He is the latest among district officials who have been resigning or forced to leave office since Tuesday.
The district’s advisory council forced him to resign today around 2pm and appointed the vice mayor for economic development, Ntaganira Josué Michel as the acting mayor.
The chairman of Nyamasheke district advising council, Dr Ndabamenye Telesphore has attributed the forced resignation to failure to deliver.
“The district’s advisory council convened today to discuss development programs with a focus on leader’s engagement. It was observed that the mayor had short falls in performance hence losing the trust of the council,” he said.
Ndabamenye explained that failure to coordinate development projects are among is among reasons for the resignation.
Kamali was elected Nyamasheke mayor in February 2015 replacing Habyarimana Jean Baptiste who resigned in the same year. Kamali had previously served as the executive secretary of Kanjongo sector in the same district.
One of the best ways to increase your conspicuity or presence on the road is to wear specially designed high-visibility clothing.
According to research, cyclists are 37% less likely to be involved in a cycling crash when they are wearing high-visibility or fluorescent clothing.
You have probably seen bicycle riders on the road wearing neon vests, shirts, or helmets.
While it may sound like a goofy fashion statement to young riders, a little dash of color can go a long way in preventing a deadly crash with a car.
BENO Holding is one of the companies that offer solutions contributing to reducing related incidents. They invented a product solution called “TUZA LED Vest” which is a light-weight vest paired with a portable remote control device that allows the cyclist to signal that he/she is about to make a road change of direction.
The remote is then installed in front of the bicycle for easy access and once the remote is clicked, the LED lights at the back of the vest switch on and indicate each and every turn and stop the cyclist is about to make.
TUZA LED vests to have pure wireless remotes that have two power energy options;
• Rechargeable with a power-saving capacity of 8-14 hours.
• Powered by Solar energy.
The invention is high-visibility safety apparel that improves other’s ability to see the cyclists in any situation. From cars on the road to equipment operators on a job site, the more visible a cyclist is, the less risk there is of a serious accident taking place.
the TUZA LED vest is an important component of road and works safety for many jobs: transportation or construction workers, road maintenance crews, railway workers, accident site inspectors, first responders, warehouse or factory workers – virtually any cyclist who rides or works in proximity to vehicles or machinery that move under their own power.
According to Irene Iradukunda, the Project Manager at BENO Holding, the company has environment-friendly technology solutions limiting drivers’ over speeding among others.
The main idea was to create solutions contributing to the development of the transport sector with no threat to the environment.
For instance, the company has solutions enabling vehicles to consume less fuel and thus reducing the emission of toxic gases in the air.
This technology is dubbed ‘Up Power technology’ and started going into implementation since 2019.
It has also developed other solutions including the introduction of speed governors GPS technology in cars among others.
Iradukunda explained that it is the company’s belief that sustainable urban mobility can only be attained if we embrace green transport technologies, for instance, using bicycles in some instances.
“Cyclists seem to be restricted in some areas lest they are exposed to collisions emanating from less attention of drivers. Some drivers may not notice the cyclist’s presence during night hours may not be noticed in some cases. if it is night, you will not even know that a bicycle is ahead leaving a negative impression and always relating bicycle ride to accidents,” she said.
According to Iradukunda, BENO Holding assessed the situation and committed to driving penetration into a green city with the introduction of environment-friendly smart mobility solutions. The visibility is therefore seen as an alarm to other road users to pay attention to cyclists, enabling people to increasingly use bicycles hence classifying TUZA LED Vest” under green technology.
“Our transport technology solutions align with green city concept. This vest made in Rwanda was developed by our technicians and took two years of preparations to bring it on board after discussions with partners,” revealed Iradukunda.
“We talked to Rwanda National Police and taken through figures of cyclists accidents. Commercial cyclists don’t work overnight but TUZA LED Vest removes these barriers because they will be noticed by all road users any time,” she added.
There are two kinds of such vests: The first one is powered by solar energy and the second one is powered by electricity.
