Category: Social

The funding has been earmarked for ESG-specific projects underway across Trinity’s mining operations in Rwanda. These include comprehensive baseline studies to support updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for all Trinity mines; a holistic employee skills development program; the implementation of an international standard SHEC (Safety, Health, Environment, and Community) Management System; integrated development planning for all mining concessions; and legacy tailings and river rehabilitation planning. These projects are an integral part of the Company’s transformation plans to make Trinity Metals a leader in the critical metals sector.

Trinity Metals was formed in May 2022 from the merger of shareholders in three entities, including Africa’s largest tungsten mine, Nyakabingo, Rwanda’s largest tin mine, Rutongo, as well as the country’s second-largest tin mine, Musha. Strong government and community support, coupled with over $30 million in shareholder investment, has led to a quadrupling in production in just two years, ensuring consistent positive cash flow performance from the three mines. Trinity Metals has exciting growth plans in Rwanda, and securing technical assistance funding from the DFC represents a major milestone.

Peter Geleta, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Securing funding support from an important institution like the DFC is very encouraging and a testament to the significant progress the Company has made in the past 24 months. At Trinity, we are blessed with long-life ore bodies, committed employees and communities, and a supportive investment climate. This funding is a major boost and support for our vision for the Company.”

Shawn McCormick, Chairman, commented: “As Rwanda’s largest producer of conflict-free and child labour-free critical minerals, it is a distinct honor to be recognized by the US DFC with this Technical Assistance grant. The funding and American partnership will significantly expand our ability to operate at global industry standards as we work with Rwanda to bring its abundant resources to international markets in a safe and responsible manner.”

“The US DFC’s $3.865 million investment in Trinity Metals Group underscores the significant role of local and international partnerships in advancing the development of Rwanda’s mining sector. This aligns with our commitment to transforming the mining industry into a more productive and profitable sector on a larger scale,” noted Francis Kamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board.

David Hester, DFC’s Managing Director of Technical Assistance, commented: “DFC is pleased to support such an impactful project that aligns with our priority of building more diverse, resilient, and sustainable critical mineral supply chains and bolstering economic development in Africa. This technical assistance grant demonstrates the commitment of the United States to supporting economic growth and the transition to clean energy technology.”

For more information, visit [Trinity Metals](https://trinity-metals.com) or contact Trinity Metals Limited at +250 791 959 034.

This station was inaugurated on June 24, 2024, at Century Park Hotel & Residences in Nyarutarama, through a partnership between the hotel and IZI to further support the use of electric vehicles in Rwanda.

This station is the first in Rwanda with the capability to rapidly charge electric vehicles, boasting a capacity of 120 kilowatts, allowing it to fully charge a vehicle in 30 to 40 minutes.

Previously, Rwanda had charging stations with a capacity of 40 kilowatts, which took between one and a half to two hours to fully charge a vehicle.

To further facilitate electric vehicle owners, IZI Electric Rwanda Ltd decided to introduce this station, which can quickly charge vehicles at a low cost of 400 Rwandan Francs per kilowatt, making it cheaper compared to gasoline prices.

Vincent Mukimbiri, the Managing Director of IZI Electric in Rwanda, stated that they chose to establish this station to further ease the process for individuals with electric vehicles.

“As we expand our operations in Rwanda, we will continue to increase the number of rapid charging stations for electric vehicles. You know, someone with an electric vehicle avoids certain trips thinking they won’t find a charging station there and may get stuck,” he said.

“That’s why we want to install them everywhere along our vehicle routes across the country, and they will also be available to private electric vehicle owners to ease the process of finding a place to charge,” he added.

Mukimbiri encouraged Rwandans to embrace the use of electric vehicles as they are much more cost-effective. He highlighted that an electric vehicle owner saves about 40% compared to someone using a gasoline or diesel vehicle.

Cheung Yiu Tung Billy, Chairman of the Board of Century Park Hotel and Residences, mentioned that they entered into this partnership to assist their clients with electric vehicles and support the government’s environmental conservation initiatives.

“Rwanda is one of the African countries promoting the use of eco-friendly energy. For instance, it established a policy to reduce taxes on electric vehicles a few years ago. Only a few countries in Africa, such as Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, have such policies… to me, this is a good move because we should follow where the world is heading,” he said.

