The Head of State said this on Monday while closing the 16th National retreat that was happening at the Gabiro Military Barracks, since March 9th, 2019. The retreat brought together about 350 government and private sector leaders.
President Kagame told the leaders to have a better attitude, the correct mindset and the implementation based on some of the good policies Rwanda actually has.
“We should not just be coming here to repeat apologies. We need to be explaining why we are falling short on our goals.” Kagame observed.
“Everyone is committed and claims they want to do their best. How can we turn things around, so that the commitment portrayed from you, actually matches the results we get?” Kagame noted.
The Head of State challenged the leaders on how they can turn things around and stop giving the same explanations and all kinds of reasons that always move in the direction that justify failure.
“We need to turn around our attitude of when there is a task ahead of us, we start with the attitude that it is hard to do or impossible before you have even tried, even when the information available in advance is proving to us that it is doable. Don’t start by thinking things are not doable, start by thinking they are doable, if they become difficult along the way that is ok, you will have tried.” He observed
Kagame also expressed his appreciation to leaders who gave new ideas during the retreat, saying “Thank you for the spirit, the idea you contributed and the promise you have made that you are going to do and be better, that is what our country is going to be built on and reflect.”
He further encouraged them to go home, rest because the country is very secure.
“You may hear all kinds of stories. As you go home, relax. When you go to bed, have your sleep. When you wake up in the morning ready to work, you just know the country is very fine. For security, we are very fine.” Kagame told the leaders
“Do the things we have agreed you are going to do to develop our country, to grow our economy, to build capacities, to improve the quality of services we give to our people and so forth. We cannot be fine if we are not together. Let’s be together and God Bless you.” Kagame concluded
The deceased was identified as Mutuyimana Anselme, a 30-Year- old who had gone missing for three months.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, investigations into the killing are ongoing.
The body which was found by an Intersec Security (ISCO) Officer around 6 Am, was found without bruises.
The mood was somber at the home of Anselme Mutuyimana as the family was told of the news.
The deceased’s elder brother, Augustin Tubanambazi, who is also Mukungu Village Chief, said that it had been three months since Mutuyimana had been at home, but that he had called them on March 08th, 2019, saying that he would come to visit the family.
Mutuyimana’s body was found around Gishwati Forest and was later taken to the Hospital for post-mortem as investigations get underway. He was born in Cyivugiza Cell, Nyabirasi Sector in Rutsiro District.
On a slightly chilly Friday night (March 8); the flight SN467 landed in Kigali from Brussels around 7:20 Pm before continuing off to Entebbe. From pilots to cabin crew, engineers to load controllers and flight dispatchers, the flight was operated by women. This highlighted the integral role played by Brussels Airlines’ female workforce.
Brussels Airlines’ Country Manager in Rwanda, Coline Everard, observed that the event was an opportunity to raise awareness on Gender equality in the Aviation Industry.
“Although 51.7% of our workforce is female, you’ll find that some positions like pilots still have few women, being 10.2% of the company’s pilots. Thus, today was an occasion to raise awareness about gender inequality in Europe as well as in Africa,” Everald said
Everald who is also the first women Country Manager of the Airlines in Rwanda said that she was proud to represent other women, especially in a country that is earnest to see gender equality and women empowerment.
First Officer Katty Wellekens echoed Ms. Everald’s remarks, saying that women should believe in themselves and their dreams. ‘Piloting is for women too, not only men.’
Brussels Airlines advocates equal rights between men and women and – from a broader perspective – a more inclusive world in general.
“I really feel equal to my male colleagues at work and I actually don’t really think about it that much. Never have I had the feeling that I couldn’t go forward with my career because I’m a woman. Although there are moments when it looks like I have a very different approach to some things, that just seems appreciated. No matter if you are a boy or a girl, man or a woman, every job is made for everybody, as long as you love what you do!” said Isabelle Careme – Cabin repair Technician at Brussels Airlines.
The Airline, which is very visible in Africa, strives to support all employees, men, and women, to ensure that every colleague can reach their full career potential while maintaining a good work-life balance.
“Gender inequality denies women and girls much-needed access to health services. When we developed Rwanda’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, we were mindful of creating gender-centric policies that address barriers in women’s right to health care,” said Hon. Rwakazina.
The closing plenary also saw the official launch of the Women in Global Health Africa Regional Hub, a platform that aims to bring gender equality to global health leadership.
The conference concluded with the release of an official communiqué, providing a blueprint for achieving UHC in Africa. In the declaration, African health leaders called for an increase in domestic financing and greater political prioritization for evidence-based, cost-effective solutions that would expand access to quality health services and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Eleven parliamentarians from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia also launched the ‘Kigali UHC communiqué’, committing to strengthen health systems, address health inequities, support community health and ensure universal access to immunization to drive progress on UHC in their countries.