The latter is rechargeable and power lasts between 8 hours and 10 hours. The vest using solar energy saves power and lights your vest the whole day.
The rechargeable vest costs Rwf 18.000 while the one using solar energy costs Rwf 22.000.
Commercial cyclists are allowed to pay within installments.
The move follows the consultations of Gatsibo district management which agreed on 24th February 2018 that cows encroaching the precincts of Gabiro military barracks should be impounded and auctioned to keep the money in public coffers.
Lawyer Ndayobotse Silas, the court bailiff following up the auctioning has said that the auction is scheduled on Wednesday 11th September 2019.
“The auction will take place in Gabiro military barracks, Gatsibo district where the cows are impounded. The auction will be preceded by visiting the cows at 10 am,” he said.
Before ruling the auction, a pastoralist identified as Steven Safari owning 104 cows impounded in the premises filed a court case requesting to stop the auctioning of his herd.
He explained that his cattle went missing and later heard that they were impounded in Gabiro military barracks.
Safari filed the complaint to the Nyagatare court of high instance on 22nd July 2019 after failing to convince the district on the release of his cows.
The court also ruled the auctioning of these cows. Previously the number of cattle to be auctioned was 158 but one died later and reduced to 157.
In the past two weeks, the management of Gatsibo district auctioned 493 cows from 18 pastoralists at a cost of Rwf 83.2 million while Nygatare district earned Rwf 25 million from the auction of 180 cows of 13 pastoralists.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and local leadership explained that Gabiro haunts diseases over the presence of wild animals.
According to Eastern Province officials, the decision was taken for the security of cattle and containing the spread of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) among cows.
A fine ranging between Rwf 15 000 and 38 000 was instituted for pastoralists with cattle found grazing in the barracks’ premises but efforts were futile until tougher punishments to auction cows went into force.
The duo identified as Alice Nzayisenga, 22, and Casian Twagirayezu, 23, were arrested on Monday with fake notes amounting to Rwf15, 000 in the denominations of Rwf5, 000.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Eastern region Police spokesperson said that suspects were arrested due to information given by the would-be victims.
“Nzayisenga and Twagirayezu were in the bar; at the time of paying the bill for their drinks they paid a fake note of Rwf5, 000, fortunate enough the manager was able to detect it and alerted the Police,” he said.
CIP Twizeyimana explained that the suspects also tempted to deposit Rwf5, 000 on a mobile account of one of them but the agent also noticed that the note was fake.
When Police officers arrived they searched them and recovered another fake note of Rwf5, 000.
CIP Twizeyimana commended the vigilance of the would-be victims and timely sharing of information that facilitated the arrest of the duo.
He further advised people to avoid “criminal shortcuts” and work hard.
“This is a criminal act that has ill effects on people’s business; it is another form of conning people.”
“Money counterfeit has negative effects on the economy; people should understand that and play their role in fighting this financial crime through reporting and sharing information whenever they see or suspect anyone involved,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Article 269 of the penal code states that: “Any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes, which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years.”
Ntirenganya was elected during an extra ordinary meeting of the district’s council chaired by Northern Province Governor, Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney.
He was installed after winning 18 of 25 votes followed by Nkundwanabake Samson who only got the support of 7 out of 25 voters.
Ntirenganya explained that he will closely work with the council to create a difference.
“I will cultivate a good working relationship with the advisory council which is set to be ae unique aspect compared to predecessors. Our performance will be characterized by decentralized leadership to fast track citizens’ development and maintain the reputation of Musanze as a secondary city after Kigali,” he said.
The Governor of Northern Province, Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney requested the new mayor to draw attention on citizens’ concerns.
“The resignation of leaders is normal when they have not fulfilled their duties. Musanze district is productive in agriculture and is a touristic hub. It is therefore saddening to see leaders failing to deliver. For instance hearing an official beating a spouse is inhumane and we want the culprit paying for it. We request the new leader to focus on citizens’ problems ,” he advised.
