IGIHE has learnt that Rees Kinyangi Lulu was taken into custody on October 2, 2024, in connection with misappropriated funds linked to Nobilis Hotel, a property owned by Sonarwa.
He was arrested along with the hotel’s accountant, Aisha Uwamahoro.
Their arrest was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, who stated, “It’s true. They are being investigated for embezzlement and the mismanagement of public assets.”
The case has been forwarded to the prosecution, although investigations are still ongoing.
These lakes, believed to have formed simultaneously through volcanic activity, offer visitors a rare and peaceful experience. Known as the twin lakes due to their proximity and the fact that one feeds into the other, Burera and Ruhondo have a shared yet unique charm.
Historically, the lakes were formed when volcanic eruptions altered the course of the River Nyabarongo, redirecting its waters into the Burera valley.
As Lake Burera filled, its excess water flowed into Lake Ruhondo, eventually giving birth to the Mukungwa River. These lakes are nestled among rolling hills, majestic volcanoes, and vibrant local communities, offering a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
A narrow 1-kilometer strip of land separates the two lakes, which together cover an area of about 28,000 hectares. Beyond their natural allure, the lakes carry deep cultural significance.
One such story is the island of Akanyaseke, where pregnant girls were once exiled due to societal stigmas. While this practice has long since been abandoned, the island stands as a historical reminder of past cultural beliefs.
Lake Burera is dotted with several islands, some inhabited and others untouched, providing an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and a closer connection with nature.
Tourists visiting the lakes can indulge in nature walks, boat trips, birdwatching, and exploring islands such as Bushongo, Bishosho, Munanira, Muhabura, and Cuza.
The terraced hills encircling the lakes also offer excellent picnic spots, providing a perfect setting to enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning views of the lakes, birds, and surrounding landscapes.
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo not only offer scenic beauty but also invite visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s unique history and culture. They are a perfect post-gorilla trekking destination for those exploring Volcanoes National Park.
Adding to their significance, the lakes are also home to Rwanda’s first hydroelectric power plant, Ntaruka, which was built in 1959 and continues to operate today, symbolizing the area’s contribution to Rwanda’s development.
This advanced satellite, designed by TRL Space Rwanda, is equipped with innovative sensors capable of capturing high-resolution images across a wide color spectrum. The satellite will primarily provide accurate data for agriculture, including crop monitoring and soil analysis.
TRL Space Rwanda, a subsidiary of the Czech-based TRL Space, specializes in small satellites known as CubeSats. The company has been operating in Rwanda for three years and is headquartered at Norrsken House in Kigali.
Most of the engineers working with the company are Rwandans, having received training from European experts.
The satellite, weighing between 10 and 12 kilograms, measures 10 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm.
Construction began this week with a team of 20 engineers, including seven Rwandans. The project is scheduled for completion within the next 20 months, targeting a June 2026 launch date.
Upon completion, the satellite will be shipped to the United States, where it is expected to launch from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral in Florida, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Once in orbit, the satellite will operate at an altitude of 510 kilometers for five years, delivering crucial agricultural data. It may also support other sectors, including security and communication.
The Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) is currently setting up a data center to process the satellite’s transmissions. The project has so far attracted an investment of $1 million (approximately Frw1.3 billion), with further investments expected as the project advances.
Petr Kapoum, CEO of TRL Space Rwanda, shared in an interview with IGIHE that the long-term goal is to launch a new satellite every year in Rwanda’s name, ultimately creating a fleet of five satellites. He emphasized that the first launch would unlock numerous opportunities, both for commercial and non-profit applications.
TRL Space Rwanda has ambitious plans to position the country as a hub for small satellite manufacturing. The company is developing infrastructure, including research laboratories, to build and sell satellites to other African nations. Reports indicate that by January 2025, the necessary facilities for satellite assembly and testing will be complete.
