Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

The plant, once operational, will generate 43.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity and will feature a dam that enables consistent energy production by storing water. The dam will also support irrigation in surrounding areas.

Speaking before the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on June 25, 2025, during a hearing on the Auditor General’s 2024 report, EDCL Director General Felix Gakuba confirmed that significant progress has been made on the project.

“We have completed 50% of the construction work and expect to make substantial additional progress by the end of the year,” he said.

Gakuba explained that the powerhouse has already begun to take shape and now stands at its first-floor level. At the same time, the dam’s foundation is fully in place, and work has progressed onto the upper sections—an effort that is projected to require an additional five to six months to complete.

Beyond these primary structures, planning is well underway for the subsequent phases of the project, which include constructing access roads and installing other critical structural components.

The official noted that most of the plant’s equipment has been manufactured in China and is already in transit to Rwanda.

“Construction of the transmission infrastructure has also begun, and contractors are already on-site. Much of the required equipment is on the way from China, where it was produced. Our team travelled there to inspect the materials while the Auditor General’s audit was underway.”

Gakuba reaffirmed the project’s positive momentum, noting that close supervision and adequate resource allocation are helping to keep the work on track.

“We are closely monitoring the project and have not encountered any major setbacks. We are confident it will be completed to standard, as we are dedicating all necessary resources to ensure its success.”

The Nyabarongo II hydropower plant is being built by Sino Hydro Corporation. It spans 600 hectares across Rulindo and Gakenke districts in the Northern Province, and Kamonyi District in the Southern Province.

Although the project was originally scheduled for completion by December 2026, construction delays have pushed the expected completion date to 2027 or 2028.

“We are happy to welcome you back to your second home. We look forward to a strong partnership with Qatar Airways as we continue to position Kigali as a key hub in the region,” said Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company.

Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, will operate four weekly flights between Doha and Kigali on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This expansion promises more connectivity, convenience, and choice for passengers travelling to and from Rwanda.

Yasser Mohamed Ali, Regional Manager for Qatar Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch: “We are happy to return to Kigali. Our aim is to work with our partners, RwandAir
to offer travellers more options, and greater convenience, especially as we look ahead to the opening of the new airport in 2028.”

The relaunch is also hailed as a reflection of the vision of Rwanda and Qatar’s leaders. “This relaunch reflects the vision of our leaders, H.E. President Paul Kagame and the Emir of Qatar. Together, we are building a new airport and deepening partnerships, including with Rwanda’s national carrier,” said Jules Ndenga, CEO of Aviation Tourism Logistics (ATL).

Ndenga added, “This relaunch will enhance the passenger experience, and we’re here to support Qatar Airways in raising the bar of operations in Rwanda.”

Rwanda is steadily positioning Kigali as a key regional aviation hub, with plans underway to open the state-of-the-art Bugesera International Airport by 2028. The Government of Rwanda initiated the project in 2017.

In 2019, Qatar Airways joined the venture by acquiring a 60% stake in the airport project, becoming the majority shareholder.

The return of Qatar Airways is expected to play a pivotal role in driving tourism, trade, and economic growth.

In a statement, the Office of the President said the duo’s meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on the enduring partnership between Rwanda and the AfDB, and the transformative development projects achieved under Dr. Adesina’s leadership over the past decade.

“Their discussion focused on the fruitful partnership between Rwanda and the African Development Bank, and the successful collaboration across key economic sectors under Dr.
@akin_adesina’s leadership,” the statement reads.

The visit coincides with the AfDB’s latest [approval of a $500,000 grant ->https://en.igihe.com/science-technology/article/afdb-backs-kigali-cable-car-project-with-500-000-grant] to fund a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a pioneering 5.5 km aerial transit system set to be sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car.

The project, valued at $100 million, aims to improve urban mobility, reduce emissions, and better connect communities to essential services.

“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green, climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure,” said Dr. Adesina in a separate statement issued by AfDB.

The cable car will connect major routes including Nyabugogo to the Central Business District, and Kigali Convention Center to Sports City, integrating landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with operations launching by 2028, and a projected capacity of over 50,000 passengers daily.

Dr. Adesina’s visit also comes ahead of his scheduled departure from the Bank. He is set to be succeeded by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, former Mauritanian finance minister, who was elected in May and will assume office on September 1, 2025, after winning more than 75% of the shareholder vote.

Speaking at the event, RSF Joint Task Force Commander, Maj Gen Emmy K. Ruvusha, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to regional peace, cooperation and the shared legacy of African independence.

