The house was built by employees of the City of Kigali who are members of the RPF–Inkotanyi.
The initiative aligns with the RPF–Inkotanyi Manifesto, which prioritises the well-being of citizens, leaving no one behind, and supporting vulnerable populations to achieve sustainable development.
The handover ceremony was attended by the RPF–Inkotanyi Chairperson in Kigali and Mayor of the City, Samuel Dusengiyumva, alongside other officials, party members, and local residents.
In his remarks, Mayor Dusengiyumva commended the City of Kigali staff for turning the initiative into action and encouraged the beneficiary to maintain the property.
“Makuza, and those who have previously received houses in this community, we ask that you take care of your homes, keep them clean, and ensure they remain in good condition. When we conduct follow-up visits, we hope to find them well-kept. As City leadership, we remain committed to providing infrastructure to improve your well-being,” he said.
The house was constructed through collaboration between multiple institutions. The Special Cell of City of Kigali staff carried out community work and contributed funds according to work categories. Ruliba Clay provided bricks, and the Special Cell of Nyarugenge District assisted with purchasing household items.
Makuza Jean Claude expressed his gratitude to all parties involved.
“I am very thankful and promise to take good care of this house, setting an example for others,” he said.
Makuza was selected based on several criteria, including having a disability that prevents him from working, lacking immovable property, being widowed, receiving no other assistance, and supporting a family of eight struggling to meet basic needs. The construction of the house provides an immediate solution to the family’s difficult living conditions while supporting broader efforts to assist the most vulnerable.
Ahead of the handover, leaders and residents participated in tree planting across the village as part of the ongoing #IgitiCyanjye (My Tree) campaign, which aims to plant three million trees over the next five years. The initiative promotes proper tree care and growth while contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
The model, approved by the Cabinet on 28 November, is designed to improve efficiency, passenger experience and accountability across the city’s bus network.
At the centre of the reform is Ecofleet Solutions, a newly created state-owned company that will coordinate, supervise and professionalise bus operations in the capital.
The model shifts focus from revenue-driven operations to service-based performance, a move authorities say will eliminate chronic overcrowding and long waits that have plagued commuters.
{{Ecofleet to oversee all transport operations
}}
Under the new system, Ecofleet Solutions will monitor the city’s entire public transport ecosystem, from route planning and bus deployment to daily service quality. Private operators will continue to own buses and employ staff, but financial management, monitoring and performance evaluation will fall under Ecofleet.
{{Key changes
}}
The new model introduces tighter operational controls across the public transport system, including a strict limit of ten minutes for buses at terminals and no more than three minutes at regular stops.
Fare collection will shift entirely to centralised digital systems, while operators will be compensated based on service quality rather than passenger numbers.
The framework also imposes firm penalties for any cash transactions or other forms of non-compliance, signalling a move toward a more orderly and accountable urban transport network.
The model will remove incentives for operators to overload buses or delay departures, a common source of complaints among Kigali commuters.
{{Technology to drive accountability
}}
Advanced technology will underpin the new transport framework. Real-time systems will track bus movements, delays and overall performance. Updated timetables, both physical and digital, will be displayed at bus stops, while smartphone users will be able to locate nearby stops, track arrival times and view bus routes.
Payment options will widen beyond Tap & Go to include bank cards and Mobile Money, all routed through Ecofleet’s centralised payment system.
{{Electrification at the heart of the reform
}}
Rwanda aims to transition to a fully electric public bus fleet by the end of 2026. Ecofleet will introduce 190 electric buses of its own and lease an additional 110 from private operators. The initial rollout will focus on the Downtown–Sonatubes–Remera corridor before expanding to other key routes, including Sonatubes–Gahanga and Nyabugogo–Gishushu.
The system formally launches on December 2, 2025, with infrastructure preparations nearing completion.
Minister of State for Infrastructure Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye emphasised that fares will not change during the trial period, urging residents to take advantage of the improved system.
“Buses will be cleaner, safer and more reliable,” he said, adding that senior officials will also rely on public transport to demonstrate confidence in the reform.
The overhaul builds on earlier commitments made during the 18th National Umushyikirano Council in February 2023, when the government pledged to reinforce Kigali’s transport system with more than 300 new buses. With government-backed subsidies, operators have already acquired around 200 buses, all of which have arrived in the city.
Pilot tests on the Kabuga–Nyabugogo corridor in May 2025 helped inform the new model by assessing the feasibility of non-waiting, high-frequency bus operations.
The troops completed their basic military training under the guidance of instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Saturday, marking another milestone in the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
The pass-out ceremony, held at Camp Kassai Military Barracks in Bangui, was presided over by President Faustin Archange Touadéra, who applauded the newly enrolled soldiers for their commitment and resilience throughout the programme.
