Rwanda has implemented stringent measures to control the virus including suspension of events that would attract big numbers of people.
The closing of different activities and other steps will doubtless have consequences on many businesses as sales are to register a slump.
The government began consultations with the institutions concerned so that those whose businesses got affected are facilitated with simplified modalities of paying taxes and servicing bank loans.
Hakuziyaremye announced that consultations have begun.
“We have consulted RRA on taxes. You know this month of March is when institutions, industries, and business people pay corporate taxes. This is to ensure that those who cannot pay because of lack of enough income due to poor customer turn up are not penalized.”
She adds: “It is being analyzed to see different levels, industry, a business person and the losses incurred, how much, how we can we help so and so. PSF promised to show us areas where we can help them on Monday the 16 2020. It does not mean we will agree to whatever but those liable to losses will be helped in the area of taxes.”
Hakuziyaremye explained that those with bank loans would be considered given that they may not pay as scheduled.
She said bank loans are also a challenge that needs to be addressed banks may continue to demand monthly repayment yet the receipts will have fallen below the usual. She, therefore, emphasized they are consulting with banks and the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to see how they can intervene so that businesses do not collapse.
The Minister cautioned against hoarding and hiking prices for those businesses that are still open. She also reiterated the importance of proper hygiene and keeping the social distance in order to keep the loop curve of coronavirus as low as possible.
Germany has closed its borders with five neighbors as European infections mount, the U.S. is moving closer to a nationwide shutdown and the Philippine island of Luzon is under strict quarantine.
Meanwhile, the U.K. is seeing a backlash for what critics say is a dangerously slow response.
{{What about a vaccine? }}
While companies and researchers around the world are racing to develop one, as well as treatments, a Massachusetts biotech firm is launching human immunization trials today in Seattle.
Currently, apart from tragic human consequences, the world is facing an economic recession. Rwanda will not be spared of the devastating economic effects brought about by Coronavirus.
Since the virus was identified in Wuhan, China last year, experts predicted a slowdown in the global economy which will cost $1 trillion only in 2020.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE) is one of the leading sectors in the economy of Rwanda. From July 2018 to February 2019, Rwanda earned $52 million (Rwf 46 billion) from MICE.
Among the major meetings that have been postponed due to Coronavirus is the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) meeting which was scheduled in Kigali in May, 2020 but has been postponed between February 16th and 18th, 2021.
In an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Minister of Trade and Industry said that the ministry advised business owners in the MICE industry to allow postponement until the Coronavirus is contained on a global scale and in Rwanda.
“Currently, we have requested the postponement of 5 meetings as the government of Rwanda looks for a solution to counter the spread of Coronavirus. We advised hotels and restaurants which were expected to host visitors to allow postponement with the promise that business will be back on track once the virus is contained.”
Despite MICE cancellations, preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) are still underway. The final decision on whether to host CHOGM or not will be announced with regard to the actual state of the virus spread in April 2020.
Due to rightfully imposed bans and restrictions, the supply of goods and services will be impaired and factories around the world are likely to face losses. In Rwanda particularly, the spillover effects of the lockdowns are starting to be felt since most of the products which were imported from China remain docked at foreign ports.
Hakuziyaremye said “Given that 22% of our imports were from China, we are constantly consulting with business owners to find an alternative source as the virus is getting contained. For the time being, we will resort to importing from Turkey, Egypt to counter the scarcity of goods on the Rwandan market.”
In the heat of the outbreak, many countries around the world have imposed import bans meaning Rwanda is restricted to export goods while the virus prevails.
“Rwanda as a commodity exporter will likely suffer from the bans and restrictions especially for perishables such as flowers and chilli. However, all that matters for now is protecting our citizens by preventing further spread of the virus.”
Hakuziyaremye said that in the meantime, business owners which have been affected by COVID-19 outbreak are receiving support from the ministry mainly regarding tax and loan payments.
