Category: News

{{Cardiologists from King Faisal hospital have agreed to operate Ange Ineza a year old girl who has been undergoing heart treatment at Kibuye hospital.}}

“We have communicated with Ineza’s family, and they will bring her to King Faisal Hospital next week, for a scheduled monthly check up with Dr Mucumbitsi, one of Kigali’s pediatric cardiologists.” Read a communiqué from the ministry of health.

Often, Ineza gets breathing complications after which she has to be hospitalized and kept on oxygen life support for some time.

According to medical diagnosis, she has a hole on the partition wall between the two sides of her heart meaning that blood containing oxygen in the left side of the heart is forced to mix with blood without oxygen in the right side.

With this condition, too much blood passes into the lungs (via the pulmonary artery) and too little to the body tissues (via the aorta).

Indeed, such heart conditions exist in young children; thus, through various initiatives, the Ministry of Health mobilizes as much as possible to offer free heart surgeries by highly qualified international specialists to children suffering from cardiac disorders.

“These initiatives, which have gone on for a long time, are still ongoing and Ineza will benefit from them when she is clinically eligible (and when it is safe to operate on her). In as many of these cases as possible, the Ministry of Health arranges for children to be treated either here in Rwanda or elsewhere, depending on their clinical need,” read the statement.

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with its international partners have already assisted more than 250 patients with cardiac disorders for the past five years.

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{{President Paul Kagame, is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend the 18th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, scheduled to take place January 29-30, 2012.}}

The bi-annual meeting is attended African Heads of State and Government as well as heads and representatives of international organizations including the United Nations, that will be represented by Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General.

President Kagame, will on Monday, January 30, present to the Summit, the report on the 4th High Level Forum on Aid effectiveness that was held last year held in Busan, South Korea.

President Kagame was among the African leaders who represented the continent at the high level meeting held November 29th – 1st December 2011.

On the eve of the AU Summit, President Paul Kagame will take part in the inauguration of the newly constructed African Union Conference Centre (AUCC).

The USD 150 million complexes was China’s donation to the AU in recognition of the friendship between Africa and China.

Part of the Agenda for the AU summit is how to boost intra-African Trade as well as the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners of the AU Commission.

The current chairperson, Jean Ping who was first elected in 2008, is seeking re-election.

However, he will have to out-compete Madam Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and former wife of President Jacob Zuma.

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{{People working in Kimironko market and around it have cried foul of public bin that is causing health threat after flooded.}}

Rubbishes have been dropped in the public bin for long time and it is full and flooded causing improper hygiene.

The place has been filled with a terrible smell and flies scattered around from the big public rubbish bin that collects all rubbish from the market and neighboring areas.

Felix Nzamwita, a butcher in the market, said they have reported the issue to the authority including one in charge of hygiene in the sector.

He said, “We try to use insecticide every time before closing our work in the evening that is why you find our butchery sane; otherwise the authority should take serious measures for sure.”

He added that once a client comes for the first time, he or she considers them as filthy.

Florence Uwimana, a servant in one of the restaurants neighbouring the market named IGISUBIZO, said that they have been accustomed to the situation for they are used to buying insecticide for flies and other insects.

She says, “at least they should cover that rubbish bin……, we are familiar with that smell and we always buy insecticide to kill all the wondering insects which may harm people’s lives.”

Mbonyinshuti said, “we faced the problem of the good placement of the rubbish bin and there was no entrepreneur; for that reason we charged it to the head of the market to deal with it. They tried to solve it in a good way but the interruption was that the rubbish bin got out of use.

He added that the district authority promised them to help in fully solving the problem.

With regard to the problem of the weekends where the rubbish is not removed, MBONYINSHUTI agreed that it was really a serious problem but it was recently solved in collaboration with the Head of the market.

This occurs after various people in different places have been recently complaining on the delay in removing the rubbish in collection bins.

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{{The RDF Reserve forces has finalized and handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) a terrace project of one hundred hectares in Nyabihu District.}}

According to the RDF press statement, the project that aimed at protecting soil and increasing harvest is evaluated at Rwf 130 million.

It was executed within a period of one month and half by a total manpower of two thousand people.

Maj Gen Jerome Ngendahimana, Deputy Chief of Reserve Forces, said that the project was in line with Government’s plan to eradicate poverty among the population.

He added that the Rwanda Defense Forces get involved in such programs in order to fight poverty, the major cause of insecurity to the population.

