In a series of posts on X, Muhoozi issued the ambassador an ultimatum to apologize to the Ugandan Head of State for his “undiplomatic behavior” by Monday or face expulsion from Uganda.
“If this current US ambassador does not apologize to Mzee personally by Monday morning (9:00 AM) for his undiplomatic behaviour in our country, we will demand that he leaves Uganda,” Muhoozi wrote.
He, however, emphasized that Ugandan authorities are not at odds with the U.S., but with the envoy.
“We have no problem with the USA; as I have said many times, it is a country we love and admire. But lately, we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government,” he added.
In another post, he expressed his contempt for the ambassador, saying, “Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a serious confrontation with the current US ambassador to our country, for disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and for undermining the constitution of Uganda.”
Gen. Muhoozi’s outburst is seen as an escalation of tensions between the Ugandan leadership and the U.S., following recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. against four officers in the Ugandan Police Force (UPF) for alleged human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and punishment.
In the sanctions announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of State identified the sanctioned officials as Bob Kagarura, former Wamala Regional Police Commander, and Alex Mwine, former District Police Commander for Mitanya District.
Others include Elly Womanya, who at the time of the alleged violations was Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of UPF’s Criminal Investigations Division in charge of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and Hamdani Twesigye, previously Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the SIU.
The U.S. had previously imposed travel sanctions against several high-profile Ugandan officials, including Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Parliament Speaker Anita Annette Among, and Minister Amos Lugoloobi, along with their families.
The first edition of B-READY assessed the business environments of 50 global economies, focusing on three pillars: regulatory frameworks, public service delivery, and operational efficiency. The report focuses on ten indicators, which include Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services (water, electricity, and internet), Labour Force, Financial Services (access), International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition (Public Procurement), and Business Insolvency.
Rwanda performed exceptionally well in several key areas. In terms of Operational Efficiency, the country earned an impressive score of 81.31%, ranking 3rd globally. For Public Services, Rwanda scored 67.37%, placing 8th in the world. Additionally, the country achieved a score of 70.35% in the Regulatory Framework, securing the 17th spot globally.
The scores position Rwanda as one of the top-performing countries worldwide and the top-performing country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of operational efficiency, Rwanda remains one of the fastest countries in Africa and globally for company registration. This efficiency stands in contrast to global averages of 32 days for domestic firms and 39 days for foreign firms, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional leader in ease of doing business.
Other measures that have encouraged investments include free online business registration, automated tax filing and payments, one-stop center services for business permits and licenses, and support for foreign ownership and ease of profit repatriation.
In Public Services, Rwanda’s digitization of public services has been a key driver of its strong performance. Systems like the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for the judiciary and the e-titles system for land services have streamlined processes, reducing both the time and cost of doing business. These innovations play a vital role in enhancing the overall business environment.
Additionally, Rwanda’s regulatory reforms continue to enhance its global competitiveness. Recent legislative efforts, including the 2021 Investment Promotion Law, the Company Law, and the Insolvency Law, have created a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Furthermore, Rwanda’s commercial courts and streamlined processes for business registration and dispute resolution set benchmarks for the region.
On environmental sustainability, the B-READY report highlights Rwanda’s leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into its business practices. Initiatives such as e-mobility and renewable energy demonstrate the country’s commitment to a green economy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.
Rwanda’s holistic approach to reform also prioritizes good governance, macroeconomic stability, and anti-corruption measures, all of which have contributed to its favourable rankings in the B-READY report.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment, stated that this performance demonstrates the country’s sustained drive to enhance its business environment and foster a welcoming climate for investors.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the RDB, participated in the launch of the World Bank report in Washington, D.C., United States. He acknowledged the good performance and pledged to further improve the business environment. Ongoing initiatives include the digitization of the One Stop Center, upgrades to business and mortgage registration systems, and the integration of trade services under a Single Transaction Portal.
“Rwanda’s performance in the B-READY report reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector growth and investment. These reforms are the foundation of our socioeconomic transformation, and we will continue to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and efficiency to attract investment and grow the private sector.”
According to the World Bank, the B-READY report will offer countries a roadmap to create a business climate that benefits firms, consumers, the environment, and society as a whole. The 2025 report will assess more than 100 economies, and in 2026, the coverage will expand to about 180 economies.
In a statement, the government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment in Rwanda said the country has responded swiftly and proactively to contain the virus since the first cases were identified a week ago.
The management expressed confidence that the measures put in place were satisfactory and encouraged businesses to continue operating normally, while also urging business owners to follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and providing hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances.