The new park station will solve the problem of congestion given that all buses used Kigali Bus Services (KBS) small station. The project was brought about by requests from Rubavu residents who claimed that above all infrastructures which are currently under construction, a park station could also come in handy.
Nsengiyumva Jean Paul, a driver in Rubavu said “The size of KBS park station is a hindrance to the movement of people and vehicles. The transport society I work for particularly is not allowed more than one parking spot.”
Uwamahirwe Solange, a passenger said that due to the smallness of the park station, travelers have nowhere to sit or stand while waiting for their buses. She mentioned that the park station should be given the highest priority to allow freedom of travelers.
Habyarimana Gilbert, Rubavu District Mayor said that the construction of the park station is in line with the government’s master plan of establishing strategic secondary cities to Kigali.
The secondary cities will be developed in a bid to redirect employment to rural areas and control the continuously growing rural-urban migration.
As stated in Rubavu district development strategy released on February 7th, 2020, the park station will be constructed in Bugoyi cell, Gisenyi sector commonly known by the locals as Nyakabungo Driving School.
A notice from the embassy released yesterday reads: “Following the participation of the person infected by the virus COVID-19 at a meeting at the Embassy, the Belgian Embassy in Kigali will be closed until March 28th, 2020 following guidelines from the local authorities and as a precautionary measure.”
During its closure, the embassy will not process any visa request and passengers are advised to postpone their travel or contact the EU mission of their destination for help.
The first patient of COVID-19 in Rwanda is an Indian citizen who arrived in Rwanda from Mumbai, India on March 8th, 2020. The patient who currently serves in a UN mission in Rwanda reported himself to a health facility on March 13th, 2020 after he developed symptoms including fever, cough and difficulties to breathe.
Dr. Ngamije Daniel told the media that patient zero did not show any symptoms upon his arrival at Kigali International Airport. He is currently receiving medical care along his wife and gatekeeper.
Yesterday, the ministry of health announced 4 more cases of COVID-19 in Rwanda making up a total of 5 infected people.
The announcement released by MINISANTE on March 15th, 2020 reads that the 4 new cases include a 34-year-old man who arrived in Rwanda from South Sudan on March 6th, 2020; his 36-year old brother who arrived in Rwanda from Fiji on March 8th, a 30-year old Rwandan with no travel history and a 22-year Ugandan citizen who arrived in Rwanda from London.
All the newly identified COVID-19 patients have been quarantined and are currently under treatment. Authorities are conducting further investigation to trace all contacts the patients might have had since their arrival in Rwanda.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114 to report any symptoms.
The announcement released by MINISANTE on March 15th, 2020 reads that the 4 new cases include a 34-year-old man who arrived in Rwanda from South Sudan on March 6th, 2020; his 36-year old brother who arrived in Rwanda from Fiji on March 8th, a 30-year old Rwandan with no travel history and a 22-year Ugandan citizen who arrived in Rwanda from London.
All the newly identified COVID-19 patients have been quarantined and arr currently under treatment. Authorities are conducting further investigation to trace all contacts the patients might have had since their arrival in Rwanda.
The ministry of health advises Rwandans to keep observing preventive measures to counter further spread of the virus and to call the toll-free number 114 to report any symptoms.
COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or clean water and soap is advised, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding large gatherings.
In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
The announcement comes after the first case of COVID-19 in Rwanda.
The patient is an Indian citizen who arrived in Rwanda from Mumbai, India on March 8th, 2020. He is currently receiving appropriate medical care after he reported himself to a health facility on March 13th.
New measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission include that all places of worship are closed starting March 15th and that all prayers shall be conducted at home.
Schools and higher education institutions will close on Monday, March 16th, 2020 and employees shall be working from home when possible and after consulting their employers.
Additionally, large gatherings such as weddings and sports activities will be postponed until further notice while the number of people attending burial ceremonies should be kept minimal.
Businesses and restaurants will not be affected by the new measures but customers are advised to keep a reasonable distance between each other.