Kapoum expressed optimism that Rwanda will become self-sufficient in satellite technology within the next five years, reducing reliance on foreign resources and establishing sustainable infrastructure.
Rwanda currently operates a “Teleport” facility, located in Mwurire, Rwamagana District, designed to receive satellite data. This 20-hectare facility is open to investors seeking to establish their own satellite ground stations.
Investors who prefer not to use Rwanda’s facilities can install antennas at the Teleport, with RSA offering maintenance and essential services such as internet access.
The Teleport is expected to attract interest from countries and investors, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with the infrastructure to manage satellite missions.
RSA’s CEO, Gaspard Twagirayezu, highlighted the sector’s profitability, encouraging private investors to capitalize on the opportunities within Rwanda’s growing space industry.
The meeting was announced through a post on Rwanda’s Presidency’s X account.
Borgstam, was appointed as the EU’s Special Envoy to the region in July 2024.
The idea to appoint an EU Special Envoy to the region stemmed from ongoing conflicts between countries in the area. The EU believes the envoy can contribute to resolving these issues.
A Swedish diplomat, Johan Borgstam previously served as the EU Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2008 to 2021 and to Ethiopia from 2017 to 2021.
In his current role, Borgstam assists Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in implementing the union’s policies in the Great Lakes Region.
Compiled by Africa Practice, a strategic consulting firm, and Africa No Filter, an advocacy lobby, the study blames the stereotypical portrayal of the continent by Western media for eroding investors’ confidence and stunting growth.
Titled “The Cost of Media Stereotypes to Africa,” the study focuses on electoral processes in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt and the skewed coverage from giant media entities from the Global North.
“African countries receive more media attention during elections, but with a disproportionate focus on negative issues like violence and election fraud,” the study says.
It notes that non-African countries with similar risks during the electioneering period receive more favorable coverage from the Western media, adding that the continent could save up to 0.14 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually, subject to positive media sentiment.
According to the study, the 4.2 billion dollars in losses occasioned by negative media coverage annually could fund the education of 12 million African children, and provide immunization to over 73 million children, higher than the combined populations of Angola and Mozambique.
In addition, the funds could help provide clean drinking water to two-thirds of the entire population of Nigeria, the most populous country on the continent estimated at 220 million people, says the study.
Negativity has dominated the discourse around African elections, with 88 percent of media articles about Kenya during polling being biased and sensational, compared to only 48 percent for Malaysia, the study observes.
Improved media sentiment, according to the study, could reduce borrowing rates on the continent by up to 1 percent, boosting macroeconomic stability and investors’ confidence.
Marcus Courage, chief executive officer of Africa Practice, said the study has underscored the urgency to challenge stereotypes about the continent advanced by Western media, rooted in racism and hegemonic attitudes.
Promoting fairer, unbiased and positive reporting about the continent will boost its credit rating and attract foreign direct investments in key sectors like tourism, manufacturing and financial services, Courage said.
Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, suggested that as the continent mulls establishing its own credit rating agency, governments should amplify positive narratives, including sustained growth, expanding democratic space, innovations and demographic dividend.
The Rwandan Presidency confirmed the development through its X account, noting that both leaders also “exchanged on various strategies to help enhance disease prevention as well as building increased capacity for manufacturing of vaccines and medical kits on the continent.”
Dr. Kaseya is in Rwanda where he is attending the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) business forum, branded ‘Biashara Africa.’
During his visit, he reassured the nation of Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting Rwanda in its fight against the Marburg virus.
In addition to his meeting with President Kagame, Dr. Kaseya also held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, commending the government’s proactive approach to controlling the outbreak.
He expressed optimism that the virus would be contained soon, given the ongoing efforts.
Rwanda reported its first case of the Marburg virus on September 27, 2024. As of October 11, 58 people have been infected, with 15 having recovered. No new cases have been reported in the last two days.
Authorities have urged Rwandans to continue following preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and practicing proper hygiene.