On behalf of the Government of Mozambique, the District Administrator of Mocímboa da Praia, Sérgio Cipriano expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RSF for their unwavering support in the fight against terrorism.

“Rwanda Security Force stood with us when our unity and peace were under threat. Today, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we are reminded that true partnership is shown not only in moments of victory but also in the struggle that precedes it,” he said.

Since 2021, the Rwanda Security Force has been operating in Mozambique in close coordination with the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces to restore peace and stability in Cabo Delgado. The joint efforts have resulted in the recovery of key towns, restoration of civil authority, and the return of displaced communities.

The Pretoria High Court intervened following an urgent application by the Zambian government, which opposed the family’s decision to bury the late president abroad without state involvement.

The court said the burial would not proceed, citing an “agreement between the parties,” and scheduled a special hearing on the matter for August 4 2025.

This means Lungu’s remains will not be laid to rest until at least that date.

Lungu died on 5 June 2025 in Pretoria at the age of 68, where he had been undergoing specialised treatment for an undisclosed illness. A former leader of the Patriotic Front, he served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema by a wide margin.

The dispute over his final resting place is the latest chapter in a long-running feud between Lungu and President Hichilema—one that appears to have outlived the former leader.

While Lungu’s family insists he wished to exclude his successor from his funeral, the government maintains that, as a former head of state, he belongs to the nation and should be accorded a state funeral in Zambia.

Initially, both sides agreed on a state funeral. However, the deal collapsed over disagreements on the logistics and symbolism of the ceremony, leading the family to plan a private burial in South Africa instead. This move prompted the government to seek legal redress in South Africa to reclaim control over the burial process.

In its filing, the Zambian government argued that private wishes should not override national interest, citing the precedent set with Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, whose family also objected to a state burial in 2021, but was overruled.

Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha has until July 4 to submit an amended motion supporting Lungu’s repatriation. The former president’s family has until July 11 to respond with their opposing papers. The Pretoria High Court will then hear the case in August and decide who has the final say over the burial and who will bear the costs of the legal proceedings.

The day began with heavy police deployment in Nairobi and other urban centres, where key roads were barricaded and access to the Central Business District (CBD) severely restricted.

Authorities sealed off all routes leading to the State House using razor wire, while Parliament buildings were heavily fortified. Commuters were forced to disembark at designated drop-off points far from the city centre as security forces tried to pre-empt disruptions.

Despite the heightened security, protests erupted in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and several other towns. Predominantly led by Gen Z demonstrators, the rallies drew thousands, many dressed in black and waving Kenyan flags, chanting calls for justice, transparency, and good governance.

What began last year as resistance to new tax laws has morphed into a broader citizens’ movement demanding structural reforms. The protests, now in their second year, have gained momentum, drawing support from across the political and generational divide.

In Nairobi’s CBD, prominent figures such as MP Babu Owino and former Chief Justice David Maraga joined demonstrators, further energising the crowds.

The mood was defiant yet hopeful, until riot police intervened. Tear gas canisters were fired to disperse the swelling crowds, affecting even humanitarian spaces, including a medical camp near Jamia Mosque.

Scenes of chaos and confrontation mixed with solidarity circulated widely on social media. Livestreams captured moments of unity and police aggression, galvanising more supporters across the country, until a government-ordered media blackout came into effect.

The Communications Authority of Kenya issued a directive Wednesday afternoon, instructing all television and radio broadcasters to cease live coverage of the demonstrations. The regulator accused media houses of airing content that could incite public disorder.

Despite the information clampdown, protesters vowed to continue demonstrating, citing a moral obligation to honour the memory of those killed in last year’s protests.

Human rights groups say at least 60 people lost their lives during the 2024 unrest, which reached its peak when protesters stormed Parliament over the Finance Bill.

Local officials reported that the confrontation happened shortly after the soldiers had received their paychecks. According to Fiston Misona Tabashile, president of the civil society in Walikale, tensions escalated into violence during an argument among the soldiers stationed in the area.

The region’s army spokesperson Major Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed the casualties and said that the eight wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.

“The perpetrators have been apprehended and are in custody,” said Mavudisa, urging the local population to continue their daily activities without fear.

Jean Kokwe, a local miner, noted that initial confusion led many residents to suspect armed groups were involved, but eyewitness accounts later clarified that the incident involved members of the Congolese military.

Mungazi is situated near the frontlines of ongoing military operations in eastern Congo, a region marked by complex security challenges and the presence of numerous armed groups competing for control.