In an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Prof Shyaka Anastase, Minister of Local Government confirmed that all students from public or private schools as well higher education institutions will go home starting Monday, March 16th, 2020.
The Ministry of Education will advise on how to handle the untimely dismissal from schools.
Other measures are that all unnecessary travels should be avoided and that public transport should not be overcrowded.
The Ministry of Health advises anyone who might have COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cold, cough or difficulty to breathe to call 114 for support instead of leaving their homes to seek medical care.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Minister of Health confirmed the Indian patient who tested positive with COVID-19 was tested upon arrival in Rwanda and that he showed no symptoms of the virus at the time. The patient checked himself into a health facility in Kibagabaga on March 13th, 2020 and is currently receiving appropriate care.
The patient who currently serves in one of United Nations missions developed fever, a headache, and cough on March 12th, 2020 and started losing energy.
As a measure of precaution, Ngamije said the patient’s wife and gatekeeper are also kept under surveillance at the hospital for possible COVID-19 infection. Authorities are currently conducting further investigation to trace all contacts the patient might have had since his arrival in Rwanda.
In a tweet he made Saturday, March 14, 2020, the president called for calm, focus and discipline, complying with safety guidelines that have been issued by the Ministry of Health.
“Rwanda has registered its first #COVID19 case. As emphasized by others, panic in this situation does not help. Focus and simple but effective measures are key to keeping each other and everyone safe,” he tweeted.
President Kagame also sent out a message of sympathy to the world where the virus has had ravaging effects. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and their loved ones. We wish strength to the health workers on the frontlines & quick recovery to all patients.
The Ministry of Health Saturday announced that one Indian citizen has been identified to be infected with coronavirus, having arrived in the country on 8 March from Mumbai.
In a statement the Ministry says: “The patient did not show any symptoms of the disease on arrival, but on 13 March was tested positive. The patient is receiving medical care, responding well and has been isolated from other patients.”
The Ministry says its officials have traced d all the people and places the patient made contact with and carried out the necessary tests and measures to ensure the no other people have been affected and get the situation well contained.
“All people in Rwanda are requested to continue observing the precautionary measures issued by health officials and, especially, practice polished hygein, avoid crowds, wash hands regularly and share any information in case of suspicion on toll-free number 114″
Rtd Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde is a former minister in charge of security in Uganda. He was the only one who lost his ministerial post on the 4th March 2018 in a reshuffle made by President Museveni.
When Gen Kale Kayihura who was chief of Uganda police got removed from office and even got arrested on 13th June 2018, word spread that Lt Gen Tumukunde had a hand in it. That he accused Kayihura of working for Rwanda as a ploy.
At the beginning when Rwandan nationals in Uganda got arrested and tortured in 2017, Lt Gen Tumukunde seemed to coordinate the process, supposedly a long term plan by President Museveni of destabilizing Rwanda when anti-Rwanda rebel organizations including RUD-Urunana and RNC intensified their activities openly.
Lt Gen Tumukunde used to be Museveni’s, right-hand man. After one month and nine days out of cabinet, he vehemently proclaimed he wanted to warm the seat of president Museveni in which he has spent 34 years. That he wished to campaign in 2021 elections hence facing his former master.
On Thursday evening he got arrested; his home and office got surrounded by soldiers and police, the search was done and later he was taken to the Headquarters of CMI at Mbuya for detention.
Friday morning, Uganda police announced that he is accused of being a traitor following what he had said over television and radio, aimed at planting hatred among the population which bordered on criminality.
The statement goes on to state that he sought help from a neighboring country to help him remove the current government either through elections or otherwise.
The neighboring country implicated by the Ugandan police is Rwanda basing on what he said over NBS Television last week.
In the interview at the 59th minute, he asked what he would do to restore the estranged relations between Uganda and Rwanda.