Alongside the new recruits, 121 platoon sergeants graduated from a six-month leadership course also delivered by RDF instructors. The group is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping discipline, coordination, and operational efficiency within the ranks of the FACA.
Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest. In his remarks, he congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism, competence, and discipline as they assume their duties. He encouraged the new platoon sergeants to lead by example and provide consistent support and guidance to their commanders.
Gen Victor Yacoub, Deputy Chief of Staff of the FACA, expressed deep appreciation for Rwanda’s continued support, noting that the RDF has now trained a total of 2,409 soldiers in basic military skills and 300 non-commissioned officers. He commended the trainees for demonstrating discipline and dedication throughout the programme.
The ceremony featured demonstrations of key competencies acquired during training, including marksmanship, martial arts and map-reading skills that highlight the operational readiness of the new recruits.
Rwandan forces first deployed to the Central African Republic in 2014 as part of peacekeeping efforts following civil unrest in 2012. Initially under the African Union mission MISCA, and later the United Nations mission MINUSCA, Rwandan troops have played a key role in protecting civilians, safeguarding UN facilities, and providing security for the Head of State and his family.
In 2020, Rwanda reinforced its support through additional troop deployments and military training programs for the Central African Republic’s armed forces.
According to a statement from the Presidency’s Office of Communication and Public Relations, the new government consists of 23 ministries and five secretariats of state.
Key appointments include Joao Bernardo Vieira as minister of foreign affairs, international cooperation and communities, Mamasaliu Embalo as minister of interior and public order, and former foreign minister Carlos Pinto Pereira as minister of justice and human rights.
All members of the new cabinet are said to be linked to the electoral camp of deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, with four having served in the previous government.
Earlier, Inta-A appointed Tomas Djassi as chief of general staff of the armed forces and Ilidio Vieira Te as prime minister and minister of finance.
Guinea-Bissau held presidential and parliamentary elections on November 23, with Embalo seeking re-election. The results were initially expected on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the military declared it had taken “full control” of state authority to counter “attempts by certain political actors to undermine national stability,” subsequently dismissing Embalo. Senior military officer Inta-A was sworn in as transitional president on Thursday for a one-year term.
According to the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), heavy rains, floods and landslides brought on by the cyclone have destroyed more than 15,000 homes. Nearly 44,000 people have been displaced and are now sheltering in temporary, state‑run centers.
Authorities confirmed that 176 people remain missing, as rescue and relief efforts continue amid challenging conditions.
The government has appealed for international assistance to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Immediately after the emergency declaration, several countries responded with offers of aid.
Rescue operations have been significantly supported by the military, with the army, navy and air force deployed to reach remote and flood‑hit areas, evacuate stranded people and deliver relief supplies.
As floodwaters continue to threaten more regions, especially low‑lying coastal zones and river basins, the authorities have issued widespread evacuation orders. Many residents along flood‑prone areas have been moved to safer zones under escort by security forces.
The scale of the disaster from destruction of homes to displacement of tens of thousands has placed Sri Lanka among the worst‑hit nations in recent years by climate‑related disasters.
International relief agencies and neighbouring countries have begun mobilizing resources to provide urgent humanitarian support.
According to media reports, the blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, a densely populated residential area.
Emergency teams have worked around the clock to search for survivors, but as of now, authorities have confirmed that the death toll stands at 128, with many others still missing.
Authorities have officially ended search and rescue operations, and the focus has shifted to identifying victims and investigating the cause of the fire.
As of now, officials have not finalized the exact cause, but early reports suggest that poor fire safety measures and the building’s renovation may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The fire has been described as particularly devastating due to the building’s overcrowded conditions and the high number of residents it housed.
The authorities have yet to provide a full breakdown of the victims’ nationalities, though it is known that the complex was home to many low-income families and some foreign workers.
During the meeting, he conveyed the message of appreciation from RDF leadership. Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the peacekeepers for the work well done and professionalism in carrying out their duty.
He also briefed them on the current security situation in Rwanda and the region in general. The ACOS is in the Central African Republic for a working visit to the Rwandan forces deployed under both UN Mandate and Bilateral arrangements.
He is expected to participate in the graduation ceremony of FACA soldiers trained by RDF, meet with MINUSCA officials and FACA military leadership.
The Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to roll out this improved transportation system starting in December 2025.
The new system will focus on providing reliable service, with buses adhering to scheduled timetables.
There will be a modern traffic management system in place, which will track the buses in real-time, ensuring they are dispatched to areas where they are needed. This will guarantee that passengers receive regular service throughout all routes.
The system also aims to protect the environment, supporting Rwanda’s goals for sustainable urban development, as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
Recently, the Director-General of RURA, Evariste Rugigana, informed Senators about the plan to address the transportation challenges, especially in Kigali. He mentioned the establishment of a public enterprise, Ecofleet Solutions Ltd, aimed at improving public transport services.