In response to the outbreak, the government has also rolled out a vaccination program targeting high-risk individuals, with 346 doses administered so far.
The Marburg virus disease presents symptoms such as severe headaches, weakness, fever, watery diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms or observing them in others is encouraged to report to health authorities immediately.
Beyond addressing the current outbreak, Rwanda remains committed to long-term solutions for pandemic preparedness.
The BioNTech vaccine manufacturing plant, which began its first phase in Kigali in December 2023, is part of these efforts.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 50 million vaccine doses annually, significantly boosting the continent’s capacity for disease prevention.
During the liberation war, Dr. Karemera was on the frontlines as a doctor, treating wounded soldiers.
His contributions continued post-war, as he became Rwanda’s first Minister of Health after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In this role, he made bold decisions, including permanently banning doctors from practicing in Rwanda if they were found guilty of serious offenses. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to restoring integrity and trust within the health sector.
A long-time member of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Dr. Karemera spent 40 years in exile before returning to his homeland.
He frequently spoke about the driving forces behind the RPF’s victory, emphasizing their deep love for Rwanda and their determination to dismantle the oppressive regime.
Reflecting on the RPF’s success, he once stated, “Our strong will, commitment, and determination to uproot dictatorship in our country gave us strength to defeat the enemy.”
As Minister of Education, Dr. Karemera’s leadership was equally uncompromising. He focused on improving the quality of education and addressing issues of negligence by both teachers and students.
Under his watch, numerous school head teachers were dismissed for poor performance, and students involved in cheating faced severe disciplinary measures, including expulsion or suspension, some lasting up to three years.
In one of his most impactful decisions, Dr. Karemera ordered the annulment and recall of certain high school diplomas, citing irregularities in their issuance.
The burial of 11 identified bodies of Goma residents killed after the ferry “MV MERDI” capsized on Lake Kivu a week ago took place at the Makao cemetery. At least 87 people were killed last Thursday after the ferry capsized near the port of Kituku, according to a provincial government report that did not specify the number of people on board.
The ferry broke into three pieces and is currently at a depth of about 198 meters in Lake Kivu, said Jean Romuald Lipopo, vice-governor of the province, who was present at the funeral, noting that the methane gas in Lake Kivu has hampered search efforts.
The ferry, coming from Minova in the province of South Kivu, sank hundreds of meters from the port after failing to withstand the speed of a violent wave, according to sources at the port of Kituku. Local sources reported a “significant overload” of the ferry.
The land route between Goma and Minova has been cut off for months due to hostilities between armed groups and the DRC military. Cases of shipwrecks are frequently recorded on Lake Kivu due to strong winds and overloading.
For instance, a 2012 Kia Sorento with a 3.3-liter engine, which was valued at $26,399 when imported in January, now has an estimated value of $28,838.
Similarly, a 2012 Kia Sportage with a 3.5-liter engine, previously valued at $25,139, has seen its price jump to $29,260, representing an increase of over $3,000.
This rise in car prices inevitably affects the taxes owed, as taxes are calculated based on the vehicle’s current market value and its age.
To provide a clearer picture, consider a 2012 Kia Sportage that is assessed as being 12 years old when it arrives at customs in Rwanda.
While its initial value was set at $25,139, tax authorities previously valued it at $5,027, considering depreciation. Today, when the same vehicle arrives at customs, its value is calculated at Frw 8,415,408 (Rwandan Francs).
This value is then used to calculate the tax, which amounted to Frw6.2 million, bringing the car’s total value to Frw14 million. With the current pricing, the car is now valued at $29,260, and its tax will be Frw 7.6 million, meaning an increase of approximately Frw 1.4 million.
This pattern is consistent across nearly all vehicles, with price increases observed in comparison to the values calculated earlier in the year. These new prices were implemented on September 3rd.
A notable example of this trend is a popular car in Rwanda, the Mercedes Benz C200 from 2014 with a 2.0-liter engine.