“We are delighted at the diverse participation of leaders from across sectors and are thankful for their contributions to improving health care in Africa. The conference communiqué, released today, calls for increased political commitment to financing UHC, an investment in Africa’s future health workforce, and accountability and inclusion mechanisms allowing people to make their voices heard,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa.
The 3-day conference was co-hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and Amref Health Africa, to discuss the progress made toward UHC in Africa and accelerate indigenous solutions to address some of the continent’s greatest health challenges. The conference brought together over 1,500 participants, including health ministers, the private sector and civil society leaders, representatives from multilateral organizations, media and vital voices from 49 countries.
On the first day of the conference, President Paul Kagame received the “UHC Presidential Champion” award for his relentless political leadership and accountability to advance UHC in Rwanda and serving as an example for the region. In the past few years, Rwanda has significantly improved its focus on health care and managed to bring 90% of its population under the popular community-based insurance scheme. “Thank you Amref Health Africa for this recognition, on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Rwanda. We owe this progress to partners like you who have joined forces with us in our journey to deliver a dignified and healthy life for all Rwandans,” said President Kagame.
Health ministers from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda also shared their countries’ progress on UHC at the meeting and reaffirmed commitment to achieve UHC by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. “I am thankful to my counterparts and political leaders from other countries who have participated in this very important conference. Africa stands at a critical juncture on the path to universal health coverage – it is crucial that we view health system strengthening, expansion of health coverage and improvements in quality of care not as a cost to our nations, but as an investment for the future,” said Hon. Dr Diane Gashumba, Minister of Health, Rwanda.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a sponsor of the conference, brought together leaders from government, NGOs and the private sector, to discuss harnessing the role of community health workers to achieve UHC. In the last six years, GSK has reinvested 20% of its profits generated in the least developed nations. This has helped support the training of 40,000 health workers and reached 11 million people across 35 countries with improved access to healthcare.
The conference consisted of scientific tracks, main plenaries, thematic symposia and interactive workshops on important topics including financing of quality health services, ensuring access to health services in conflict-affected countries and regions, and the centrality of primary health care in the UHC agenda.
The Africa Health Agenda International Conference (Africa Health 2019) is an African-led global convening, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address how Africa can accelerate progress toward UHC and to collectively chart a course forward, from commitment to action.
The project which started last year was officially inaugurated recently in Muhanga district, Southern Province and will extend support to farmers in Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Rubavu and Ngororero districts.
Dubbed Hortinvest, the project was funded by Netherlands’ embassy to Rwanda. It is implemented by SNV Rwanda in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and other partners, ending in 2021 .
Damien Ngwabije, one of farmers in Karongi district who benefited from the project at the outset said that the project supports them get skills in modern farming of onions, tomatoes, tree tomatoes, pineapples, Passiflora edulis and pepper among others.
“Before the project we planted in a disorganized way but today we have got enough training. We learn that the secret to increased yields lies in giving attention to crops, timely weeding, and mulching,” he said.
Through the project, farmers get training on advanced practices of planting fruits and vegetables, using compost and other fertilizers, land preparation, combating pests and proper harvest handling.
They are also trained in managing farmers’ cooperatives to increase yields and commercialization of farming.
Netherlands’ ambassador to Rwanda, Frédérique de Man said that both countries enjoy long standing cooperation in the promotion of horticulture. He expressed optimism that the project will especially combat stunting among children, improve farmers’ incomes and national economic performance.
“Firstly, the project aligns with policies to combat malnutrition. You know that such issue requires special efforts to be addressed. Secondly, it is about increasing value to agricultural yields through various projects of planting fruits and vegetables,” she said.
The 2015 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted once per five years indicated that 38% of children under five are suffering from stunting.
Amb. Frédérique said that farmers have been acquainted with necessary knowledge within a year observing that farmers still need a lot to increase the value of their produce to attract local and international markets.
Sandrine URUJENI, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) said: “The project is promising, demonstrates the importance of horticulture on the side of increasing exports and combating malnutrition.”
The national airline has issued a statement on its Twitter Wall to apologize to its passengers.
“We wish to inform Rwandair passengers that due to strikes at Kenya International Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA), our flight from WB452 to Nairobi to Entebbe is postponed. Travelers assigned to Entebbe will be put on flight WB434. We apologize for the inconvenience,” reads the tweet.
Kenya’s strike began on Tuesday night. The unions are opposed to a plan whereby Kenya Airways, a loss-making company, would take over the management of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) airports.
Aviation workers also complain about the hiring of unfair personnel, low pay and the fact that the proposed takeover would put their jobs at risk.
