Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

The celebration, dubbed the Tambali Ceremony, was held on Wednesday, August 27, at the Deco Center Hub in Kigali. The event brought together parents, facilitators, alumni, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the achievements of the 111 learners, including 67 males and 44 females, who completed the programme.

Opening the ceremony, Cedric Nsengiyumva, Pathway Learning Experience Community Analyst for Kigali, congratulated the graduates and expressed gratitude to the families and facilitators who supported them throughout their academic journey.

His words of praise and encouragement set an uplifting and celebratory tone for the rest of the evening.

The Pathway curriculum combines academic and entrepreneurial training, with courses ranging from Business Finance and Statistics to Computing and Venture Creation. Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasises personal growth, leadership, and soft skills development. Learners described the journey as transformative, with many highlighting improved confidence, communication, and critical thinking.

Parents also praised the programme’s impact. Jovite Sinzahere, father of graduate Lisette Mukiza, who secured a full scholarship to the African Leadership University in Mauritius, described the achievement as life-changing.

“This scholarship has saved me 220 million Rwandan francs in school fees for the next four years. Such an opportunity is not only life-changing for my daughter but also a testament to the quality education ALX offers. Beyond the academics, I have seen how the program has built her soft skills in communication, personal branding, and critical thinking. It has shaped her into a confident, well-rounded individual ready for the future,” he shared.

Learners, too, reflected deeply on their journeys.

“When we started the program, we could barely stand in front of an audience. But over the course, we have built such confidence in ourselves, and moving forward, the transformation in our confidence is clear,” Happy remarked.

The impact of the Pathway program was also evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by the learners. Seventeen learners received full Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, while more than 10 others secured partial scholarships through the program.

Several learners also won external scholarships, and some remain on competitive waitlists. In total, more than 70 university admissions have already been secured, while others are still awaiting placement. A number of alumni from the Pathway program have also found alternative routes to pursue their dreams, including student loans and self-sponsorship.

Closing the event, Dare Daramola, ALX Head of Learning and Community, thanked parents for their unwavering support and recognised three learners for outstanding performance. He described the programme as a “launchpad for possibility,” urging graduates to continue inspiring others.

ALX Pathway provides High School graduates in Africa a unique opportunity to access degree programmes at leading global universities. With a focus on tech, Pathway supports and prepares young people across eight African cities for their application to one of ALX’s partner universities.

In addition to university application support, Pathway offers access to scholarship opportunities and finance partners that help make university accessible and affordable.

For more information, visit [https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] or watch this recap of previously awarded scholarships.

Moloko, 27, previously featured for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC and AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrives at AS Kigali after spells in Iraq with Al Sadaqa and Diyala, and most recently in Algeria with ES Mostaganem.

The Kigali-based side struggled for goals during recent friendly matches, particularly in the Inkera y’Abahizi pre-season tournament, where their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly. The club will now look to Moloko to provide attacking depth alongside Rudasingwa Prince and Iyabivuze Osée.

AS Kigali will kick off their 2025/26 league campaign on September 14, 2025, when they face Amagaju FC.

Ujiri, a prominent voice in sport and youth empowerment, joins Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani advocate for inclusion and disability rights, in the latest cohort of influential leaders tasked with accelerating global progress on the 17 SDGs.

“The SDG Advocates play a vital role in inspiring global action and ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Masai Ujiri and Ms. Muniba Mazari to this distinguished group of leaders.”

Through his non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, Ujiri has long used basketball as a platform to inspire young people, break down barriers, and provide opportunities across the continent.

Most recently, the Giants of Africa festival was staged in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2 2025, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. The festival was also a major public spectacle, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators.

At the 2025 edition of Giants of Africa in Kigali, Masai Ujiri also unveiled Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to promote youth development, gender equality, and community engagement.

Beyond providing a space for basketball and recreation, the facility is envisioned as a hub for education, leadership training, and social impact initiatives, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.

Reflecting on his appointment, Ujiri said: “Sport doesn’t just unite people – it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honour, and I’m excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.”

Mazari, widely known as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan,” has inspired millions through her personal journey and her tireless advocacy for disability rights, inclusion, and gender equality.

“Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. I am proud to be an SDG Advocate and to elevate the voices of those who are often unheard,” she said.

The Secretary-General praised the pair’s dedication and highlighted the importance of their work in advancing the SDGs, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.

The SDG Advocates, chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, bring together a diverse group of global leaders, from royalty and heads of foundations to business executives, entertainers, and activists.

Current members include Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Graça Machel, Jeffrey Sachs, Lilly Singh, and Microsoft President Brad Smith, among others.

The meeting, held at Urugwiro Village in Kigali, came a day after Grandi also met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.

