Suspects are Apostle Charles Rwandamura, Reverend Pastor Fred Nyamurangwa, Bishop Innocent Rugagi, Rev Emmanuel Ntambara, Pastor James Dura and Pastor Emmanuel Kalisa Shyaka.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Prosecutor General Jean Bosco Mutangana said that they received the case file on Monday 12th and currently, they are analyzing it.
Following their arrest, Police said that all pastors are suspected of having had plans to tamper with the exercise of clamping down on churches that do not meet structural standards across the country.
Police said that some church heads formed a group with the aim of impeding the exercise.
The two institutions share the spirit of “excellence” with GHA standing out in academic field as the sole school in Rwanda offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program while IGIHE boasts of standing out in media as the Rwanda’s leading online outlet.
The visit by 15 students and their two tutors was part of the school’s celebration of International Women Day (IWD) and the choice of IGIHE was inspired by the fact that it has a real team of journalists and is offering a special coverage of women during women’s month (March), according to teacher Lawoiri Riffi who, together with teacher Marie Guerin, led the visiting team.
“We wanted to visit a real team of journalists. So we chose the women’s day. In my point of view, teaching should be practical, motivating and funny. The objective of GHA is ‘Towards Excellence”, by this visit, we follow our goal to be excellent in everything,” said Riffi.
On the occasion, the students of a Kigali-based international school currently hosting 1650 students from 56 nationalities wrote accolades to women in recognition of their outstanding courage and determination in upbringing the humankind. Below are the accolades by three among the students:
{{Who is a Woman?}}
“Every man needs a woman when his life is a mess, because just like the game of chess- the queen protects the king.”
The greatest pleasure in a man’s life is to get somebody who is multitalented, loving, caring and has all the qualities needed in an angel, these are who we call women.
They are the stars and moon in our lives. They are the most beautiful creation invented by God who have landed up on earth like angels to make earth a heavenly place. Despite of all the kindness and care they have given us, women are abused all around the world without any terror which includes transgressions like- rapes, sexual assaults, acid attacks etc. to decrease the level of these felonies, the people have decided to appreciate women with love and gratitude by making it a special day known as the International Women’s Day (IWD).
IWD also known as international women’s working day is a day celebrated worldwide that mainly focuses on the attainment by the women in all fields like economic, political and social. It’s also a day for the UN attempting to resolve on the struggles women are suffering. The global women’s day is acknowledged on 8th March because women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists in 1975, during {{International Women’s}} Year. The United Nations began {{celebrating International Women’s Day}} on {{8th March}}. It’s commemorated in most of the European countries and Asian countries- for example Denmark, Switzerland, china, India, Austria, etc.
Women are very important to our society. They have contributed a lot in every other branch- whether it’s sport or science, they have made themselves recognised to the whole world with their tremendous accomplishments. Some women like mother Teresa, Malala, Helen and others have even left their mark on earth and in the history. These stars of our lives have showed that women are no less than men including every simple housewife, mom and sister out there. They have the toughest job in their daily lives which is unrewarded and they receive no leave. Except for these our moms, wives and sisters seldom whine. Being a woman is not a piece of cake, it requires a lot of patience, love and courage. So, let this women’s day be memorable for your loved ones making an abundance of love flow through their nerves and appealing your prayers to the women al around the world who are currently suffering with horrendous abuses. Love them because they are W-wonderful, o-outstanding-motherly, a-ambitious and n-nurturing.
{{The love of a mother}}
Mothers, aunts and sisters. These women we see every day are truly the gems in a man’s life. The love of a mother is irreplaceable. The counsel of your aunt straightens your mind. And your sister is always there to give you advice and even a shoulder to cry on.
Women are truly wonderful because of their beauty and approachable nature. A lady, the person who is willing to keep your secrets and sorrows. A woman who shares your hopes, dreams and passions. A lady is your special friend if you just listen to her.
Even though they rarely seem alone or out of home, women have taken a leap into the future. In the past we foolishly overlooked their abilities and we paid the price. Long ago a woman was seen as a source of dowry, money and children. Forced into marriages and other dishonourable deeds, their value was diminished.