IZI Electric Rwanda Ltd started its operations in Rwanda in 2023, with five electric buses operating in Kigali City. It plans to bring in 160 more buses within the next 18 months and continue building electric charging stations in various provinces across the country.

Rwanda’s presence in the ABH competition has been remarkable.The distinguished Rwandan entrepreneurs who have emerged as top 10 finalists include Francine Munyaneza, founder of Munyax Eco, who was recognized for her innovative approach to solar energy solutions; Yvette Ishimwe, founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group, who made it to the top 10 in 2021 for her work in providing clean water solutions; Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda, who secured third place in 2019 for her efforts in ensuring water access; Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founder and CEO of UZURI K&Y, a top 10 finalist in 2019 for her sustainable fashion brand; and Albert Munyabugingo, co-founder and CEO of Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd, a top 10 finalist in 2023 for his innovative logistics solutions.

The ABH competition is more than just a grant opportunity; it offers participants a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond the monetary prize. Participants gain profound insights into their businesses and themselves through the rigorous competition process. They receive invaluable feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts, which helps refine their business strategies. Additionally, being part of ABH means joining a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and service providers. Participants also have access to top-tier mentorship and training programs tailored to their needs and gain international recognition and exposure, helping them connect with global markets.

Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and the Jack Ma Foundation, encapsulates the vision of ABH, stating, “This is the hope of Africa. If we can enable the entrepreneurs there, they may change Africa. Africa’s Business Heroes is giving inspiration and courage to all entrepreneurs in Africa.”

This past April, the top 10 heroes from the past five years, along with judges and ABH partners, embarked on an exchange program to Hangzhou, China. This visit included interactions with various business units of Alibaba Group, offering invaluable learning experiences and insights. Albert Munyabugingo, founder of Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd and a 2023 top 10 finalist, shared his reflections on the trip. He highlighted three main takeaways: building strong networks with other African entrepreneurs to foster collaborations, understanding the strategies that shapedAlibaba’s development over the years and exploring ways to establish partnerships that connect Chinese and African markets.

Albert’s engagement with Cainiao, Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, provided him with critical insights into enhancing the logistics sector in Africa. He envisions Vuba Vuba as a transformative logistics company that meets the community’s needs effectively. Albert emphasized the importance of connecting with fellow ABH heroes, learning from Alibaba’s journey, and exploring partnership opportunities to forge long-lasting relationships between Chinese and African markets.

Adding to Rwanda’s prominence in the ABH initiative, last year’s final judges included Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali. Her presence as a judge underscores the high regard in which Rwandan business leaders are held within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The ABH initiative continues to open doors for African entrepreneurs, providing them with tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive. As part of this dynamic community, Rwandan entrepreneurs are not only gaining recognition but also driving impactful changes within their industries. The journey of empowering Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit continues, fostering a future where African entrepreneurs lead the way to sustainable development and innovation.

For more information about the ongoing ABH 2024 edition, please visit https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/ and follow ABH on X (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda), Instagram　(https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

In 2023, Rwanda received 25,927 tourists who visited gorillas, compared to 20,035 in 2022.

Volcanoes National Park began as a protected area in 1925, known as Albert National Park in Congo, Belgian. After Rwanda’s independence in 1962, the portion located in Rwanda became Volcanoes National Park, initially covering slightly over 320 square kilometers.

Currently, the park covers an area of 160 square kilometers, bordering Uganda to the north and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the northwest.

In 2023, 46,187 people visited Volcanoes National Park, participating in various activities such as gorilla trekking, monkey visits, visiting Dian Fossey’s grave, exploring Buhanga Eco-Park, caving, forest walks, and climbing all five volcanoes including Muhabura, which stands at 4,127 meters and can be seen from various high points across the country.

Other notable peaks include Gahinga at 3,473 meters, Sabyinyo at 3,669 meters, known for its jagged summit, Bisoke, famous for its crater lake at 3,711 meters, and Kalisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters.

These great apes reside in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains, spanning parts of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Bwindi in Uganda and Sarambwe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Scientifically named Gorilla beringei beringei, they were first documented by German officer Robert Von Beringe in 1902, after whom they are named.