In a message posted on X following his talks with President Kagame, Grandi described the exchange as “good,” noting Rwanda’s inclusive and forward-looking refugee policies and the opportunities presented by the Washington peace initiative signed in June between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Solving issues related to refugees from DRC and Rwanda is one of them. UNHCR is ready to play its facilitating role,” he added.

According to the Office of the President, the talks focused on strengthening Rwanda–UNHCR collaboration, including Rwanda’s leading role in prioritising refugee protection, integration, and long-term solutions.

Grandi’s trip to Rwanda and the DRC was announced earlier in the week. On August 25, he wrote that ongoing political initiatives could provide an opportunity to end violence and forced displacement in eastern DRC “if all actors cooperate,” pledging UNHCR’s readiness to contribute.

His visit follows a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, where Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.

The roadmap, agreed under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements, sets out concrete steps and timelines to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.

The plan is seen as a cornerstone of post-conflict recovery, building on recent diplomatic milestones, including the Washington Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC in June and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.

Key provisions of the roadmap include expedited repatriation of Rwandan refugees from eastern DRC, improved coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, and stronger reintegration measures covering housing, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and civil documentation. Donor and partner support is also highlighted as vital to ensuring long-term recovery.

UNHCR has already begun implementing parts of the plan. On August 25, the agency repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to Rwandan authorities.

Grandi’s ongoing consultations with regional leaders are expected to reinforce both humanitarian and diplomatic tracks, particularly in addressing challenges that continue to hinder voluntary returns and sustainable reintegration.

The migrants arrived in mid-August and are being housed with support from an international organisation, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local social services are monitoring their welfare.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the group had undergone vetting before relocation. Of the seven, four have opted to begin a new life in Rwanda, while the rest have shown interest in eventually returning to their countries of origin. Their nationalities were not disclosed.

“Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government,” Makolo said.

The migration agreement, concluded in June, provides for Rwanda to host up to 250 migrants transferred from the United States, with the possibility of expanding that number following further negotiations. The migrants are not required to remain in Rwanda permanently and may relocate to other countries if they choose.

Rwanda retains the authority to decide who is eligible for relocation. Those accepted will be supported with job training, healthcare services, and accommodation to ease their integration. Individuals currently serving prison terms in the U.S., or those with convictions for child-related offences, are excluded from the scheme.

In a past statement, Makolo noted that Rwanda’s willingness to take part stems from its history of displacement and commitment to reintegration.

“Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”

The newly formed unit has been trained in civilian protection, street-level law enforcement, crowd control, and crime investigation. Officers have also been equipped with the necessary tools to carry out their duties.

Speaking at the launch on Sunday, Gen. Makenga stressed that the unit must operate differently from the Congolese government forces, which he accused of corruption, abuse of authority, and discrimination against citizens.

“I ask you to be a police force different from the others we face, different from those troops who fail in their duties, beat people, kill, steal, are corrupt, and discriminate against citizens. That is not the police,” he said.

Gen. Makenga further emphasised discipline and professionalism, urging officers to act as a mirror of the movement and to earn the trust of local communities.

“Be a people’s police; do not be feared, be approachable, and help them,” he said.

He called on the officers to support citizens who have long suffered under the DRC government, providing assistance without discrimination and demonstrating effective governance.

The AFC/M23 controls large swaths of territory in eastern DRC, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Following the establishment of civil administration and the police force, the group plans to set up a judicial system in the future.

The verdict was announced on Wednesday by the Prosecutor General’s Office. The charges against the teenager included attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.

Prosecutors clarified that the case could not be reclassified as homicide, despite Senator Uribe’s death, because Colombian law prohibits modifying charges once a minor has formally accepted them.

The attack took place in June during a campaign rally in a working-class neighbourhood of Bogotá. Senator Uribe was shot in the head while addressing supporters. The horrifying moment, captured on video, left the country stunned.

Immediately after the shooting, the young gunman was detained at the scene, alongside five adults who were also arrested and face ongoing investigations into possible involvement.

Following the attack, Senator Uribe underwent multiple surgeries and remained in intensive care for nearly two months. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, he succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage on August 11. His death triggered an outpouring of grief and calls for stronger protections for political figures in Colombia.

Miguel Uribe Turbay, aged 37, was a rising political star and one of the country’s most prominent opposition voices. Known for his tough stance on crime and corruption, he had been gaining significant popularity ahead of next year’s presidential elections.

His assassination attempt, and eventual death, drew immediate comparisons to Colombia’s dark history of political violence in the 1980s and 1990s, when several presidential hopefuls, including Luis Carlos Galán and Bernardo Jaramillo, were gunned down during election campaigns.

The sentencing of the teenage shooter has raised debates across Colombia about youth involvement in organised crime and political violence. Legal experts note that under Colombian law, minors cannot face the same sentencing standards as adults, even in cases of grave crimes. Critics argue this leaves a gap in accountability when children are used to carry out politically motivated attacks.

