Category: News

{{Journalists in Rwanda have elected their new leaders to take them through the two year term with a challenge of bringing back unity and good spirit among journalists.}}

Collin Haba has been elected as the new president of the Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ) beating Gonza Muganwa and replacing Gaspard Safari who has the president since inception.

Radio Rwanda’s narrator of highlights in different news papers Cleophasi Barole was elected the 1st vice president while Angelique Mukaneza a news anchor on Rwanda Television was elected 2nd vice president of the association.

Journalists that had turned up in a big number also elected Jane Uwimana of Radio 10 as a Secretary General Ten while Charles Kwizera was elected a treasurer of the association plus three advisors that included Justine Mugabo the owner of Isango Star Radio.

Didas Niyifasha of Radio 10 said that election were free, fair and peaceful which brings hope that the new committee may deliver to the expectations.

While speaking to Rwanda Television Robert Mugabe of Great lakes voice an online news paper said that new leadership of Journalist association has a challenge to bring harmony and building the image journalism deserve in Rwanda.

Mugabe also says outgoing committee members were no longer practicing journalists, and had exceeded the term limit.

The election of the new association leadership comes in wide awake of having journalists union instead of association which would handle journalists’ work related problems.

“This is a good democratic step and we are sure that the elections will be fair. We have an obligation to serve the interests of journalists and I hope that the incoming leadership will serve this cause,” Gaspard Safari the former association president said previously.

The leadership is composed of eight-man committee with the president of the association, two vice presidents, a general secretary, treasurer and three advisors.

The outgoing leadership leaves behind a draft constitution for a proposed journalists’ union that the new leadership is mandated to usher in.

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{{It is so unfortunate that Whitney Houston has left so soon in a very sad disappearance, may her soul rest in eternal peace.}}

As one gets fed with news from different media outlets, will feel a sense of great love and inspiration that Whitney has sown into millions of people’s hearts across the whole earth.

Unfortunately it is the kind of such huge and much love that she cannot get or feel, of which am sure she did not either get it realize when she was still alive.

Kevin Costner paid tribute to his co-star from The Bodyguard, and friend Whitney Houston at her funeral, held in New Jersey this Saturday, and almost was pretty broken up watching him fight back the tears during her remembrance.

The funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey where the high tone voiced singer first sung in a choir and also where her mother Jennifer Houston usually went for daily spiritual renewal in Sunday services.

“I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,” her mother wrote to her daughter in a letter published in the program distributed among people that had turned up for the funeral.

“And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years. Rest, my baby girl, in peace,” the letter ends, signed “mommie.”

One of the huge fans of the deceased great singer, Mory Tamba Morris Toundoufedouno, Correspondent at BBC Afrique disbelieved how soon Whitney left.
“It’s how life goes! May your soul rest in perfect peace! And we shall meet one of thoz dayz. Definitely in HEAVENS, Amen!,” Toundoufedouno wrote on a page created to remember Whitney on Facebook.

“I’ve found this tribute made to Whitney in 2010, by her fans who always supported her in the midst of all she’s been through and in spite of the splash the press made on her trials. Dear Whitney…Your voice, your spirit, your smile (which causes your eyes to twinkle), will be in our memories and hearts endlessly. You have certainly created something everlasting. My Love and embrace to the family RIP Whitney!,” said Paulo Mesquita a Spanish scholar.

The biggest names in entertainment clapped hands, swayed to gospel hymns and sang along with the choir at Whitney Houston’s hometown funeral this Saturday in the church where the deceased pop star once wowed the congregation as a young girl.

“We are here today, hearts broken but yet with God’s strength we celebrate the life of Whitney Houston,” the Rev. Joe A. Carter told the packed New Hope Baptist Church after the choir behind him sang “The Lord is My Shepherd.”

Mourners including singer Jennifer Hudson and Houston’s mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, stood, swayed and clapped along in the aisles.

Gospel singers BeBe and CeCe Winans and the Rev. Kim Burrell joined with pop stars like Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and R. Kelly in paying tribute to the 48-year-old pop superstar who first began singing in the Newark church.

The service had lighthearted moments too – Kevin Costner imagining a young Houston using her winning smile to get out of trouble, Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick offering short insights about the singer.

Others were more mournful; singer Ray J., who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying.

His sister, singer Brandy, put her arm around him. Cissy Houston and Houston’s daughter, 18-year-old Bobbi Kristina, clutched each other in the front of the church.

Toward the end of the service, Bobbi Kristina and Ray J. embraced at length and spoke. Others gathered near the front of the church and hugged each other.

The most powerful moment was reserved for the end. As Houston’s silver casket was carried out, her hit “I Will Always Love You” played. Bobbi Kristina began crying, and the sobs of Houston’s mother rang throughout the church.

“My baby!” Whitney’s mother wailed.

Wonder and Oprah Winfrey were among the biggest names gathered to mourn Houston, along with Hudson, Monica, Brandy, and Jordin Sparks representing a generation of big-voiced young singers who grew up emulating her.

More than 1,500 packed the New Hope Baptist Church for the nearly four- hour service that celebrated Houston’s life and career.