These animals have moved off the endangered species list but are still considered vulnerable according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Thanks to exceptional conservation efforts, including healthcare and anti-poaching measures led by the Rwandan government through the Rwanda Development Board, the most recent census shows a global population of 1,063 gorillas.

In Rwanda’s section of the Virunga Mountains, there are 604 gorillas. The extraordinary experience of visiting them leaves many visitors profoundly moved, often considering it a once-in-a-lifetime event. Tourists spend one hour with the gorillas, an experience many describe as unparalleled.

Gorilla trekking attracts visitors because of their human-like traits, their lifestyle in the wild, and their social structures, which are remarkably similar to human communities.

One striking feature of mountain gorillas is their size and strength. Mature females weigh between 150 and 200 kilograms, while males weigh between 200 and 250 kilograms. They live between 35 and 45 years if they survive to adulthood without major threats. Their offspring are born after a nine-month gestation, weighing between three to five kilograms, and wean at around three and a half years old.

A mature female gorilla can have between four to six offspring in her lifetime, though there are exceptions like Kampanga, who gave birth to eight. Currently, the oldest gorilla is Kibyeyi, a 49-year-old female from the Hirwa group. The youngest is a one-month-old from the Sabyinyo group.

Their daily life mirrors that of humans, focusing on survival activities such as feeding mainly on vegetation and bamboo shoots. An adult gorilla consumes food equivalent to 15% of its body weight daily, meaning a 200-kilogram gorilla eats 30 kilograms of vegetation each day.

After feeding, they rest for over an hour. At night, they make nests at chosen sites and sleep. Their social structure includes families with dominant males, typically silverbacks with a white stripe on their backs, females, and young ones.

Families are usually led by a dominant male responsible for their protection and territory. Fourteen families are currently habituated for tourism, with no more than eight tourists per family per day, totaling 112 visitors daily. However, as the gorilla population grows, new families form, first monitored by researchers before being introduced to tourism.

The first families open to tourists were Susa, Sabyinyo, and Group 13, now known as Agashya, starting in 1979 when American researcher Dian Fossey began studying their behavior and habituating them to human visitors.

A clear example of family expansion is the Susa family, which split into Karisimbi, Igisha, and Isimbi families. This pattern continues as the gorilla population increases.

This knowledge is compiled from researchers and experts working in Volcanoes National Park and partners like The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Gorilla Doctors, and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme.

To protect the park’s wildlife, 149 daily rangers monitor the animals in the high-altitude forests, while 27 staff assist tourists visiting the park.

He was given these responsibilities during a ceremony held on the night of Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event was also attended by the Indian Ambassador to Rwanda, Nilratan Mridha.

Rotary International is a global non-governmental organization involved in charitable activities, including helping the needy, supporting services that promote the well-being of the community such as clean water, fighting epidemic diseases, and contributing to development initiatives.

After being inaugurated, the new President of the Rotary Club Kigali, Srinath Vardineni, announced that he would focus on several projects, including providing dental care to over 3000 children.

He said, “We have four major projects that we will undertake, but we will focus heavily on health, providing dental care to 3000 or 4000 children. Additionally, we will collaborate extensively with Rotary Clubs in the United States on various initiatives.”

Vardineni arrived in Rwanda in 2003 and is well-known not only for his various activities but also in the sport of cricket, being one of its pioneers in Rwanda and currently serving as the treasurer of the sport’s governing board.

He continued to express that this opportunity is significant for him, as it will allow him to engage more deeply with the community, even though he has been involved in many social activities before.

He stated, “I have been involved in various activities that connect me with the community, but this position will help me reach people more effectively and continue assisting the government in building the nation. I have been here for the past 22 years and have witnessed Rwanda’s transformation, so we need to stay on that path.”

The Rotary Club Kigali Cosmopolitan is a new club that was founded three months ago, stemming from existing clubs like Kigali Seniors and The Elders. It is particularly comprised of diverse members, including doctors, accountants, and engineers.

This club is one of the 12 that make up Rotary Club Rwanda, which is part of Rotary Club District 9150. This district was established in 1982 and includes countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Sao Tomé and Príncipe.