Authorities are continuing to investigate who may have orchestrated the plot against Uribe. The five adults arrested alongside the shooter are expected to face trial on charges that could include conspiracy and complicity in terrorism.

Officials have not ruled out the possibility that criminal groups or political actors may have been behind the assault.

The killing has cast a long shadow over Colombia’s upcoming elections, raising fresh concerns about the safety of candidates and the fragility of the country’s democratic process.

Political leaders from across the spectrum condemned the attack, with President Gustavo Petro calling it “a blow against democracy and national stability.” Vigils and demonstrations honouring Uribe have since been held across Bogotá and other cities, reflecting both sorrow and public anger.

For many Colombians, the tragedy is a reminder that while the country has made strides toward peace following decades of armed conflict, the risks of political violence remain dangerously present.

The sentencing of the teenage shooter brings a measure of judicial closure, but for Uribe’s supporters and the broader public, deep questions remain about accountability, security, and the future of democratic politics in Colombia.

The five-year Medium-Term Senior Unsecured Bond, which was fully subscribed, carries a fixed coupon of 13.25% per annum and will pay investors semi-annual interest with amortised principal repayments starting 18 months after issuance. Proceeds will be used to refinance AMS’s foreign-denominated debt and finance its growth strategy, including expansion into new markets.

At the listing ceremony in Kigali, RSE Chief Executive Officer Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba said the transaction showcased the growing depth of Rwanda’s capital market.

“AMS Plc listing is particularly significant as it becomes the first company in the healthcare sector to graduate from the Capital Market Investment Clinic, raise money, and be profiled on the RSE special board,” Rwabukumba said.

“This serves as a good example for other SMEs and corporates on what’s possible in our capital market today.”

Capital Market Authority CEO Thapelo Tsheole added that raising funds through bonds is not only about financing but also about visibility and credibility.

“The capital market offers visibility and instils confidence, both of which contribute to strengthening the company,” he stated.

AMS CEO and founder Fabrice Shema Ngoga described the listing as a defining moment for the 17-year-old medical supplier.

“Today’s bond listing represents a new chapter in the history of AMS Plc, a chapter defined by innovation, trust, and a shared vision of progress,” Ngoga said. “This listing is not an endpoint but a beginning, and a rallying point for all stakeholders to join hands in pursuit of lasting impact.”

Founded in 2008, AMS supplies pharmaceuticals, diagnostic kits, hospital equipment, and consumables to more than 400 clients, including hospitals, pharmacies, NGOs, UN agencies, and government programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2024, the company reported revenues of Frw 18.5 billion and a net profit of Frw 681 million.

With this listing, AMS joins 10 other companies on the RSE’s equities board and five other corporates on its fixed-income segment, alongside 85 treasury bonds.

The assault left residential neighbourhoods in ruins and plunged the Ukrainian capital once again into grief and shock.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the death toll, warning that it could rise as rescuers continued to search for survivors beneath the rubble. Emergency crews spent hours digging through debris in several districts, pulling out the wounded and carrying away bodies as smoke and dust filled the air.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s city administration, described the scale of destruction as devastating. In the Darnytskyi district, a five-storey apartment block was almost completely destroyed, while windows and roofs were blown out across entire neighbourhoods.

“Everything is destroyed,” Tkachenko said, capturing the despair of residents who watched their homes collapse.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a calculated effort to terrorise civilians and break the country’s spirit.

“These are not just attacks on buildings, they are attempts to sow fear and destroy our will,” he said. Zelenskyy urged the international community to respond with stronger measures, stressing, “The world must force Russia to take real steps toward peace. Silence and hesitation only encourage more violence.”

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as sirens blared and explosions ripped through the capital. A mother who survived the strikes said she shielded her child in a corridor just moments before the blast shattered their apartment.

“The glass flew everywhere. If we had stayed in the room, we would not be alive,” she recalled tearfully.

Ukraine’s military reported intercepting many of the missiles and drones, but said Russia’s use of combined drone swarms and missile barrages was designed to overwhelm defences. Despite successes, several projectiles penetrated the shield and slammed into residential areas.

The attack comes days before Ukrainian officials are due to meet U.S. representatives in New York, where Kyiv will push for renewed military and diplomatic support. Zelenskyy voiced frustration at Moscow’s continued intransigence, saying Russia was sending “arrogant and negative signals” instead of seeking genuine dialogue.

As night fell, rescue teams continued working under floodlights, while families huddled in shelters, fearing more strikes. The scenes of destroyed apartment blocks, burned-out cars, and children wrapped in blankets outside emergency centres underscored the human cost of a war that has already dragged on for more than three years.