But the new age is in their hands. Brave and inspiring women, such as Jeanette Kagame, our First Lady, who strives hard for the growth and education of the youth. And not to forget our Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, who works very hard to represent the image of Rwanda in the world. And other remarkable ladies such as Ophrah Winfrey and Michelle Obama who paved the way to greatness for the next generation of women. Women are allowed to vote and some are currently the leaders of countries, far and wide in the world. Their works are remarkable and may they lead us into a new era.
My mother is one such woman. Her bravery and sacrifice inspires me every day. Honour the women and respect them because they gave us life.
{{Women’s day }}
As we know that women’s day is approaching that’s why I wrote an essay about it. Women’s day is not a new topic in this generation to talk about. Women’s day is on 8th of March every year and it is celebrated to value and tell them the achievements they have done. It is a day to appreciate them with love and gratitude. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. On this day many events are held by women’s group. Men give flowers and gifts to their wives, girlfriends, daughters and mothers. International women’s Day is all about feeling women realize their worth and giving them a boost to achieve as per their actual potential.
It is a very special day for women because they work so hard to make the family perfect. I think the women do the hardest work in the world because they even have to care for the family, make food and they do not get holidays on Saturdays and Sundays; they always work. I think the most important woman in your life will be your mother.
Everyone says that “behind a successful man there is a woman.” Some ways which you can make a woman special: respect them all the time not just because they are women but also because they are individuals and they have their own identity, do not think that men are better than women because everyone is equal.
They are wonderful daughters, amazing sisters, superior wives, caring mothers, and loving grannies. They are born as leaders, and fighters. They are the light of children and men’s live. Make this day special for women so, they can experience the same love that they give us every moment. As we celebrate the centenary of International Women’s Day this year, we are to take more advantage of the potentials and talents of half of the humanity, and not just seek to consecrate gender equality in principle. Indeed, women could greatly contribute to the upbringing and education. Let us show respect to all women in the world and wish them a HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY.
In a statement signed by the Sector Executive Secretary, Charles Havugimana released yesterday, the decision was taken following the findings from the monitoring exercise.
The monitoring was conducted on Churches and Mosques on February 19th 2018 and revealed that Mosques which use speakers installed above their buildings cause noise pollution.
“I write to you asking you to stop using these speakers and find other means to call followers for prayer,” reads the statement.
The decision was taken following the ongoing exercise by Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and local government authorities to clampdown substandard churches from across the country.
The inauguration ceremony took place last week in Nyagatare and was attended by both MTN Rwanda and local government officials.
Groupe Scholaire Ndama is a newly constructed school that was launched in July 2017. It was constructed by Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) under ‘Army Week’, an yearly programme where Rwandan army conducts free activities that contribute to the development and well-being of the society.
The school had only six classrooms accommodating over 900 students.
MTN Rwanda’s Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Annie Tabula told IGIHE that the company always conducts different activities to support welfare of Rwandan community.
“This is part of our yearly programme where employees help the community we operate from, last year our agents from this province told us that Rwanda’s army constructed the school, but had few classrooms, and we as MTN decided to provide our contribution so that children would not travel long distances to or from school,” she said.
She added that MTN has many activities that support well-being of the people and back government programmes in different sectors like health and women empowerment among others.
Evariste Kayumba, a parent whose child studies at the school welcomed the classrooms saying that their children are relieved from going to study away.
“We are very happy to have this school and classrooms close to us because our children would have to travel long distances going to study in other schools and sometimes they decide to drop out,” he said.
Eastern Province Governor, Fred Mufulukye affirmed that having the classes will help students concentrate in their studies.
“We thank Army and MTN which constructed these classrooms in this region, children used to travel long miles to school and this discouraged them. The first remarkable step is to have a school and children are no longer taken to their families living close to other schools, they will no longer travel long distances, we hope that they will raise the quality of education,” he said.
Mufulukye pledged to construct more classrooms in the school so as to solve congestion problem.
Currently, the school has over 900 students with primary school and one year of ‘twelve years basic education’.
As the ceremony to launch the classrooms was coincided with the celebration of ‘International Women Day’, MTN Rwanda supported a forum of Eastern Province women with Rwf6,5 million to use in development projects.