The Rotary Club is a non-profit organization engaged in charitable activities, including helping the underprivileged, providing clean water to communities, fighting epidemic diseases like polio, and contributing to all activities aimed at societal development.

This announcement follows reports from residents in various parts of Kigali City who told RBA that they have been waiting for a long time for these meters, but their hopes have faded.

One resident said, “We’ve been waiting for about four months since the water was installed in February, but we were told that the meters were out of stock. As people who travel outside, we know that many shops have meters, so I don’t understand why it’s difficult to get them since we requested them. Water is available, and among the issues we face here in Gasogi, water is the main one.”

This resident pointed out that a jerrycan of water is being sold for between 300 Frw and 400 Frw, which is a significant burden for low-income residents.

Another resident added, “We wrote and requested meters, but to this day, we haven’t received them, even though the public taps are full, and water is in the pipes. This has affected us because now we fetch water from places called ‘nangimikoma,’ and it takes a strong person to go there because it involves jumping over ditches.”

Another said, “Our main problem is water. We have been without it for many years, yet there are pipes with water here. Every day, they break, and water goes to waste, but no one has explained to us the water issue clearly or why they don’t open the taps to give us water.”

He continued to say that WASAC should not lack meters when needed, suggesting that the claim of a shortage is just an excuse.

“This is their job; they are responsible for providing water to the public. Even if meters are out of stock, they may be unavailable for one month but not for two months.”

WASAC’s Director General, Prof. Munyaneza Omar, explained that the delay in providing water meters was due to the contractor who was supposed to import them.

“The contractor who was supposed to deliver them had delays of about three months due to issues at the ports through which they were to pass. The good news is that they arrived in Rwanda last week, and we took them to RSB for inspection.”

He added, “Today, we have started transporting them to the districts, and we assure the public that starting this Monday, they will begin receiving them.”

He noted that currently, there are over seven thousand people who had requested water meters but had not yet received them.

Currently, in Rwanda, 82.3% of the population has access to clean water, up from 72% in 2014.

WASAC emphasizes that the goal of providing clean water to everyone will be achieved at a rate of 100% within the next five years.

These two organizations began their collaboration in November 2023, assisting individuals seeking employment, tourism, and educational opportunities in schools across Canada, the United States, and many other European countries.

They have partnerships with various educational institutions, accommodating students on scholarships and self-financed students at all university levels. This discount will be available until July 14, 2024.

Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the Director of Mega Global Link, highlighted the benefits of studying abroad and their role in facilitating this journey.

“Mega Global Link has been providing various services for those wishing to study abroad in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We assist those going for studies or work, having facilitated many during our operational period,” he said.

He continued, “Today, we have launched two new initiatives. One is the opportunity we are providing for those wishing to study in these countries for the September school year. The doors are open in partnership with ApplyBoard, an organization based in Europe, the United States, and Canada, with its headquarters in Canada. We have an agreement to represent them in Africa, and we are now offering this affordable way to facilitate student enrollment.”

These opportunities are available to those who register by July 14 of this year.

These organizations also offer a program known as ‘Summer Camps’ for individuals wishing to travel to Europe, Canada, and the United States for relaxation, leisure, and more. This program includes various activities for enjoyment, such as outdoor games, training sessions, music, dance, sports, and many other activities.

Dr. Arthur Rukundo, a health expert, explained the importance of relaxation, especially during the summer period.

“We want to teach Rwandans the culture of saving money and then traveling abroad to relax their minds. As we know, government employees typically have a month-long break but often spend it on other jobs or side hustles,” he said.

He added, “I’m not sure if Rwandans are aware of the increasing number of stroke cases in the country. We are losing people because they work without resting. When someone goes abroad, they learn new things, see how people live, and it teaches them instantly. The third point is teaching people the importance of collaboration, as it helps one achieve more.”

Education: The Path to Self-Discovery

Education is one of the most critical areas where parental decisions can significantly influence a child’s future. Esther, the host, shared her personal experience of not being guided into a course that aligns with her personality. Struggling to fit into this world, she eventually found her way to a path she truly enjoyed . Reflecting on her journey, Esther expressed a wish that her father had either guided her more effectively or allowed her to explore her interests earlier. This highlights the delicate balance parents must strike between providing guidance and allowing their children to explore and discover their passions.