“These measures are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers,” the statement reads.
Regarding tourists, RDB stated that tourism in Rwanda remains safe, with the health and safety of visitors being a top priority.
“Visitors can travel with confidence, knowing that all necessary action is being taken to prevent the spread of Marburg,” RDB assured.
The agency noted that since Marburg is not airborne and does not spread asymptomatically, the likelihood of travel restrictions coming into effect is minimal.
“Tourists can rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices,” RDB added.
RDB also confirmed that Rwanda, which has become a hub for hosting international events, continues to host events safely, ensuring that the health and safety of attendees are the highest priority.
The agency directed event venues to implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities, and encouraging minimal close contact between attendees.
“This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff,” RDB stated.
The agency also assured investors of government interventions, saying the proactive public health measures put in place effectively balance the need for public safety with the importance of maintaining economic stability. This ensures that Rwanda remains open for investors.
“Rwanda’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors,” the agency added.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak on Friday, September 27, 2024, with 37 cases and 11 deaths reported so far.
To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including heightened contact tracing, suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Strettch was among over 70 startups that participated in the contest organized by the Ministry of ICT and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) under the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, which is currently being piloted. This framework aims to enable public institutions to procure solutions from the innovation ecosystem.
The current research and innovation project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first project focused on health.
The first phase of the project implementation began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a meeting between the partners and Strettch software engineers at the Rwanda Polytechnic Campus in Kicukiro.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Ephrem Musonera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development, and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic; Parfait Yongabo, the Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Research, and Consultancy at Rwanda Polytechnic; Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA; Dr. Said Ngoga, Technology Innovation Division Manager at RISA; and representatives from PWC Rwanda.
PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.
Yongabo stated that the project will create digital solutions for institutional challenges, primarily supporting students and lecturers in their mandate of teaching, learning, and research.
The platform will enable students to document their learning journeys, support the implementation of innovative projects for both students and researchers, and foster collaborations.
The platform will also increase the visibility of students to potential employers through the generation of eCVs or e-portfolios.
“The portal will be able to generate e-portfolios where employers can quickly access a summary of the competencies and skills of the students. If they are interested, they can reach out to them for employment opportunities,” Yongabo explained.
Additionally, the platform will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence assistance to increase its efficiency and save students and researchers time.
Yongabo noted that while many of the companies that expressed interest in developing the platform had good solutions, Strettch provided the best solution that responded effectively to the challenge at hand.
Sauvé Jean-Luc, the co-founder and CEO of Strettch, was ecstatic that their startup won the bid, noting that the victory came after intense preparations and sleepless nights.
“We were very happy to hear that we were among the finalists because we also had to pitch and do intensive work after pitching,” Jean-Luc explained.
“More than 70 startups applied. It was very tough. We had a tight timeline and had to work hard to make the most of every hour. We needed to understand the problem and the client’s needs while being creative, too.”
The 21-year-old made the presentation alongside Libériste Clarance, one of the five founding members of the company. Both are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, an institution they credit for their skills and exposure.
“Rwanda Coding Academy trained us from the ground up as engineers and encouraged us to think outside the box. We gained knowledge across different sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We learned a lot, so we feel the need to give back more than what is expected,” Jean-Luc said.
The startup founders intend to use the new funding to develop the project and scale up their operations to create even bigger impact.
Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, emphasized that the PPI initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of startups by removing obstacles in traditional procurement.
This will allow emerging companies to compete on equal footing with more established firms, helping them gain valuable experience and contribute to innovation.
“For young startups, tendering their solutions through normal procurement procedures is not possible, as it often requires five to ten years of experience to bid for certain tenders. But with this policy, young startups are being supported to participate regardless of the experience they may lack, so it’s a privilege for JICA to support them,” she quipped.
Daniel Chapo, running for the presidency on the ruling FRELIMO party ticket, is almost certain to win, succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who is retiring after two terms. His challengers include Ossufo Momade, the leader of Mozambique’s main opposition party and former rebel movement, Renamo, as well as Lutero (MDN) and Simango Venancio Mondlane (independent).
The 47-year-old former university professor, campaigning under the slogan “Let’s get to work,” is expected to oversee the revival of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects currently stalled due to insecurity in northern Cabo Delgado province.
Local analysts argue that Chapo’s development goals will heavily depend on the continued military support from the Rwandan forces, first deployed by Nyusi in 2021 to assist local troops in containing the insurgency.
“The Rwandans are undeniably competent,” Tertius Jacobs, lead Mozambique analyst at risk consultancy Focus Group, told Reuters. “Mozambique … has little to no better alternative.”