Construction activities for inaugurated classrooms started in June 2017 under MTN’s ‘21 Days of y’ello care’ promotion programme which focused on education and ICT.
With this internet, users are able to download latest movies, games and music; stream live HDTV; reduce phone bills by making calls over the internet; use video conference; and leverage many other services.
Liquid Telecom Rwanda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alexis Kabeja, has revealed that the company’s fibre rollout has reached many areas in Kigali City, and now the company is taking the utility to all corners of the country.
“Liquid Telecom has deployed a fibre optic network across most of Kigali in order to connect households but the target now is to reach even the remotest rural areas,” said Kabeja.
FTTH is one of the most stable and reliable technologies that future-proofs Rwandans homes and supports a host of new services.
Kabeja said the FTTH network expansion is growing fast and covers a lot of Kigali areas including Gisozi, Kagugu, Gacuriro, Vision City, Nyarutarama, Gishushu, Rugando, Kimihurura, Kacyiru, Kiyovu, Gikondo Estate, Rebero, and Kibagabaga.
Cost reduced by 100 times
Before Liquid Telecom Rwanda began operations in 2013, no single household in Rwanda had a fibre optic connection as the cost of fibre installation was high at an average of Rwf5 million per household.
The cost has since dramatically been reduced to Rwf50,000 (all taxes inclusive), thanks to the massive fibre rollout spearheaded by Liquid Telecom Rwanda.
Since then, Liquid Telecom Rwanda has taken fibre to over 10,000 households and more are being connected each day with a target to connect more than 20,000 households by end of 2018.
Liquid Telecom is the leading independent data, voice and IP provider in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. It supplies fibre optic, satellite and international carrier services to Africa’s largest mobile network operators, ISPs, financial institutions and businesses of all sizes.
Working under various brands, the Liquid Telecom Group has operating entities in Botswana, DRC, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The company has been named Best African Wholesale Carrier for the last five years at the annual Global Carrier Awards.
Through the support of Liquid Telecom group, Liquid Telecom Rwanda is positioning Rwanda in the digital age, with ambitious plans to provide access to its fibre network to more Rwandans. This will help to increase internet penetration across the country.
Rwanda was the only African country among the 24 invited to participate in the exercise that were mainly from Asia, US and UK forces. This exercise was prepared as a joint venture to find responses to the contemporary challenges by enhancing pre-deployment peace support operations training.
In his closing remarks, Professor Dr Gawher Rizvi, International Affairs Adviser to Hon Prime Minister of Bangladesh said that the exercise enhanced interoperability among different contributing countries, “When you go back home maintain these friendships and contacts to continue sharing experiences and good practices”.
Lt Col Theodore Gakuba who led the RDF Contingent told RDF media on arrival at Kigali International Airport today 13 March 2018 that the most important lessons learnt during the exercise were sharing experience with international militaries and harmonisation of Peace Support Operations training. “The Exercise focused on protection of civilians, especially women and children, the UN Code of conduct and Rules of Engagement during the Peace Support Operations”. The Rwandan Contingent Commander further noted that the Exercise Participants practiced peace keeping operations, humanitarian convoy escort, check points, patrols and crowd dispersal.
The Peacekeeping Exercise ‘Shanti- Doot 4’ was organized by the United States Pacific Command in support of Global Peace Support Initiatives and Bangladesh as the host nation.
The UN initiated this Project in early 2015 to enhance the rapid deployment of the engineering capabilities in African troops contributing countries (TCC). The triangular partnership comprises the UN which plans, implements and manages the Project, Member States supporting the capacity building and the African TCC which support the UN peacekeeping.
Some of the core engineering capabilities that are enhanced by the project are road construction and repair, airfield/helipad construction and rehabilitation, campsite preparation, transport, recovery and maintenance of engineering equipment, etc.
This three-day workshop was opened today 13 March 2018 by Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli, the Army Chief of Staff, at the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro, Gatsibo District. In his opening remarks he thanked the organisers of the workshop for choosing Rwanda as the host country and one of the biggest Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) in UN peacekeeping. He urged participants to grasp the great opportunity given to them.
“This workshop will help you as peacekeepers in understanding better the challenges in the contemporary world, acquire the skills and know the resources you need which will later help you to deal with the challenges at hand while in peacekeeping missions”, he said.