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{{President Paul Kagame has attended the African Union(AU) mini-summit held this Saturday in Cotonou, Benin.}}

The summit which convened by president Boni Yayi of Benin, the current chairman of AU attracted African heads of states.

Thirteen African Presidents attended the closed door meeting in Cotonou called by President Yayi to discuss a road map for the AU as well as the management of strategic partnerships between Africa and the rest of the world.

It is also said the heads of state and governments discussed the security situation on the continent.

The current AU Chairman, President Yayi Boni, hailed the presence of his peers as the expression of the importance they give to the cause of the continent at a time when Africa is facing different challenges.

The meeting will review the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, the rebellion in northern Mali, the threat of the Islamic group of Boko Haram in Nigeria and also the Libyan issue, where the proliferation of heavy and light arms that can be used to destabilise neighbouring countries is a source of concern.

The Cotonou talks will end with a declaration on the basis of which the AU chairman will work with former African leaders for solutions to the present situation facing the continent.

In addition to the issues of peace and security, the AU presidents will look into good governance, democracy and the creation of a free trade zone on the continent to develop intra-African trade.

AU presidents attending the Cotonou summit are Yayi Boni of Benin, Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Faure Essozima Gnassingbe of Togo, Issifou Mahamadou of Niger, Ali Bongo Odimba Gabon and President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.

Ethiopian Prime minister Meles Zenawi and the AU Commission chairman, Jean Ping are also attending the summit.

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{{Motorcycle supervisors completed a two day seminar on 17th February that focused on helping motorcyclists in their daily activities with regard to the road safety. }}

Motorcycles are a popular means of public transport in Rwanda today and are highly involved in most road accidents which have resulted into fatal deaths and injuries.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Butera requested the newly trained supervisors to be observers, monitors and facilitators for motorcyclists in their work.

Butera also told motorcyclists to avoid violating traffic laws which leads to frequent roads accident deaths.

He said, “You have to be careful while riding in order to avoid frequent road accidents most of the time leading to deaths”. He added that supervisors are not to ask them bribes, harass or take away motor bicycles but to ensure proper Motorcycle taxi transport operations on the road.

Vestine Mukeshimana, Director of good governance in Kigali city council told motor cyclists that the city needs their collaboration in contribution towards security.
“You have to prevent crimes before they happen and work for social economic development of the public by contributing to the full security of the city.”

The Supervisors are supposed to work at the new 65 parking grounds established for motor cycle Taxis.

{{A house Maid identified as Manuel Sezibera was found by his master in the masters bed with a young woman both naked and enjoying themselves while the master was away. The incident happened at kacyiru.}}

In the early afternoon Sezibera thought his boss had gone to work after his afternoon meal. He allowed himself the daily pleasures of his master, sitting on the couch watching T.V and cooking for himself his favourite dishes on the cooker he isn’t supposed to use. Sezibera also invited guests as though he were the boss of the house.

Sezibera later invited a young woman and the two galloped special liquor the master normally reserves for special occasions.

When the owner of the home Peter Muhigo returned from work, he found Sezibera right in his bedroom naked on bed holding a young woman in deep in slumber.

Muhigo’s routine has always been that he leaves home at 6Am and returns from work at about 9PM. On his return Muhigo tried to wake up Sezibera but the houseboy was completely dead asleep. However, the young woman woke up to the sounds of angry insults from Muhigo.

She panicked and tried to run out of the master’s bedroom. Muhigo intercepted her and quizzed her on what was going on in his Private room. Muhigo threatened the young woman that he would report the matter to police.

The young woman claimed to have found Sezibera on the streets seeking companion for the day.She claimed that Sezibera promised he would pay her a lot of money if she agreed to accompany him back home.

The young woman further claimed that Sezibera had told her that the House belonged to him and that nobody was home. Sezibera served her with food and drinks and the two enjoyed until they got wasted into the masters bed.

Sezibera was totally snoring while Muhigo was quizzing the young woman. Muhigo later called the security guard to come and pick him up, they put him in the back of the pickup-truck, and the woman in the front and headed to the police station.

Muhigo told our reporter that as soon as they started driving; Manuel woke up and realized what was going on and pleaded for his life. He promised to never be so foolish and agreed to work for free for the next month. Finally Muhigo fired him.

{{Police in Rwamagana district has detained two men suspected of defiling a six year old girl.
According to Police sources in the region, Karimunda one of the suspects, was seen yesterday while carrying Divine Mbabazi (victim) to his friend’s house.}}

Police investigation further indicates that, the victim had been playing games along with her peers when Karimunda took her only to be established later that the innocent underage girl had been raped.

After suspecting the crime, the mother of the victim, took her to Gishali Health center which showed preliminary signs of rape.

The arrested suspects are identified as Cyrille Karimunda 23 and Francois Ngerageze 27 years old. Both criminals are currently detained at Kigabiro Police Station.

While Ngerageze says he saw Karimunda carrying the young girl to his house, the later denies any wrong doing adding that he had even not seen the girl before.