In answering Tumukunde said: “Is the question about security? I think it is more than that. I think I follow what you also follow. This is a simple thing. If I were Rwanda I would interest in helping those who want to bring change in Uganda. The laws are clear, the problems we have, used to be between us and Kenya to the extent of deploying soldiers at the border. We had the same with Tanzania. This is the problem of leadership.”
He went on to say: “ Let me tell you what I want to continue putting out: there is no enough intelligence done. If there was enough intelligence done and I continue to tell whoever on the conflicting sides; if you are not strong in intelligence; If you do not develop your intelligence system as required, give it the capacity to know what is true or not, you end up always in conflicts.”
Gen Tumukunde said he did not want to involve himself in those problems. That he was not in government and did not want to be government spokesman.
Tumukunde’s lawyer, Alex Luganda, while commenting on his arrest said that his client did not involve Rwanda in the problems of Uganda.
He said: “Basing on what he said over NBS on 4th March, where he said if he were Rwanda he would help those who are for change in Uganda. He did not forment war at all. It is the Police trumping up charges.’
Tumukunde the great friend of Kayumba Nyamwasa
Rtd Lt Gen Tumukunde was up to 2018, minister of internal security. Kayumba Nyamwasa fled Rwanda when he was a darling of the Uganda Army.
Gen Tumukunde cultivated a strong bond with Kayumba and all his plans were made known to him. Word had it the intelligence of Rwanda got conversations that transpired between him and Kayumba confirming how much close they were.
In the court case involving the Rwandan Rutagungira René, who was a prisoner in Uganda, the name of Gen Tumukunde was echoed by Rutangungura’s lawyer, Aaron Kizza. He openly showed how Tumukunde then ministers in charge of security, tortured him so as to agree he had colluded with Gen Kale Kayihura in abducting some Rwandans living in Uganda.
At the time Kizza told the court: “Who told you there are big names to me that I can not mention them? If my client tells me Brig Kandiho and Gen Tumukunde tortured him and imprisoned him contrary to the law in Mbuya military prison, so as to implicate Gen Kayihura and President Kagame.”
That in July 2019, Tumukunde was heard tarnishing Rwanda, saying Kayihura worked for Rwanda. That Rwanda interfered with the sovereignty of Uganda without giving evidence at all.
At the time he also said, “We taught Rwanda how to respect Uganda.”
Although there is now bad blood between Tumukunde and Museveni, they are related as Museveni’s wife is a cousin to Tumukunde.
Before being arrested on Thursday, 24th February 2020, Museveni had ordered he be deprived of the security personnel he had. It was immediately affected and hence the man of 61 years of age lost the security of 10 military men.
In the interview on NBS, Tumukunde blamed Museveni for what he did, saying it was not clear how he and his children had security and a General like him who fought for the country to the extent of getting injured on the leg didn’t. He emphasized should he get in trouble Museveni should be held accountable.
Gen Tumukunde becomes the second General, after Gen Kayihura, to be imprisoned on charges where Rwanda name the neighboring country’s affairs.
Renovated classrooms include 7 for primary education and 2 for kindergarten. At least 837 students go to Ruheru B Primary School.
Some students told IGIHE, the former classrooms had leaking ceilings and therefore they could not concentrate in class. They expressed gratitude after C. Dorman renovated the ceilings and screed the floors with cement.
Parents said the renovations will boost students’ engagement and learning and allow better grades.
Mukarugema Drocella, one of the parents said: “We are confident our children will get better grades now that their classroom environment has changed.”
Jean Bosco Seminega, Managing Director of Dormans Coffee said that the society’s vision crosses way beyond coffee roasting and exportation and that their focus is also improving the livelihoods of people in the areas they operate within.
“We do not just buy coffee from farmers and come back the following harvest. We also strive to provide farmers with better life prospects through activities such as building or renovating schools or training.”
Mukamana Claudette, Nyamasheke Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs commended C. Dorman for the initiative and said it is a smart approach to energize learning and allowing better outcomes.
Renovation activities started in November 2019 and students started using the classrooms by January 2020. The project cost an estimated Rwf 50 million.
