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 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.”
This organization states that it collaborates with schools from primary, secondary, and university levels and helps each individual find a good school.
In a statement released by this organization, it said, “For the upcoming term, we inform you that there are available spots for those wishing to study in the term starting in September 2024, with opportunities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.”
The 20% discount on fees will benefit those who apply for services from June 1 to June 30, 2024.
Mega Global Link assures that it accompanies the individual from the first step until they reach the school.
They highlight that the schools they work with offer various courses and in different levels, including undergraduate, master’s, short courses, and PhD programs.
In Rwanda, 576 cases of suicide were recorded between 2021 and 2022. While marking Suicide Prevention Day last year, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) reported that 82 per cent of recent cases involved men.
Dr. Thierry Murangira, RIB’s spokesperson, noted that the leading causes of suicide include incurable illnesses, job loss, and toxic relationships.
This statistic aligns with global trends. WHO reports that men are more likely to die by suicide, with the ratio of men to women being 3:1.
Several questions arise from these statistics. Why are men more prone to suicide? Is it societal pressure, the stigma of seeking help, or the perceived burden of providing for their families? Dr. Murangira mentions that some men might see suicide as a “heroic” act to relieve their families of financial burdens. Yet, this perspective highlights a profound issue in our societal and mental health support systems.
Additionally, the prevalent mental health issue in Rwanda is depression, affecting one out of ten people aged 14-65. With the stigma around mental health still strong, many men might avoid seeking help, leading to tragic outcomes. In a society where men are often seen as the primary providers, the loss of a job or a relationship can be devastating, pushing them towards this irreversible decision.
The methods of suicide also tell a story—hanging, poisoning, drowning, and jumping off buildings—each a desperate act reflecting deep despair. The statistics released in 2019 highlighted that Nyagatare had the highest rate of suicide cases in Rwanda at 7%, followed by Gasabo, Gicumbi, and Rutsiro each at 6%, and Karongi at 5%. The reasons for these suicides were varied, with 2% attributed to failed relationships, 2% to extreme poverty, 2% to debts, and 2% to severe commercial losses.
Rwanda has several l health facilities, with only three specialized mental health centers: Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Huye Isange Rehabilitation Center, and Icyizere Psychotherapy Center. Additionally, there are mental health departments in four national hospitals: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Butare (CHUB), Rwanda Military Hospital, and King Faisal Hospital. In recent years, smaller counseling centers like the Lighthouse Counseling Center and Never Again Rwanda’s Mental Wellness Center have emerged to address these gaps.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, the public sector and civil society have prioritized raising awareness about mental health issues and the availability of professional help. The Rwanda Ministry of Health, through its health sector strategy, has emphasized mental health by implementing a mental healthcare program. This program includes purchasing necessary medicines, hiring and training medical professionals, and decentralizing mental health services from national hospitals to local centers, thereby making these services more accessible to the general population.
Heineken’s theme for the year, “Cheers to the Hardcore Fans,” resonated throughout the night as guests displayed a full range of emotions during the thrilling final. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement, tension, joy, and heartbreak, perfectly mirroring the highs and lows of the match.
The event attracted high-ranking dignitaries and influential figures, underscoring its status as one of the biggest and most exclusive gatherings of the year. Attendees enjoyed gourmet food and an endless supply of drinks, ensuring they watched the match in ultimate comfort and style.
The meticulous planning and execution were evident in every detail, from the vibrant décor to the attentive service. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as guests settled into their seats, green Heineken cups in hand, ready to witness football history in the making.
As the match progressed, the collective energy of the crowd ebbed and flowed with each pass, tackle, and goal. It was more than just a viewing party; it was a communal experience that united fans in their shared passion for the beautiful game.
In a night filled with memorable moments, Heineken successfully celebrated and honored the true essence of being a hardcore football fan. The event was not only a testament to the brand’s commitment to football but also a heartfelt tribute to the fans who live and breathe the sport.
The competition was launched on May 30, 2024, during a ceremony in Kigali. Participants can register from June 12 to 28, 2024.
Tom Crohin, Communication Officer for Enabel’s Awa Prize project, reminded everyone that the establishment of these awards for women and girls aims to show them that it is possible for them to become entrepreneurs.
He said, “It is very important to reward female entrepreneurs with promising projects that bring change because they can become role models for others. In many parts of the world, it is much harder for women than for men to become entrepreneurs for various reasons, so it is essential to support women who want to become entrepreneurs.”
Some of the prizes for the winners of this competition include training to help them expand their projects, opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs in Belgium, and more.
Among the 12 winners of the 2023 competition were Rwandan Raissa Ikuzwe and Burundian Mireille Niyonkuru, founder of BUIM in Rwanda and Burundi.
Raissa Ikuzwe, the director and founder of INO Coffee series, which processes coffee grown in Rwanda, said that the prize she received would help her expand her project.
She said, “It showed me that the effort one puts in is recognized and appreciated by people. It made me and my colleagues very happy to see our work recognized at this level […] My message to young girls is that I would tell them it is possible.”
Mireille Niyonkuru, a Burundian entrepreneur and founder of BUIM, which distributes solar-powered electricity in Rwanda and Burundi, won the third prize.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, highlighted that although women and girls still face challenges in becoming entrepreneurs, she appreciates Enabel’s program as it serves as a solution to make their dreams come true.
She said, “One area that still requires effort is for women and girls to become entrepreneurs. Although female entrepreneurs face many challenges, they play a significant role in all our economic sectors.”
The Belgian Ambassador to Rwanda, Bert Versmessen, said that this competition, being held in countries including Rwanda, aims to help women and girls undertake activities that benefit not only themselves but also the larger community. He praised the collaboration with the Rwandan government in this initiative.
To register for this competition, [click here.->https://stories.enabel.be/awa-prize/]
The assisted cooperative, Covmb from Burera District, faced significant losses due to heavy rains followed by intense sunshine, which led to substantial crop damage. Since the farmers had insurance coverage with BK Insurance, they were compensated with over RWF 17 million.
The president of Covemb Cooperative, Théobald Ndacyayisenga, stated that after losing potato crops spanning 195 hectares, they were initially hopeless but were later encouraged by the insurance they had taken.
He said, “Insuring agriculture is a solution because when you face unexpected losses, you get compensated. Another benefit is that whatever little that is salvaged from the farm still belongs to us. We are no longer in losses because we were assisted.”
Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, a potato farmer from Musanze District, added, “I joined the insurance program with BK Insurance, and when heavy rains destroyed my potatoes, they compensated me.”
Appollinaire Karegeya, the director of SPF, which will work with the farmers, mentioned that the initiative to support potato farming through insurance is a solution for those in this sector, urging them to take advantage of this profitable profession.
He said, “This insurance for potato seeds, sponsored by BK Insurance, comes at the right time. Previously, farmers would face disasters and lose their crops without any recourse, but now seeds bought here must be insured without any issues.”
Alexis Bahizi, the CEO of BK Insurance, said they chose to partner with SPF because they provide quality and reliable potato seeds to farmers.
He explained, “SPF ensures quality seeds, and we decided to collaborate with them so that every seed purchased by a farmer is insured. This will speed up adoption and ensure a smooth process, as the seeds are of high quality and reliable. If a disaster strikes, the farmer is insured and compensated, avoiding total loss.”
The Musanze District administration indicated that it would increase awareness among potato farmers to encourage them to get insurance, as it promotes both individual prosperity and national development.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, urged potato farmers to seek quality seeds and insure their crops.
He said, “We urge farmers to use reliable, certified seeds that have been researched. We are launching a system where farmers can pre-order seeds, and seed producers can know the types and quantities needed for cultivation.”