Three Musanze district officials including Mayor Habyarimana Jean Damascène, the vice mayor for economic affairs Ndabereye Augustin and were forced to resign while Uwamariya Marie Claire resigned on own volition.
In order to avoid preventable accidents during such season, Police has advised road users to always take extra caution when it is raining or after it has rained.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety department, drivers also have to contend with likely strong winds besides dealing with heavy downpour, which calls for one to exercise caution when driving in such weather.
“In case you are driving or riding in the rain, it would be safer to anticipate how to deal with wet roads as well as poor visibility that characterize such weather; as usual your car should be in good condition with head and tail lights, brakes, turn signals, and windshield wipers working. Ensure that tires are in good shape and properly inflated to contend with the slip,” advised CP Rafiki.
He also advised on turning headlights on when it’s raining to challenge the low visibility and fog and to signal the equally affected motorists coming from behind and those from the opposite direction.
“As usual, drive in your lane, go slow, give each driver space, don’t enter flooded roads, stay alert and pull-over where necessary; exercise extra caution when overtaking because heavy rains and fog can affect your visibility,” CP Mujiji advised.
“When driving under such weather conditions, you don’t have to move at 40km/hr or 60km/hr just because the traffic signpost grants that speed; it comes back to your individual responsibility to set your rules below the set maximum speed as the weather dictates. Be a responsible driver and always take safer decisions when on road,” he added.
Commenting on the resignations, the Minister of Local Government, Prof. Anastase Shyaka attributed the resignations to accountability shortfalls and failure to respond to citizens’ needs among others.
“Some local leaders are being dismissed by Districts’ Councils or requesting them to accept their resignation as per the law. Accountability deficits, failure to respond to citizens’ needs and inefficiency in delivery are the underlying causes,” said the Minister in a tweet.
Minister Shyaka explained that 2019 is the last year of delivering on Vision 2020 and towards midway to National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) Delivery in 2024 whereby every day counts.
He said that the resignations should not matter in Rwanda as a country founded on principles of good governance where all districts are eager to have the most effective and conducive leadership to spur rapid local transformation and wellbeing of citizens towards achieving instituted targets.
“There is nothing to worry about! This is a usual process in a country like Rwanda, firmly grounded in the principles of Good #Governance, anchored in #Decentralization and #Citizen- centredness; #Democracy and #Accountability. #DukomezeImihigo” stressed Minister Shyaka.
The spate of resignations has been common among local leaders in Rwanda over instituted accountability measures pinning and exposing whoever fails to deliver within norms.
The chairman of Musanze district council, Eng Emile Bayisenga has told IGIHE that leaders were forced to resign over failure to deliver to the best of their duties.
“The mayor has been forced to resign over failure to comply with the master plan of Musanze district, failure to fulfill his obligations and corruption cases while the vice mayor for economic affairs resigned over-involvement in an assault. The vice mayor in charge of social welfare resigned over failure to deliver,” he said.
The spate of resignations also spread to Ngororero district where all vice mayors and the executive secretary, Rukazambuga Gilbert submitted resignation letters yesterday.
These include the vice mayor for economic affairs, Kanyange Christine and his colleague in charge of social affairs, Kuradusenge Janvier.
Kanyange Christine has told IGIHE that she abdicated for personal reasons and will be taking care of her family.
“It is true that I have resigned. I am going to take care of my family,” she said.
On the other hand, the Ngororero district advising council attributed their resignation to failure to deliver.
It is said that resigned leaders failed to implement the advising council’s resolutions to fast-track programs aimed at addressing residents’ issues and advancing their development.
The Chairman of Ngororero district advising council, Dr. Dushimumuremyi Jean Paul has told IGIHE three leaders resigned on account of ineffective performance.
In Karongi district, mayor Ndayisaba François and his deputies including Bagwire Esperance, vice mayor for economic affairs and Mukashema Drocella, the vice mayor in charge of social affairs submitted resignation letters citing personal reasons.
The chairman of Karongi district advising council, Mutangana Frederic, has told IGIHE that the entire committee was forced to resign over failure to fulfill their duties.