According to Harinder Sood from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Workshop is aimed at familiarising participants with the challenging environment of the peacekeeping missions.
“There are areas where there is minimum infrastructure, where peacekeepers are attacked. It is a new development. It requires deployed peacekeepers to have enough capabilities and resources to be able to operate effectively and safely in the UN Peacekeeping missions”, he said.
Agriculture sector contributed 31%, industry sector 16% and services sector contributed 46%.
Last year, agriculture production increased by 7%, industry by 4% and services by 8%.
The NISR Director-General, Yusuf Murangwa said that the quarter four of last year contributed enough to the growth of the GDP as it increased by 10.5%, here, he said agriculture, industry and services grew remarkably.
“Agricultural growth was boosted by good harvest of food crops in season B and C to 10%, industry to 10% and services to 11%,” he explained.
He said that the growth of industry sector was boosted by good production in mining and quarrying which contributed 51% and food processing industrial production grew by 16%.
Murangwa said that the production of textiles, clothing and leather industries grew by 19%. However, the production of industries making tobacco and beverages reduced by 8% while infrastructure was reduced by 1%.
Wholesaling and retailing trade grew by 19%, transport services grew by 16% and financial services grew by 14%.
According to the AU, it is expected that the leaders of Africa’s 55 countries will sign an agreement that will launch the AfCFTA at the Kigali meeting.
The AfCFTA will make Africa the largest free trade area created since the formation of the World Trade Organization, according to the pan-African bloc.
Mushikiwabo, also the government spokesperson, said the AU reform “is on and irreversible.” There have been some reluctance on the part of some countries but the progress is happening, she said.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame took over the chairmanship of the AU during the 30th AU summit in January to lead the supervision of the implementation of AU institutional reforms.
In 2016, African leaders decided that institutional reforms of AU were urgent given the role the AU is expected to play in achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and development.
Funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the three-year programme which aims at improving English language literacy and numeracy among students of primary one, two and three grades (P1, 2 and 3) is jointly being implemented by Education Development Trust, British Council and VSO, the three organisations which designed the programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Rwanda Education Board (REB).
Launching the programme, Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Isaac Munyakazi commended DFID as an outstanding partner in Rwanda’s education and said BLF marks “a significant commitment in supporting the development of quality education.”
Munyakazi said that the programme comes at the right time as the recently concluded 15th National Leadership Retreat (Umwiherero) resolved improving quality of education among other resolutions.
“Building Learning Foundations Programme is a very welcome and timely intervention by UKaid. The programme will benefit Rwandan children by building the capacity of English and Mathematics teachers, enhancing school leadership for learning and strengthening the country’s education system,” he said.
British High Commissioner to Rwanda Joanne Lomas hailed Rwanda’s strides in education such as school enrolment at 99% and inclusive education that considers both genders and people with special needs.
“I am delighted to launch the new Building Learning Foundations project. Through this three-year nationwide project, the UK will provide £25.3 million for improved teaching and learning in lower primary grades 1-3 – with a focus on English and Mathematics. BLF is a strategic investment to ensure that all Rwandan children have the foundational skills needed to contribute to continued social and economic development,” she said.
The Programme running until 2021 will provide all English and Mathematics teachers in lower primary grades with toolkits which include self and peer-study books with audio and video material on an SD card, as well as continuous professional development linked to the toolkits. The Programme will also provide capacity development to all Sector and District education officers.
Teachers welcomed the programme saying that it will support them to lead nationwide school improvement.
Georgine Mukarugira, Headteacher of Saint Paul Muko Primary School in Rusizi District, said the programme has made her shift from being school administrators to leaders of learning as her school was considered in BLF’s pilot phase that started in July 2017.
“BLF comes to provide us with the skills and resources to lead on school improvement for learning achievements, to budget, manage school grants, staff and learners, and maintain effective reporting and data management,” she said.
Building Learning Foundations is built on three foundations to ensure sustainable impact by focusing on teacher development, school leadership for learning, and system strengthening. Each foundation has a focus on inclusive education practices for pupils with Special Educational Needs to ensure no child is left behind.