Jacobs notes that Nyusi’s introduction of Chapo to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in June signals a likely continuation of Rwandan involvement.
Rwandan forces, operating in the volatile northern province, are tasked with securing the area around the Afungi site, where TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are planning LNG projects. TotalEnergies halted its $20 billion project when the skirmishes erupted in 2021.
Robert Besseling, CEO of consultancy Pangea-Risk, emphasized that the presence of Rwandan troops will remain crucial to the next administration’s efforts to neutralize terrorist threats, which have hindered Mozambique’s ambition to become a major gas exporter.
“They have thousands of troops there to protect the LNG sites,” Besseling remarked.
Rwanda began deploying its security forces to Mozambique on July 9, 2021. Initially, the contingent included 1,000 troops from the Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police.
By late 2022, the Rwandan troop presence had increased to approximately 2,500, reflecting an expanded mandate to pursue and dislodge terrorists from their strongholds.
Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended. This withdrawal has left Rwanda with a greater share of responsibility in assisting local forces in addressing the ongoing security crisis.
Before the intervention of Rwandan troops in 2021, the insurgency had claimed the lives of 3,000 civilians, and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. The insecurity also brought all development projects in insurgent-controlled areas to a halt.
Rwanda’s most recent troop deployment to Mozambique was in August 2024, led by Major General Emmy Ruvusha. The troops are responsible for securing several key areas and communities in Mocimboa da Praia, Chinda, Palma, Afungi, Pundanhar, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Pemba.
Mr. Butera brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in mining industry, positioning Ngali Holdings Ltd for its next phase of growth and innovation.
With over six years of leadership experience in mining, Mr. Butera has held prominent roles at LuNa Smelter Ltd – Rwanda, where he served as both the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director among other roles. Known for his strategic vision, innovative approach, and industry expertise, Mr. Butera will spearhead Ngali Holdings Ltd’s efforts to expand its market presence.
The Chairperson and the Board of Directors of Ngali Holdings Ltd expressed their enthusiasm and confidence in Mr. Butera’s leadership and look forward to seeing the company reach new heights under his guidance.
He is set to work closely with the executive leadership team and all employees to continue driving the company’s mission to unlock economic potential and eliminate growth barriers in Africa; and deliver value to its customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Ngali Holdings is a Rwandan company investing in a wide range of industries across the continent of Africa. The company aspires to see African markets grow and specialize in long-term, wide-scale infrastructure projects with a holistic focus.
The UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Heather Thorpe, told the media in Kigali on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, that the British government stands ready to assist Rwanda in responding to the health emergency through, among other measures, the provision of protective kits and medical experts.
“We are looking at a whole variety of measures, from the provision of kits, such as personal protective equipment and testing kits, to potentially sending out some epidemiologists and medical support staff,” Thorpe stated.
She added, “We are also examining whether we have any vaccines under trial that we could develop. In fact, there’s a team from Oxford University currently in the country supporting the WHO in their efforts.”
“So we stand ready to help in whatever way we can. The government of Rwanda needs to tell us what they would most like from us, and then we can set our wheels in motion to deliver that.”
The UK’s support will complement efforts from other partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has also offered to collaborate with the Rwandan government in the fight against Marburg.
CDC, the national public health agency of the United States, announced on Monday that it is deploying experts to assist Rwanda’s investigation and response to the Marburg outbreak.
“The staff will use their experience from responding to outbreaks of Marburg virus disease and similar diseases in other countries to support epidemiology, contact tracing, laboratory testing, disease detection and control along borders, and hospital infection prevention and control,” the CDC said in a statement.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care—rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids—and treatment of specific symptoms can improve survival.
According to the study, 53.7% of first-year students and 46.7% of continuing students at Makerere University have remained committed to positive values, including abstinence or faithfulness to their marital partners.
The survey also found that 37.8% of the first-year students who participated in the survey identified as virgins, slightly higher than their continuing counterparts.
“Among the interviewed first-year students, 37.8% were virgins, while 36.6% of continuing students were virgins. An equally good number of students were secondary virgins,” said Barbara Kaija, Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Programme, when presenting the findings on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Makerere University during the launch of the ELP initiative.
On the other hand, the study revealed that 46.3% of first-year students and 53.3% of continuing students have been making negative sexual choices, driven by peer and financial pressure.
The survey included a sample of 473 first-year students and 1,041 continuing students from various key colleges and faculties at Makerere University.
The study also revealed that at least 101 students (13.5%) believed they might have been exposed to HIV at Makerere by having sex with a student who was HIV positive.