Career Choices: The Journey of Self-Reliance

Diana, one of the guests, emphasized the importance of making her own decisions, even when they conflicted with her parents’ wishes. She recounted her experience of working in a bar despite her parents’ disapproval. Diana believes that while parental advice is valuable, the ultimate decision should lie with the individual. Her stance underscores the importance of self-reliance and the need for young adults to make choices that reflect their aspirations and values.

Relationships: Trust and Rebellion

The dynamics of parental influence extend into the realm of personal relationships. Bruce, another guest, spoke about the importance of trust between parents and children. He suggested that everyone should have a bit of a rebellious side, where they can confidently say, “I have thought about this, I want to do it, and you should trust me.” This rebellion is not about defiance but rather about asserting one’s autonomy and demonstrating that they have carefully considered their choices.

Fred shared his truth that if it came to marrying a woman his parents do not approve of. If he took his time to learn and love his partner, he believs that no one, not even his parents, could change his decision. Fred’s opinion illustrates the importance of following one’s heart and the need for parents to respect their children’s choices, even if they initially disagree.

Balancing Guidance and Independence

The overarching question is at what point parents should give their children the room to grow, make mistakes, and learn from them. While parental decisions can provide a safety net during the formative years, it is crucial for parents to gradually loosen their control as their children mature. This transition allows young adults to develop critical decision-making skills and fosters a sense of independence.

Bruce highlighted the risk of overdependence if parents continue to make decisions for their children even after they are capable of doing so themselves. He warned that this could trap young adults in a cycle of dependency, hindering their ability to make autonomous choices.

The stories shared by Esther, Diana, Bruce, and Fred highlight the complex interplay between parental decisions and children’s personal growth. While parental guidance is invaluable, it is equally important for parents to trust their children’s judgment and give them the freedom to navigate their paths.

The balance between guidance and independence is essential for fostering resilient, self-reliant individuals capable of making informed decisions about their futures. Ultimately, the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth is a collaborative effort, requiring trust, communication, and mutual respect between parents and their children.

This was highlighted during the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, an event held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Members of Rotary Club Rwanda visited Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they were informed about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, how it was planned and executed by the bad leadership, and how the youth in the RPF-Inkotanyi sacrificed to stop it.

After paying tribute to more than 250,000 victims laid to rest at this memorial, the Deputy Governor of District 9150 in Rotary Club Rwanda, Carole Karema, said that this is a good time to learn again as people who teach peace.

“We come to learn so that we understand the history, thus ensuring that genocide never happens again in Rwanda. Additionally, this involves teaching the younger generation to promote peace and reconciliation starting from Rwanda to the entire world because Rotary is present worldwide,” she said.

Karema further highlighted the role of Rotary in confronting genocide deniers.

“We should publicize what happened in Rwanda because we have a lot of evidences including survivors, footage, and more. Every three months we publish a magazine, so we must present the truth about what happened to confront genocide deniers,” she said.

Tom Ndahiro, a researcher on history and genocide who gave a talk during the event, emphasized that fighting genocide denial should be treated as another war to be fought.

He said, “Genocide denial is a very serious issue, and as Rwandans, we must take it upon ourselves, treat it as another war to be fought, and the young should know about it and fight it. Otherwise, the victim ends up being seen as the cause of the crime committed against them.”

Rotary Club Rwanda is comprised of 12 clubs including Rotary Club Kigali, Rotary Club Butare, Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, and Rotary Club Kigali Gasabo.

Other clubs include Rotary Club Musanze Murera, Rotary Club Bugoyi Ibirunga, Rotary Club Kivu Lake, Rotary Club Kigali Senior, and Rotary Club Kigali Karisimbi.

Rotary Club is a non-profit organization that engages in charitable activities such as helping the underprivileged, providing clean water to citizens, fighting epidemic diseases like polio, and contributing to all activities aimed at developing society.

The Rwanda Classified project coordinated by Forbidden Stories, a platform run by Freedom Voices Network, alleges widespread silencing of local journalists. However, seasoned Rwandan journalists, who spoke to IGIHE, had no kind words for the faces behind the narrative.