“They have been asked to resign over failure to deliver and achieving targets. They didn’t resign on their own volition. The district still has unresolved issues among citizens while the district’s development has stalled,” he explained.
The mayor of Muhanga district, Uwamariya Beatrice also sent a resignation letter.
The chairman of Muhanga district advising council, Theobard Shyaka has told IGIHE that he learned about the resignation on WhatsApp as he attended senatorial campaigns.
“I saw a copy of the resignation letter on WhatsApp group,” he said.
The chairman of the advising council in Burera district, Habineza Faustin has confirmed that the vice mayor for social affairs(Habyarimana Jean Baptiste) resigned over failure to deliver.
It is said that the latter resigned in his own favor though the advising council was planning to make him resign.
In Southern Province, the vice mayor for economic affairs in Gisagara district, Hanganimana Jean Paul also submitted a resignation letter.
The chairman of the Gisagara district advising council, Uwimana Innocent has told IGIHE that Hanganimana attributed the resignation to ineffective performance.
Uwimana explained that the council approved the resignation of Hanganimana yesterday.
IGIHE has learned that the vice mayor for economic affairs in Rubavu district, Murenzi Janvier and his colleague in charge of social affairs, Uwampayizina Marie Grace’s resignation went viral during evening hours after holding a meeting with Western Province Governor, Munyantwari Alphonse.
IGIHE has also learned that Rutsiro vice mayors are going through a resignation process.
Led by Maj Gen Alick Mhone, Chief of Policy and Plans from Malawi Ministry of Defence, the Malawian delegation was received Tuesday at the RDF Headquarters by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba.
Maj Gen Mhone revealed that the visit was aimed at sharing experience on Peacekeeping Operations. “We came to learn how the Rwanda Defence Force conducts its Peacekeeping Operations. We are very much impressed and we know there are a lot of experiences we can learn from here,” he said.
On the other hand, the head of the delegation from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College led by Navy Captain Asela Amaranath, was received at RDF Headquarters by the Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Jean-Jacques Mupenzi and later the delegation was briefed on RDF roles and organization.
After the brief, Navy Captain Amaranath said that Sri Lanka is a country that has experienced 30 years of internal conflict and having a similar history with Rwanda.
“We have come to learn how Rwanda has achieved unity and reconstruction after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi,” he said.
During their two-week study tour in Rwanda, students from Sri-Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College will also visit some RDF and government institutions in and out of Kigali.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, other 53 drivers have also been arrested in the past one month for disconnecting the speed governor so as to over-speed.
“We have been sensitizing people, especially drivers on proper and safe road usage; we have time and again reminded motorists on respecting traffic rules and regulations and particularly desisting from actions like driving under the influence of alcohol, whose outcomes are fatal,” he said.
According to CP John Bosco Kabera, it has been observed that some drivers display unacceptable behaviors like drunken driving, speeding, tampering with speed governors and driving vehicles that are not road worthy, without mechanical certificates.
He said it’s time to take action because such dangerous behaviors that cause loss of lives can’t be tolerated.
“Consequences of violating road safety standards are dire and will not only affect the driver’s family with medical bills or worse still losing loved ones, but the country in general to repair the destroyed public infrastructure; these stringent measures are, therefore, meant to fight such dangerous human actions and to ensure safer roads for all,” he explained.
Drunken driving is a traffic offence that attracts a fine of Rwf150, 000 while speeding is punishable with a fine of Rwf50, 000. Tampering with speed governor device attracts a fine of Rwf200, 000 but if such action leads to speeding, the offender is slapped with an additional fine of Rwf50, 000.
“Any traffic offence you commit and results into another offence, it means additional fines, although drunken driving and tampering with speed governor further leads to imprisonment, confiscation of driver’s license and impounding the vehicle,” said CP Kabera.
He emphasized that Police doesn’t prevent people from enjoying or drinking alcohol but advised against impaired driving by finding other safer means to get to their destination, including using special hire or booking someone beforehand to drive you home.
