The vehicle, RAD 131U was intercepted on Thursday at a check-point that was mounted in Gisakura Sector.
The banned skin bleaching products had been trafficked into the country through an illegal border and was being transported to Kigali.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the driver of the vehicle identified as Daniel Nsengiyumva was also taken into custody.
He said that Police officers, who were on their usual duties stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by Nsengiyumva to verify all the required traffic-related documents.
“The driver had all the traffic documents, but in the process, they noticed boxes loaded in the same vehicle and when they verified they found he was transporting boxes of banned skin bleaching products that include Epiderm cream and Diproson. The driver was arrested and the vehicles, as well as the dangerous products, were impounded,” said CIP Kayigi.
“When you caught in such acts you lose these products that pose health risks, imprisoned and that affects your individual or family development.”
All lotions, oils, and soaps with hydroquinone were banned in Rwanda. They were scientifically proven to cause skin irritation and skin cancer, among other diseases,” he added.
Rwanda National Police (RNP), Ministry of Health as the lead agency, Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), launched the joint operation against skin bleaching creams, oils, and soaps, late last year.
Medical experts suggest that the two toxic chemicals; hydroquinone and mercury react with ultraviolet rays and lead to more pigmentation and premature aging. The more these products are used the less melanin the body produces, and this leads to an increased risk for skin cancer.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), mercury in skin lightening soaps and creams has side effects on the kidney, cause skin rashes, skin discoloration, and scarring, as well as a reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
The 25 baby mountain gorillas were named following 23 others named by conservation champions from all over the world.
The 25 baby gorillas named are members of the Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Igisha, Isimbi, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa, Pablo, Kuryama, Mafunzo, Kureba, Musirikali and Ntambara groups.
{{What’s in the names of the 25 Baby Gorillas }}
-* Jeremy Jauncey, Founder & CEO of Beautiful Destinations, an award-winning nation branding agency named a baby gorilla from the Isimbi family as well, ‘Ingando’ which represents ‘opportunity for the future and hope for a better world’.
-* Madeleine Nyiratuza, Programme Specialist, Sustainable Growth Unit at UNDP Rwanda, named a baby gorilla from the Amahoro family, ‘Isanzure’ noting that the name means that gorillas should be allowed to roam freely.
-* Amb. Ron Adam, the Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Sabyinyo family, ‘Igihango’ which means ‘covenant’ and said it represents the unbreakable bond between the gorillas and their guardians.
-* Tony Alexander Adams MBE, an English football legend named a baby gorilla from the Mafunzo family, ‘Sura’urwanda’ which translates to ‘Visit Rwanda’, symbolizing the partnership Rwanda has with English football club, Arsenal.
-* Niklas Adalberth, Swedish entrepreneur and founder of Norrsken named a baby gorilla from the Isimbi family, ‘Irembo’ which means ‘gateway’.
-* Ngabo Médard Jobert, better known as Meddy, a Rwandan RnB and pop artist named a baby gorilla from the Musirikare family, ‘Inkoramutima’.
-* Otara Gunewardene, a Sri Lankan businessperson and philanthropist, named a baby gorilla from the Pablo family, ‘Kira’ which means ‘bless you’ in Kinyarwanda and named after her two sons, Kiran and Rakhil.
-* Louis Van Gaal, Dutch former football manager and a player named a baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, ‘Indongozi’ which means ‘leader’.
-* His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe: Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia named a baby from the Pablo Family ‘Umukuru’ as a tribute to Mutware, the oldest elephant in Akagera National Park that died last year.
-* Ronan Donovan, National Geographic photographer and filmmaker named a baby gorilla from the Kwitonda family and the name was chosen after National Geographic opened the naming process to their social media followers. The name that was chosen was ‘Intego’ which means ‘purpose’.
-* HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali, an advocate of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture in Jordan named a baby gorilla from the Mafunzo family, ‘Uhiriwe’ which means ‘lucky one’.
-* Emmanuel Niringiyimana, a young Rwandan who built a road on his own to facilitate the movement of people and goods in his village in Karongi District named a baby gorilla from the Igisha family, ‘Mugwire’.