Kigali Today journalist Edmund Kagire who has been practising in the local media for the last 17 years said the malicious accusations are not new.

“What we saw is a regurgitation of the same accusations, the same things only that they come with different sort of language. But at the end of the day these are the same accusations differently dressed and endorsed by one of our own, who left the country the other day,” Kagire said while referring to investigative journalist Samuel Baker Byansi at the centre of the Rwanda Classified project.

He added, “Everybody knows what he is up to and people have been responding to him and him being part of the project. I don’t know if it’s a positive for the authors of the report, maybe they could have done a little bit of research to find out his history and track record. He is not one person you are going to rely on. If you look at his tweets a few years back, not more than two years ago, they portray a totally different image of what he says Rwanda is.”

While acknowledging that there were areas to improve, he insisted that over his nearly two-decade career, he has never been coerced by the powers that be to drop a story.

“We are not saying Rwanda is a bed of roses they say even a bed of roses has thorns. The media, just like any other sector in Rwanda, is a work in progress,” the scribe noted, adding that Rwanda was a target of propaganda from foreign actors with vested interests.

“I think when you are a bit progressive in what you are doing people pay attention and some people might not be impressed by the progress you are making and they try to stain it. In a way, it’s a good thing. I think it keeps us in check. It’s not just the media even the government gets all those sorts of reports. They have been resilient, they have carried on. Even as journalists, we have to be resilient in the midst of all these accusations.”

Marie Louise, a journalist with Intego News, believes most foreign journalists have a distorted view of Rwanda. She attributes this to a lack of understanding of the country’s complex social context and its painful history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The horrific event, which claimed the lives of over a million people, was the culmination of decades of ethnic tensions fueled by Belgian colonial rule.

“If you are in a country, you need to understand the context, the society, and the culture. If you combine all of this, you know what to do as a journalist. Because always, when you are in America, you can say you are independent. When you reach here in Rwanda, you can say you are not independent because of the different fields of operations,” she said adding that she has never received threats from “officials” in the current administration to kill a story.

Rwanyange Rene Anthere, the Managing Editor of Panorama, highlighted the importance of journalists practising self-censorship when handling extremely sensitive topics that could cause harm to society. He insisted, however, that he could not be subject to censorship by the state.

“In the line of my career, no one has told me or forced me to drop my story,” he stated.

Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) is the body responsible for media self-regulation in Rwanda.

The institution is charged with enforcing the journalistic code of ethics, acting as the primary and highest adjudicator of complaints against the media, representing the broader interests of journalists, and defending media freedom and media consumers in general.

Mugisha Emmanuel, the Executive Secretary of RMC, told IGIHE that since the establishment of the media policy in 2011, the institution has made huge strides in bringing order in the crucial sector.

“Where we are today as media, there is a leap that we’ve made, basing on the existing laws, the existing legal frameworks, basing on the existing infrastructure, basing on the school of journalism that we never had before, that we now have, basing on different engagement initiatives that I’m telling you about, like that one whereby we initiated, we initiated that session where we have media and security organs meet to discuss. This is what we need to improve so that we can do our service to the public better and also contribute to nation-building. It’s nowhere across the globe,” Mugisha said.

Mugisha dismissed the Rwanda Classified stories as fake news, insisting that the claims made in the reports were not anchored on any facts.

“When you look at what is being spread in those media houses and what the 50 people and the 17 media houses met, they were discussing about. In my view, they lack verified facts about what they’re saying. If I would put it in one word, that is fake news. That is misinforming…Maybe people are judging us from where they sit and not with our own context. That is very wrong,” he said.

“Let them come, investigate, do their own stories. Don’t sit wherever you sit and agree that this narrative they want to spread about Rwanda and confuse the whole world because you have the platform. Media isn’t supposed to be used like that. Media has ethics that govern how to feed the public. If you don’t follow that, then you’re becoming a misinformer, you’re becoming something else, not a journalist.”

Poking holes in Samuel Becker’s perspective about the Rwandan media environment, Mugisha noted, “Maybe if they can come up with facts that are verified, with authentic sources, and they publish whatever they are saying without bias, with objectivity, and not subjective to harming ABCD, I think their stories can be given credibility. But as of now, I doubt.”