Earlier in the year, this vehicle was valued at $24,629, but today, its price has soared to $37,000, reflecting an increase of over $12,000.
Other vehicles have experienced similar increases. For instance, the price of a 2011 Benz C200 with a 1.8L engine and 4WD, which was previously valued at $24,464, has now risen to $32,166.
A 2003 Toyota Rav4 with a 2.0L engine saw a price increase from $18,229 to $19,113. The cost of a 2013 Kia Cadenza/K7 with a 2.0L engine jumped from $25,074 to $26,714, while the price of a 2013 Kia K5 with a 2.0L engine surged from $18,991 to $24,317.
Similarly, a 2013 Hyundai Tucson with a 2.0L engine increased from $18,802 to $22,814, and a 2013 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L engine rose from $20,535 to $24,317.
The sudden increase in car prices has sparked concern among car dealers in Rwanda, especially for those who have vehicles already in customs.
The new prices apply not only to newly imported cars but also to vehicles already awaiting clearance.
One car dealer shared their frustration, saying that the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has insisted that the new prices must be adhered to, even though they were unexpected and many dealers were unprepared.
The dealer pointed out that if someone had ordered a car with a specific budget in mind, they would now find that the taxes they anticipated paying have changed.
Another dealer shared an example, noting that they had ordered a car expecting to pay Frw 13 million in taxes, only to discover that the tax had increased to Frw 20 million.
In response to these concerns, the Rwanda Revenue Authority has clarified that the changes in car prices are normal and legal adjustments aimed at aligning prices with current exchange rates.
According to Jean Paulin Uwitonze, the Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communication at RRA, the fluctuations in car prices used for tax calculations are primarily driven by changes in exchange rates and increases in sea freight costs, which are factored into the calculation of customs duties.
The RRA regularly reviews vehicle prices to ensure they match those provided by manufacturers, and that taxes are calculated accurately based on the latest market values.
After leaving street vending, these women formed three cooperative groups—Inkingi Rugando, Tugane Heza, and Terimbere Mutegarugori—to improve their livelihoods.
Together, they saved money to build a small market in Rugando.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Rotary Club Kigali Seniors handed over the Frw2.8 million donation to support the women’s development efforts.
Aimable Rumongi, the president of the Rotary Club Kigali Seniors, shared that they were inspired by the women’s initiative and decided to offer financial support to help them expand their businesses.
“We decided to support these women after learning about their determination to leave street vending behind. Initially, we thought of covering their community-based health insurance, but later decided it would be better to support their business ideas, allowing them to become self-reliant and pay for their own health insurance,” said Rumongi.
He added, “These women currently sell fruits, vegetables, and charcoal, and they even have ambitions of importing goods from Dubai. Beyond this donation, we will continue offering guidance to ensure they manage their businesses effectively.”
Ayinkamiye Judithe, who leads two of the women’s groups, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it will significantly increase their capital.
“This support will make a real difference. Previously, members received small amounts of money from our savings due to limited funds. Now, with this contribution, each member will receive more substantial amounts to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
The women, who invested Frw7 million to build their market in Rugando, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted their operations. The Rotary Club’s support is expected to play a crucial role in reviving their businesses.
Bernard Bayasese, Executive Administrator of Gasabo District, praised the Rotary Club’s generosity, emphasizing the importance of community support in fostering development.
“I appreciate Rotary for helping these mothers. Progress comes from lifting one another up and aligns with the government’s policy of finding homegrown solutions,” he said. He also encouraged the women to continue working in groups, as it increases their chances of receiving assistance.
Rotary Rwanda consists of 12 clubs, including Rotary Club Kigali Seniors and others such as Rotary Club Kigali, Rotary Club Butare, and Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali.
Rotary International is a non-profit organization engaged in charitable work globally, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities, providing access to clean water, fighting epidemic diseases, and contributing to social welfare initiatives.