-* Paul Milton, the founder of Milton Group who developed the Singita Kwitonda Lodge on behalf of investors Mr. Paul Tudor Jones and Mr. Anders Povlsen & Luke Bailes, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Singita, named a baby from the Pablo family, ‘Inararibonye’ which means ‘wise and experienced’ in Kinyarwanda.
-* Dame Louise Martin, DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Patricia Scotland, named a baby gorilla from the Igisha family, ‘Uruti’ which means ‘the highest recognition of heroism’ and ‘Nazarian’ which means ‘the one who loves and initiates peace among the communities’.
-* Naomi Campbell, an English supermodel, actress, and businesswoman named a baby gorilla from the Muhoza family, ‘Intarutwa’ which translates to ‘excellent’ in Kinyarwanda.
-* Award-winning Rwandan Professional cyclist, Joseph Areruya named a baby gorilla from the Amahoro family, ‘Inganji’ meaning long life.
-* Marco Lambertini, Director General of World Wildlife Fund for Nature named a baby gorilla from the Kwitonda family, ‘Ikirenga’ which means ‘Exceptional’.
-* Sherrie Silver, Actress, and choreographer named a baby gorilla from the Susa family, ‘Ibirori’ which means ‘celebration’.
-* Anthony Nzuki: Ranger Post Leader at Akagera National Park, Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Kureba family, ‘Karame’.
-* Kenyan entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Kiboro Wilfred, named one of the new baby gorillas from the Sabyinyo family, ‘Ituze’ which translates to stability in Kinyarwanda and ‘take care of it’ in Swahili.
-* Jean Nepomuscene Musekura, one of the incredible park rangers from Volcanoes National Park chose the name ‘Bisoke’ for one of the new baby gorillas from the Ntambara family.
-* H.E Amb. Karén Chalyan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Rwanda named a baby gorilla from the Ntambara family, ‘Umwihariko’ which means ‘exception’.
-* Robert Twibaze, one of the senior tour guides with over 12 years of experience chose the name ‘Inzobere’ for a baby gorilla from the Agashya family.
-* Amina Mohammed: Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. She was formerly the Federal Minister of the Environment of Nigeria. She named a baby from the Umubano family, ‘Ingoga’ which means courage in Kinyarwanda.
-* Shaffer Chimere Smith, better known by his stage name Ne-Yo named a baby gorilla from the Kuryama family, ‘Biracyaza’ which means greater things are coming for Rwanda.
Speaking while making her remarks at the ceremony, RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza said that: “As we give names to 25 baby gorillas today, we celebrate our conservation successes and thank the community, partners and friends from around the world for their invaluable support to protect these remarkable animals.”
She said that more work is needed to ensure the long-term survival of mountain gorillas that remain endangered species.
The most recent census tells us that the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif has grown by 23% since 2010 to 604 individuals.
Kaliza highlighted that this success is the result of governments, communities and conservation partners working hand-in-hand to protect the species and its habitat.
RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi also emphasized that ‘Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve our natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in our country’s transformation. We have set the lofty target of increasing tourism revenue to 800 million dollars over the next five years – roughly double what it is today. Achieving the vision, we have set for ourselves requires thinking big and even acting boldly’.
{{About Kwita Izina}}
Kwita Izina is a time-honored tradition in which Rwandan families hold a ceremony to name a newborn baby. For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies as part of monitoring each gorilla in their family and habitat.
The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board and in collaboration with conservation partners, the private sector and local communities, has achieved remarkable success in protecting and growing the endangered mountain gorilla population and conserving its habitat.
Rwanda’s traditional naming ceremony was adapted to celebrate this success as a national flagship event now known as Kwita Izina.
Kwita Izina was introduced in 2005 to raise awareness of conservation efforts and to thank communities for their on-going and invaluable participation and support of these initiatives.
It is now the most important event on Rwanda’s conservation calendar and is attended by national, regional and international participants.
281 baby mountain gorillas have been named since Kwita Izina began. Alongside the naming ceremony, a weeklong celebration of activities is hosted to share the importance of conservation and the role of tourism in protecting rare and iconic species.
Today, Kwita Izina is fast becoming Africa’s leading dialogue on conservation and sustainable tourism.
As a result of conservation efforts such as Kwita Izina, the population of the endangered mountain gorilla increased to 604 in 2016 in the Virunga Massif compared to 480 in 2010.