“Twenty-seven percent of first-year students had more than five sexual partners in one year, with 11% having ten or more partners in the same period,” the report reads.
Among continuing students, 32% had more than five sexual partners in one year, and 12% had ten or more in that timeframe.
Additionally, the survey showed that 57 first-year students, representing 6.8%, are currently using drugs, while another 17 (3.6%) had used drugs in the past but reported having quit. Among continuing students, 80 (7.7%) are using drugs, and 69 (6.6%) said they had used drugs in the past but had since stopped.
The ELP programme was launched to instil character development and leadership skills in university students. The launch was attended by Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
In a set of guidelines issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the ministry said the decision is aimed at minimizing close contact and curbing the spread of the disease. Visits will resume after an assessment by MINEDUC and health authorities.
Parents have been asked to use alternative means to provide their children with supplies, where necessary.
“In case a student urgently needs supplies, the parent will work with the school administration to send them through other means, including digitally where possible,” the ministry announced.
Parents have also been urged to keep a student displaying any symptoms of Marburg virus at home.
“Take the student with symptoms to a health center immediately, and do not return them to school until cleared by a medical professional,” the ministry advised.
Additionally, MINEDUC directed school administrators and teachers to monitor students and help them access medical facilities if they report symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, severe headaches, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Other measures include encouraging students to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing; preventing students from sharing clothes and personal items; and communicating to students not to panic but to follow all the preventive measures.
Students are required to comply with all preventive measures to help stop the spread of Marburg virus disease.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
To control the spread of the virus, the government has introduced several general measures, including the suspension of hospital visits, the banning of wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) in cases of Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials related to Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Salvos of missiles rained down on Israel at around 19:30 local time (1630 GMT), triggering sirens and sending residents running for shelter. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem as Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted some Iranian missiles, as witnessed by Xinhua correspondents.
A Palestinian man was killed by shrapnel in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported. Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom said two people in Tel Aviv sustained minor injuries. There have been no immediate reports of fatalities within Israel.
Traffic on Jaffa Road, a major street in Jerusalem, returned to normal shortly after the attacks, though a heavier-than-usual police presence remained, according to Xinhua correspondents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would retaliate against Iran’s missile attack. “Whoever attacks us — we will attack him,” Netanyahu told a Security Cabinet meeting focused on potential counter-attacks and the ground military campaign in Lebanon.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that if Israel retaliates by attacking Iran, it will face “crushing and destructive” attacks.
In a statement posted on social media platform X after the attack, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation.”
“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” he wrote.
{{LONG-ANTICIPATED ATTACKS}}
This marks the second round of Iranian missiles fired at Israel. The first round in April was the first-ever direct Iranian strike on Israel, launched in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that killed seven IRGC officers.
The previous round of Iranian missiles was intercepted with assistance from the U.S. military and other regional countries. Israel responded with airstrikes in Iran, but a broader escalation was avoided.
The latest Iranian attacks followed high-profile assassinations of anti-Israel figures who have close ties to Iran.
Iran vowed to retaliate after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in late July while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
On September 27, Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to avenge Nasrallah’s death.
The two rounds of attacks have resulted in no heavy damage within Israeli territory, though both sides assess their impact differently.
In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC claimed that 90 percent of the missiles fired on Tuesday successfully hit their targets, including several air and radar bases and the “conspiracy centers” involved in planning the assassinations of leaders like Haniyeh and Nasrallah.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said several missiles hit central and southern Israel, and “quite a few” were intercepted by air defense systems.
{{ISRAEL’S EXPANDED WARFRONT}}
After the missile attacks on Tuesday, Israel’s military vowed to “carry out attacks throughout the Middle East tonight” in retaliation.
Israel has been engaged in a yearlong war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In the waters off Yemen’s coast, the Houthi group is attacking ships that have links with Israel.
Following frequent exchange of fire with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October last year, Israel has escalated its intensive airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds and other targets since September 23.
In addition to the explosions of communication devices that have injured many Hezbollah members — an act Israel has not openly claimed responsibility for — the country is considering a ground offensive following weeks of heavy bombardments in Lebanon.
The latest confrontation between Israel and Iran has raised fears of another expansion of Israel’s warfront and a broader regional war, while the United Nations and many world leaders are pushing for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation in the Middle East.
However, both Israel and Iran have shown little willingness to back down.
“Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it,” said Netanyahu during Tuesday’s Security Cabinet meeting.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said after the attacks that his country is not a warmonger but “will stand decisively against any threat.”