Terraces built in hilly areas are one of the numerous ways that the Ministry of Agriculture has devised to increase agricultural production.

Their other programmes that have been introduced like irrigation to see Rwanda cub the problem of food security.

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{{After decorated as a hero in Uganda, The President of the republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame and the first lady are slated to continue a three-day State visit to Uganda.}}

It is slated that they will visit a pharmaceutical manufacturing site, meet with the Rwandan community in Uganda and participate in departure ceremonies at State House which will mark the end of the visit.

President Kagame and his Equatorial Guinea counterpart was yesterday bestowed with heroes’ medals as the NRM party celebrated 26 years in power.

In a colorful function held at Sebei College, Tegres in Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda, Kagame and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo were both given the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa Grand Master medals.

Kagame was also honoured the Luwero Triangle Medal and the Kagera Medal for his role in the liberation war that brought the NRM/A into power in 1986 and also for his support of the East African regional integration respectively.

President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea also the current chairperson of the African Union, was honoured for being a role model and that1979, he has been exemplary in determining growth, stability and maintained a democratic government.

Over 90 other people were also honoured with medals including civilian and military.

The citation read by General Elly Tumwine described President Kagame as distinguished Statesman, Freedom Fighter and dedicated Son of Africa who has dedicated his life to the liberation of oppressed people everywhere.

The Citation also outlined his achievements as a liberator, military commander, political leader and statesman.

“We were availed the opportunity to participate in the liberation of Uganda, and what we gave can never be equal to what we gained from this country,” Kagame said

President Kagame pointed out that the recognition were testimony to the enduring links, forged by a shared history and common struggle, between Rwandans and Ugandans, as well as other Africans on the continent.

“Rwandans and Ugandans may live in two countries, but, in fact, their lives have always been closely intertwined. And these strong ties are demonstrated by how the people of Uganda, led by you, Mr President, stood by us when the time came for our own struggle.” He said.

President Kagame said that the successful liberation struggles were proof that more could be achieved in the current struggle for socio-economic transformation

“We have it within our means to establish peace, and democratic and good governance for much better lives of our people. If we were ever to fail, we would only have ourselves to blame, for these public goods will never come from outside.” Kagame added.

President Kagame noted President Museveni’s advocacy for regional integration, larger markets, greater intra-African trade and adding value to Africa’s natural resources and noted that solidarity was an important factor in achieving common goals.

“We share this commitment to a process that will give us a bigger and more relevant voice in global affairs. We also share the vision of our continent that should use its enormous assets to improve the living standards of our people.”

President Kagame hoped that significance of medals awarded at the ceremony would inspire young Africans to participate in lifting their communities;

“Let the medals that have been awarded, badges of courage and honour that they are, spur a new generation to work together even more for the wellbeing and dignity that our people deserve.”

The decoration of President Kagame as a hero in Uganda, recognizing his role in the liberation struggle is another sign of amended diplomatic relationship that had soared in previous years.

It follows a recent visit of Kagame’s family visiting his counterpart’s family in their upcountry home Rwakitura, Mbarara District(Western Uganda) in the past Christmas festive season.

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{{The Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (IRST) has launched an improvised peat which is expected to replace the use of charcoal due to its advantages.}}

Vincent Gasamagera the head of research noted that the peat will relieve majority who are using coal since its affordable, smokeless and burns longer.

The head of energy at IRST Elizabeth Uwiragiye explained through a power point presentation the uniqueness of the peat.

“Two pieces of peat can cook a kilogram of beans for close to two hours but with usual charcoal the same amount of cooking time will consume more than a kilogram of charcoal,” she illustrated.

However, the research institution lacks the capacity to produce more peat for sale but they intend to work with members of the private sector to multiply the latest cooking fuel.

If launched in the market IRST proposes 50 kilogram to be sold at Frw 3,000.

{{While addressing the Ugandan audience at Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda, President Paul Kagame has called for adding value to natural resources so as to lift the lives of citizens.}}

Kagame who spoke briefly before his counterpart Museveni addressed the invited guests at the NRM 26th anniversary, said that after the both countries’ struggle for freedom the remaining challenge was make both societies improve lives.

“The challenge is to make our society better, so the need to join efforts. We need to add value to our natural resources so as to improve the lives of our people,” Kagame said in his speech.