The Virunga Massif is comprised of Mikeno Sector of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Mountain gorilla numbers in the entire region had fallen as low as 242 in 1981.
The husband and the victim identified as Marie Mukakabayiza, 48, lived in Rukeri village of Kabuye cell.
According to information from neighboring residents, both spouses conflicted on the way back from the visit to their aunt, Mukakabayiza yesterday evening where the husband strangled the wife to death.
The executive secretary of Maraba sector, Jean Baptiste Hakuzimana said that the suspect went missing and a manhunt has been mounted.
“After committing the crime, the man went into hiding. We have launched a manhunt in collaboration with security officials,” he explained.
The body was discovered yesterday night around 9 pm in a footpath usually used by students studying at the college.
IGIHE has learned that her body was first seen by two female students and alerted the college staff.
The Communications Officer at the University of Rwanda, Mike Karangwa, has told IGIHE that the body was taken to Kacyiru hospital for postmortem.
“The information was provided by colleagues who saw her body as they returned to their hostels. It was immediately reported to the university’s unit working closely with Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau,” he said.
Karangwa explained that some suspects behind her death have been arrested as preliminary investigations continue.
The event attracted thousands of Rwandans and prominent personalities from different countries across the world that turned up for the ceremony.
The baby gorillas named on Friday were born between 1st July 2018 and 11th May 2019.
Naomi Campbell was among prominent figures that graced the event including Tony Adams, an English football legend who played for Arsenal and England and American RnB singer Ne-Yo and Tony Adams along with other celebrities.
The 25 baby gorillas named are members of the Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Igisha, Isimbi, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Susa, Pablo, Kuryama, Mafunzo, Kureba, Musirikali and Ntambara families.
Naomi Campbell named a baby gorilla as ‘Intarutwa’ and later visited gorillas in the park.
Following the visit, she expressed delight for wonderful experiences of her visit in a tweet featuring a message and pictures with gorillas.
“Rwanda, I love you. Thank you to everyone who made this trip so special,” she tweeted.
Aloysia Vuganeza, 36, was arrested Saturday in a joint operation conducted by the Police and local leaders of Nyundo Cell.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that residents reported to their local leaders about Vuganeza’s criminal dealings.
“Residents told area authorities that Vuganeza was retailing cannabis in their community; authorities reported the matter to Karago Police station,” CIP Kayigi explained.
“Police and local authorities responded to the information and arrested the matron red-handed with 86 pellets of cannabis. The narcotics were recovered in two separate locations; in the kitchen and the pigsty,” he added.
It is said that Vuganeza is a local cannabis retailer in Gasiza trading centre, and supplied by other big dealers.
Information from informers indicate that she is supplied by someone, who normally comes on a motorcycle; the same supplier also gives other retailers in Rambura Sector.
CIP Kayigi explained that law enforcement organs, local leaders and residents are working together to obtain detailed information on the whole ring of traffickers, the motorcycle in question and its rider as well as all local retailers, to face the law.
“This is an unusual in Rwanda where a mentor sells cannabis; you can imagine what it means and the extent of the threat to her students, who can be easily turned into the market–consumers,” the spokesperson observed.
“A mentor, educator and mother, whose majority of her customers were young people in Gasiza trading centre… this is so dangerous to students and the youth in general, parents, the community, education sector and the country in general; we call upon all Rwandans to stand up against such high impact crimes that destroy lives of the young people,” he added.
Anyone convicted of selling narcotics to children or teens faces life imprisonment.
Transporting, making and selling narcotic drugs attracts a sentence of between seven years and life in prison, under article 263 of the penal code.
The campaign that concluded yesterday started on 31st May 2019, attracting over 500 youth.
Throughout the campaign, MTN awarded Yolo pack users with phones, T-shirts, televisions, cash prizes, cows among others.
Registration to Yolo pack was free where the youth would dial *154*6# and stand a chance to win different awards.
Desire Ruhinguka, the Marketing Operations Senior Manager at MTN Rwanda, has told IGIHE that the campaign attracted a large number of users and left them acquiring resources contributing to their economic growth.
“We awarded winners every week with data bundles, cows, televisions and Rwf 500,000, smartphones and so on. The campaign was successful given that students also participated during holidays,” he said.
