformation remains an inclusive project, ensuring that the benefits of growth are constantly kept on a forward trajectory.
Rwanda’s workforce population (aged 16 and above) is estimated to be approximately 8.3 million as of May 2024.