At exactly 1:30 pm starts addressing Uganda, after being decorated for the three prestigious medal on 26th NRM anniversary appreciating to be recognized for having contributed for the freedom of Uganda.

“What we gave cannot be equal to what we gained from this country,” Kagame added.

Kagame however dedicated the medals to the people of Rwanda and Uganda whom he said they deserve the medal for also contributing to the both Uganda and Rwanda’s liberation struggle for freedom with what he termed as an ultimate price.

He also thanked President Museveni saying he stood with them when the struggle to liberate Rwanda begun.

“We have now brought back Peace, building democracy and good governance for good lives of Rwandans, if we failed we had ourselves to blame,” Kagame added.

While his counterpart president Museveni disputed media reports and critics of his government that NRM had not adhere to its fundamental changes it vowed to make when it came into power 1986.

“The first fundamental change was freedom of speech, there no national in the whole world that has the kind of freedom of speech we have but it is abused yet it needs to be used constructively,” Museveni said highliting a number of other fundamental changes that have been attained during the NRM regime.

“The other change was in economy the GDP in 1886 was Shs 3.4 trillion while today it is Shs 39 trillion, the economy of Uganda is 12 times bigger today compared to that of 1986 when we came to power,” Museveni added.

According to Museveni, the economy of Uganda would have been much more grown but halted by the delay of some developmental projects in pipeline now.

He also said that Uganda was still facing huge problem of corruption in form of embezzlement of public funds, bribing officials to process document, and nepotism.

President Kagame have been honoured with three medals, the most prestigious medals the most excellent order of Pearl of Africa the Grandmaster Medal, Kagera Medal and Luwero Triangle.

The most excellent order of the Pearl of Africa is mostly given to the heads of states and the equivalent while the other two are also awarded to military officials who participated in NRM/A’s five year bush war that brought President Museveni into power.

President Paul Kagame is among 27 original individuals along President Museveni who launched a five year bush war in 1981 that ended former Ugandan president Milton Obote’s regime hence NRM assuming power January 26th 1986.

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{{His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Republic of Rwanda also commander in chief of the Rwanda Defence Forces, has today been awarded with Three Medals of Excellence in Uganda.}}

President Kagame was awarded and decorated with the Most excellent order of Pearl of Africa the Grandmaster Medal, Kagera Medal and Luwero Triangle Medal.

The Pearl of Africa medal is the highest honour reserved for the heads of state.

In his acceptance speech, President Kagame said, “Accept our humble and deepest gratitude for this recognition of our contribution to freedom in Uganda.”
“We were availed with the opportunity to participate in liberation of Uganda and what we gave can never equal what we gained from this country.”

“This is testimony to enduring links forged by a shared history and common struggle between not only our people but the Africans and what could be achieved when we stand together in solidarity,” Kagame Added.

“In this regard Mr. President allow me dedicate these medals to all Rwandans and Ugandans who committed their lives with many of them paying the ultimate price to fight for the freedom we all enjoy today.”

Also Rwandas Hero late Major General Fred Rwigema has been awarded the Kagera and Luwero triangle medals. The Medals will be delivered to Rwigema’s Family by President Kagame.

The Rwandan delegation of ministers accompanying President Paul kagame include, Ministers; James Musoni, Aloysea Inyumba,Francois Kanimba, Gen. James Kabarebe and Gen.Marcel Gatsinzi.

The Medals are being awarded to civilians and Military officers at a function held in Kapchorwa district ,North Eastern Uganda. The celebrations are taking place at Sebei College.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea has also been awarded with Ugandas medal of highest honour. Nguema is also the African Union (AU) chairman.

Todays celebrations are held under the theme: “Uganda the Land of Opportunities: NRM’s contribution during the last half of the 50 Years of Uganda’s Independence”, come at a time when the country will celebrate 50 years of independence in October.

Uganda’s National Resistence Army took power in January 1986 after ousting the government of the late Tito Okello following 5 years of guerrilla war.

470 other individuals have received awards for their contribution to the NRA liberation struggle.

{{Sector ministers from Rwanda and Uganda met to discuss and adopt a report on key areas of cooperation to spur social economic development in the two countries.}}

The meeting took place Wednesday chaired by Rwanda’s Foreign affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo and Uganda’s acting foreign affairs minister Okello Oryem.

Mushikiwabo hailed efforts of the commission,“In less than a year we have done what would have taken years,” Mushikiwabo said urging technocrats, not to despair even when they disagree.