The agreement was signed between Finance Minister Uzziel Ndagijimana and Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, CEO of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
“This loan will be used for the electrification of rural areas in both Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru Districts in the South Province,” the minister told the press, expecting that this loan granted at a very low-interest-rate is enough to connect to the network.
An additional 24,000 households will have been connected by March 2023.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Ambassador Claver Gatete revealed that the two districts with a population of 846,000 inhabitants will have 33 to 52% household connections by 2023.
The award was by the Amref Health Africa Group, a leading African health International NGO which works to create Lasting Health Change. The award was received by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba.
The event organizers observed that Kagame had made bold decisions in conservation, investing in infrastructure and making Rwanda an attractive destination for visitors and investors.
The award was handed during the Inaugural 2019 Africa Health Agenda International Conference, where over 1500 world leaders, policymakers, civil society, technical experts, innovators, the private sector, researchers and youth advocates were gathered in Kigali, to address how Africa can accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – and to map a pathway from commitment to action.
The Amref Health Africa Global Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, told the press that among the several works of the group, the Amref Health Africa recognizes people who promote Universal Health Coverage in Africa.
“We thank His Excellency, President Paul Kagame. The UHC Presidential Champion Award recognizes outstanding leaders who promote Health for all. It is in this order that we chose to recognize his good leadership and efforts to provide Health for all in Rwanda,” Dr. Githinji Gitahi said
UHC improves people’s health, reduces poverty, and fuels economic growth. Yet, hundreds of millions of people around the world still do not have access to the essential health services they need to survive and thrive. Each year, 11 million Africans fall into poverty due to high out-of-pocket payments on health care. Moreover, critical gaps remain in access to and quality of essential health services, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba thanked the Amref Health for Africa for the award bestowed to the Head of State and assured that it will serve to increase the country’s efforts in improving Health around the country, including the increase of Hospitals, Health Centers and more.
She added that Rwanda has a lot that it’s planning to do regarding Health.
Rwanda is internationally recognized for its success in offering universal access to healthcare. With over 80% of Rwandans insured by the mutuelle de santé, Rwanda has ensured that her citizens have access to basic health care. The Country also currently operates a well-functioning, decentralized healthcare public service system comprising 1700 health posts, 500 health centers, 42 district hospitals and 5 national referral hospitals.
Every year, business leaders from around the world gather for the YPO EDGE, the organization’s premier visionary showcase of thought leadership and innovation. For two days, members, their spouses/partners and invited guests from more than 130 countries convene with world-renowned thought leaders to address key issues in business, politics, science, technology, philanthropy and the humanities.
It is expected that President Kagame will hold a discussion moderated by Former YPO International Chairman, McKeel Hagerty. The Head of State will also attend a dinner with South-African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The event offers exceptional educational opportunities for attendees while helping the global leaders of today shape the world of tomorrow.
YPO members harness the knowledge, influence, and trust of the world’s most influential and innovative business leaders to inspire business, personal, and community impact. The Organization is a premier global leadership organization for more than 27,000 chief executives in over 130 countries.
In Previous times, President Kagame has welcomed YPO delegations to Rwanda several times and has participated in different events organized by YPO globally.
The Head of State told the last YPO delegation to come to Rwanda in August 2018, which had 80 members coming from all parts of the world, that he was no longer worried about Rwanda’s Future but how the changes and development that had been gained could be sustained.
In 2003, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) bestowed to President Paul Kagame the Global Leadership Award, celebrating his impactful leadership to the lives of Rwandans, in Peace, development, and economy.
The Minister observed this during a press conference this Tuesday, where he highlighted on Rwanda-Uganda bilateral ties after 986 Rwandans were sent back from Uganda.
The border crossing at Gatuna has been closed since last week and Rwanda has advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Uganda.
Ugandan Press reported on Monday that “armed personnel” from the Rwanda Defense Force were seen in areas along the border, citing intelligence sources.
“Those who know how Gatuna looks like, they know that it is a small and closed space which intersects with construction works,” he said.
“There were no additional troops from our side. None. And even if we did, it wouldn’t be a problem since Rwanda has the right to deploy troops if the need arises, but in this case, we didn’t,” Sezibera said, denying Ugandan Press allegations.
“The bilateral relations between Rwanda and Uganda will go well. It might be problematic at the moment, but it will get better. We are neighbors and there are always some issues between neighbors, but we are discussing this and it will change for the better,” he added.
The Minister noted that the big issues at present between Rwanda and Uganda are three; Rwandans who are abducted, tortured or murdered, imprisoned in unknown locations in Uganda. The second being Uganda hosting its armed adversaries, RNC, and the third being the restriction of movement of Rwandan goods on the Ugandan Territory.
Closure of the border crossing at Gatuna has temporarily crippled the movement of goods between the two countries.