He emphasized that currently, public transport is operated by private individuals seeking profit. Therefore, the establishment of a government company would help improve the system of passenger transportation.
He explained, “Currently, public transport is operated by private businesses that focus on making a profit. If a bus arrives at a terminal but isn’t full, it doesn’t depart. This leads to delays for passengers, as some people have to wait for the bus to fill up. We don’t want to inconvenience passengers. We want to ensure timely service even when there are fewer passengers.”
The meeting took place in Addis Ababa, where the conference was held, as announced by the Rwandan Embassy in Ethiopia.
After the meeting, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), through its X account, thanked Ambassador Karamba for warmly receiving their delegation in Ethiopia.
“Thank you Ambassador Charles Karamba, for warmly hosting the RBA delegation. Your thoughtful insights, clear guidance, and constructive conversations provided valuable perspective and greatly enriched the delegates’ engagement at the Conference,” reads the message.
The EALS is celebrating 30 years of advancing justice, regional integration, and the rule of law in East Africa. Rwanda continues to lead in developing a strong and unified legal community.
EALS is a professional association of lawyers from the East African region, founded in 1995, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
It brings together legal associations from the East African Community member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Zanzibar, as well as individual lawyers from these countries, numbering over 10,000.
The mission of EALS is to promote the legal profession, protect the rule of law, advance good governance, and defend human rights in the region.
The Cabinet approved the Presidential Order demonetizing old Frw 500, Frw 1000, Frw 2000 , and Frw 5000 banknotes.
This decision involves the withdrawal of these old currency notes from circulation. The notes that are being phased out include Frw 500 notes printed in 2004 and 2013, Frw 1000 notes printed in 2004 and 2015, Frw 2000 notes printed in 2007, and Frw 5000 notes printed in 2004 and 2009.
The deadline for the use of these old notes is set for 12 months. After this period, these notes will no longer be valid for transactions in Rwanda.
In addition to the demonetization, the Cabinet was briefed on the new public transport model designed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability of transportation in Kigali. This system is intended to make urban mobility more convenient for residents, with plans for possible expansion to other urban areas in Rwanda.
Another significant topic discussed was Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which outlines the country’s climate action plan. This plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting climate resilience across the nation.
The Cabinet also approved a partnership agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd to establish nuclear medicine services at the National Cancer Center.
Several draft laws were discussed and approved by the Cabinet, including the draft law governing the National Bank of Rwanda.
Another significant approval was the draft law ratifying the loan agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Giseke Irrigation Project.
The Cabinet also ratified a draft law approving the Grant and Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), which will support the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Rwanda.
The Cabinet also approved several appointments within key government ministries and institutions. Notably, Ms. Madeleine Nirere was reappointed as the Chief Ombudsman.
Ambassador Fidelis Mironko was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Mr. Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
Amb. Mironko is an experienced career diplomat with expertise in bilateral relations and international representation.
He has served in key foreign missions across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, strengthening Rwanda’s diplomatic ties.
Notable roles include Ambassador to Türkiye (2020–2023), First Counsellor at Rwanda’s High Commission in London (2015–2020), and Second Counsellor at the Embassy in Washington DC (2010–2015).
He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Cloud State University.
Meanwhile, Ndayizigiye is a seasoned Internal Auditor and Fraud Examiner with over 10 years of expertise in audit engagement, risk management, governance, fraud investigation, and financial control across diverse sectors, including public institutions, universities, banking, and energy.
He has a proven track record of strengthening internal audit systems, enhancing compliance cultures, and helping institutions achieve unqualified audit opinions.
His notable roles include serving as the Head of Internal Audit at Rwanda Energy Group (Oct 2021 prior to new appointment), Unguka Bank Plc (Apr 2019–Oct 2021), and the University of Rwanda (Jul 2016–Feb 2019). He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Rwanda (2015) and a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the National University of Rwanda (2008).
The Cabinet also approved several other policies, programs, and strategies. These included the consolidated financial statements for the Government of Rwanda for the year 2024/2025, the approval of applications for mineral licenses, and the endorsement of Rwanda’s Sustainable Land Management Investment Framework (SLM-IF).
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Agrément for several new diplomats representing Rwanda and international organizations. These included ambassadors from Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, Malta, and several other countries.
In addition to these approvals, the Cabinet was informed about upcoming events such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2025.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2025, and International Anti-Corruption Day, on December 9, 2025, will also be marked by various initiatives across the country.
The Cabinet also ratified the Treaty between Rwanda and Brazil on the transfer of sentenced persons and also ratified an agreement with the Government of Hongkong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding the elimination of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion.