“Where you do not have enough confidence and you disagree, go and consult,” she said and expressed optimism that many of the directives evolved from the ninth session will be implemented.

Oryem noted, “Trade is a key component in our bilateral cooperation, majorly because it is a vehicle and major contributor to economic development. We therefore need to continue our engagement to ensure that we double our efforts in putting in place enablers for trade to flourish.”

{{A day after Leo Mugesera’s deportation another Genocide suspect based in Canada Jean Leonard Teganya is in legal battle pleading for mercy not to be deported.}}

This was after a Federal Court judge questioned his fate if returned to his homeland.

He is believed to have facilitated militias to kill nearly 200 Tutsi at Butare University Hospital where he was interning as a medical student.

But for Teganya, this is only the beginning of his fight to remain in Canada with his wife and children.

He has made repeated appeals to the Federal Court of Canada.
He won a new hearing in 2003, but the panel eventually came to the same conclusion. That, too, was appealed, but the Federal Court sided with the IRB.

A subsequent appeal was turned down.

He then applied for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, a way Canada determines if someone being deported is in danger in his or her homeland.

He was cleared for removal but appealed, saying his father was imprisoned for 11 years without charge because he was suspected to have been involved in the genocide.

He said he would suffer the same fate.

The government found he could be safely deported to Rwanda. He appealed but lost. He submitted a second pre-removal assessment, claiming that media coverage of his case had put him in even more jeopardy.

After he was ordered to be deported for complicity, a newspaper in Rwanda asked prosecutor General Martin Ngoga about the case.

“Much as it is a matter still within Canadian jurisdiction, and subject to further appeal, it is a positive step in our collective endeavour as community of nations to deal with every detail that would help bring perpetrators of genocide to justice and deny them safe haven anywhere in the world,” Ngoga said.

However, Teganya said that even though there was no evidence he would not receive a fair trial in Rwanda. Also, his father had since been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

The Canadian government dismissed the complaint and cleared him for deportation and, once again, Teganya turned to the Federal Court to intervene.

In a decision published yesterday (Monday), Justice Roger T. Hughes agreed with Teganya that officials did not adequately appraise his evidence of fear.

“Rarely does one see in cases of this kind such clear evidence of risk personally directed against an applicant,” Justice Hughes wrote.

“The officer appears to have been doggedly determined to find reasons, however slight, to dismiss or give little weight to these documents [evidence presented by Mr. Teganya] instead of considering what evidence and expert opinions they do present and giving proper weight to them,” he ruled.

“He feared returning to Rwanda, believing that he, as the son of his father who was convicted, would be arrested and, even if ultimately tried and found not to be guilty, the period of imprisonment before trial, which he believed may be a long period, would, in his belief subject him to torture and punishment,” Justice Hughes wrote.
He ordered the government to assign a new officer to rehear Mr. Teganya’s pre-removal risk assessment arguments.

Mr. Teganya’s lawyer, Jacqueline Swaisland, said: “Unfortunately, the finding in Mr. Teganya’s case that the government official who reviewed his file was ‘doggedly determined’ to find reasons to dismiss the exhaustive documentation presented by Mr. Teganya seems to be an all too common phenomena in the Canadian immigration system.”

The court has evidence of lists containing names of patients and staff targeted to be killed, the prosecution believes he wrote the names which also led to patients being turned away to face death by marauding militiamen.

After fleeing Rwanda during the end of the worst of the killing — in 100 days extremists from the Hutu majority killed more than a million minority Tutsi. Teganya went to exile in several countries such as Zaire, Kenya and India before settling in Canada in 1999.

He claimed asylum, saying his Hutu background saved him from death but the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) determined he was ineligible for refugee status as someone believed to be complicit in crimes against humanity or war crimes.

The IRB questioned why he survived and stayed at the hospital. He replied he was determined to complete his internship.

“This justification is not reasonable in the context of the Rwandan horror,” the IRB found. “Although he claims that he did not participate actively in the massacres, the panel … is entitled to ask itself whether the claimant’s passivity in the face of the massacres is not equivalent to endorsing the policies and methods of the party in power.

“The panel is entitled to ask itself why the presence of the claimant on the campus did not seem to concern the extremists, who pursued their dirty work for several weeks.”

Teganya’s father was a regional leader in the Hutu-led governing Mouvement Révolutionaire National pours le Développement, the party in power at the time of the genocide, court heard.

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