“We organize such programs to build long-standing relationships with our clients based on mutual interests,” added Ruhinguka.
He highlighted that MTN Rwanda 5 million subscribers and wants to substantially boost the numbers in a win-win situation.
Iradukunda Deborah from the Niboye sector of Kicukiro district received a cow. “I registered in Yolo last month and stood chance to win. I expect the received cow to calve and grow my wealth,” she said.
The announcement follows recent wave of mayoral resignations that started on Tuesday where top officials from Burera, Gicumbi, Musanze, Karongi, Ngororero, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Gisagara, Muhanga, Ngoma and Rwamagana districts resigned on account of failure to deliver.
“NEC informs interested candidates meeting requirements that applications to join advisory councils will be received from 9th 13th September 2019,” reads the announcement signed by NEC Chairman, Prof. Mbanda Kalisa.
District officials including the mayor are elected by the advisory council comprised of sectors’ representatives, youth and women, private sector and of disabled people’s representatives.
The suspects identified as Scovia Kantengwa and Elias Sindambiwe were arrested in Rubengera Sector with 850 litres of illicit brew.
The substances were made out of mixed harmful products including industrial fertilizers.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi Police, the Police spokesperson for the Western region said that the duo was arrested in an operation conducted by Police officers and local leaders in Kibirizi Cell.
“Local residents had reported to their authorities about the illegal businesses by the two suspects, who in turn called the Police,” he said.
“When Police officers and local leaders conducted the operation, they seized 550 litres from Kantengwa’s distillery and 330 litres from Sindambiwe. Kantengwa was also found with 12kgs of industrial fertilizers and Sindambiwe with 20kgs, which they were using as ingredients,” added CIP Kayigi.
Industrial fertilizers are said to be poisonous. Touching the fertilizer may cause skin irritation, and ingesting it may be poisonous. Nitrates are the ingredients that cause the poisoning. Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can easily absorb. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, but it can be very dangerous when exposed to humans.
“Besides poisoning people with industrial fertilizers, which they were mixing with other harmful ingredients to make illicit substances; they were also wasting fertilizers meant for residents to increase crop production,” CIP Kayigi said.
All the seized substances were disposed of in presence of residents, where Police and local leaders also took the opportunity to educate them on dangers of consuming the illicit drinks and criminal repercussions to distillers as well as their role in fighting such criminal acts.
“There are standard, healthy and legal procedures to start a brewery, which also prescribes the raw materials that are not harmful to consumers, which should be followed; contrary to that it becomes our duty as police to enforce the law,” CIP Kayigi warned.
The awards were presented yesterday during a ceremony that attracted students, educators, headteachers and partners of the education sector.
They range from three motorbikes, 8 televisions, 16 tablets and, two cows, school kits, training tickets, school fees among others presented to stakeholders with outstanding contribution to quality education as well as owners of technology and innovation projects.
Awarded categories include 25 female teachers with outstanding performance upcountry; students who invented innovative projects as well as students, teachers, and heads of education institutions who took part in the reduction of school dropouts among others.
Other awardees include creators of technology solutions used to maintain security, technology-equipped sticks guiding blind people, students involved in handcrafts groups among others.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Eugène Mutimura said that awarding stakeholders will be sustained.
“We bet that such technology will enable the country to reach goals to improve national economy and social wellbeing,” he said.
Dr. Mutimura explained that the Government of Rwanda summoned much effort to promote excellence rooted in capacity building and fostering youth’s development including centers of excellence present at different higher learning institutions and universities.
Awardees said the recognition gives them the courage to keep up the momentum.
“A total of 393 students abandoned school in 2018. We returned almost all of them except 18. We also brought back to school 82 students who had abandoned school the following year. The motorbike will help me to execute my duties and inspections smoothly,” said Callixte Mbarubukeye, the head of education in the Ngeruka sector.
The headteacher of Groupe Scolaire Base, Soeur Mukangabire Félicie received a cow for the project of rabbits farming among students which brought back 50% of students who had dropped out.
She explained that the initiative was welcomed since rabbits reproduce in a short period.
The event was organized in collaboration with partners including BPR Plc, RwandAir, Unicef, Umwarimu Sacco, BRD and Huawei among others.