Police Spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege condemned the criminal act noting that such criminals need to be fought and let them face real justice.

He further noted that, the arrest of these criminals should be a signal to whoever might be thinking of committing the same crime that police has devised mechanisms to apprehend them and bring them to book.

“Children are the future generation of the country, it is therefore paramount that, their rights are fully protected in order to turn them into more responsible people that will be up to the development of the country”, Supt Badege said.

He called on parents to always spare time from their daily work schedule and tend to their children.

If found guilty, the two suspects will be sentenced to life imprisonment according to the Rwandan law.

{{The Rwandan Education Board has changed their earlier decision of only recruiting Kenyan English subject teachers but now prefer to procure English language teachers from different East African countries.}}

This decision was made since Rwanda joined the Commonwealth Club.

Not only does Rwanda consider English language instruction in schools as a tool of strengthening regional integration, but it will also increases the chances for Rwandans in competing for employment and educational opportunities with the rest of the East Africa and any other English speaking region.

The State minister in charge of Primary and Secondary Education Dr.Mathias Harebamungu, told reporters that the policy in shift to English language was initiated in 2008 and its implementation began in 2009.

The government is planning to recruit 250 teachers at the initial stage but the process will continue. The ministry hopes to be able to send at least one teacher to every school, both primary and secondary nationwide.

The EAC teacher posted to each school in Rwanda will be responsible for training the teachers in the English subject. This policy will be used at all levels of education in the country.

“We have written to the embassies of Kenya and Uganda to help us in the recruitment process,” Harebamungu told reporters.

{{Amahoro Association in collaboration with Imbuto foundation have called upon the youth to embrace the fight against AIDS in a campaign dubbed, ‘New Year in Fighting against HIV/AIDS.’}}

The theme of this year is “let’s, youth, protect ourselves and others to build the better future.”
Patrick Habineza, the vice Chairman of the association said that they have planned to visit different schools and universities.

He said, “We are planning to visit secondary schools and universities in our sensitization and make sure that the youth of school and academic environment has received the knowledge on the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Belise Ingabire, 14, a student at Glory Secondary School says that the youth are likely to acquire much knowledge through this program. “This will make the youth value and practice abstinence.”

Benjamin Cyusa, 19, said that the program of visits is an asset for the students, “It will help as a lesson from the campaign is going to add to the ones we already get from our teachers and parents.”

In the discussions, the association encourages students to know who they are, their value and how to sustain it through the headline “who I am and my value.”

The association also asks the youth to know their talents, how to love, if it is fair to present one’s lover to the parents, the difference between love and sexual intercourse and many others which help them not to confuse love and sexual relationships.

The Amahoro Association was founded to help children born with HIV/AIDS virus and others whose parents are living or have died of it.

It was started by 14 children who are now at higher institutions and universities and it cares for 1500 children within three centres.

It helps these children understand the harmfulness of HIV/AIDS which makes them prevent themselves from its infection.

The association expects to end its acts within 20 years when HIV/AIDS will have tremendously reduced.

{{The Supreme Court recently accepted recommendations from friends of court Article 19 a group of activists and lawyers without borders on how to solve the case of two journalists Uwimana Nkusi and Saidath Mukakibibi who are accused of inciting genocide ideology in their publications.}}

Today the president of Supreme Court Sam Rugege noted that the recommendations didn’t highlight any new idea on how to solve the case, but added that however, this was the first time to accept recommendations from friends of the court yet it would be better if they brought new practices.

The lawyer of Nkusi, Evariste Nsabayezu agreed with the court ruling that the recommendations were similar to Rwandan laws.

“There’s a part they say that journalists have a right to publish opinions from their sources yet in Rwanda we have a similar law, so there was nothing new in their recommendations,” said the lawyer.

A verdict to decide the reduction of jail terms for the two inmates will be delivered on 16th next month, Nkusi is sentenced to 17 years while 7 years for Mukakibibi.

{{The Governor of Eastern Province Odette Uwamariya has encouraged citizens to question leaders that provide poor services.}}

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE.com, Uwamariya notes that she’s tired of hearing cases of poor service delivery yet most of the accused leaders are competent and are paid well by the government.

She added that good service delivery facilitates good governance and also ensures sustainable development. “I despise leaders that ignore or delay requests from citizens who need their services yet some of these ignorant leaders were nominated by community members,” She remarked.

Uwamariya stressed that leaders should be ashamed whenever Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habamuremyi solves issues in their respective territories.
There’s a directive from the Prime Minister’s office instructing leaders to adhere to some of the practices meant to ensure transparency.

“A leader should have their contacts pined on their office door and there is a specific period they are not supposed to exceed before replying to a citizen’s requirement amongst others, they know all this yet they end up being ignorant,” she argued.

Uwamariya further stressed that good service delivery should also apply to other public sectors especially hospitals which are have also been facing criticisms from the majority through media.

“I know some patients for instance are shy to speak aggressively to doctors since they fear the physician might abandon them,” she further said.

“I always advise my colleagues especially mayors that as soon as majority start filing complaints against their ignorance behavior that’s when leaders start taking seriously requests from citizens.”