The training, which commenced on June 17th, 2023, brought together students representing colleagues from various Higher Learning Institutions and Universities.
In her speech, Minister Uwamariya stressed that indulging in such destructive habits only serves to harm their lives, offering no advantages whatsoever. She urged the participants to prioritize integrity and cautioned against associating with negative influences that may lead them astray.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse prevalent among the youth, including university students, Dr. Uwamariya underscored the need to abandon such detrimental practices and instead focus on building a bright future.
She reminded the audience about the adverse consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, emphasizing that continuous cell damage and mental instability are among the long-term effects.
The Minister questioned the purpose of pursuing education if individuals end up experiencing avoidable brain damage and impaired cognitive function.
Minister Uwamariya further attributed the prevalence of drug abuse to negative peer influence, urging students to cultivate positive attitudes and moral behaviors. She emphasized that meaningful education should contribute to personal growth and national development.
Participants of the civic education training expressed their belief that the advice and courses provided would equip them to effect positive change within their respective universities. They vowed to address the issue of immoral conduct among their peers.
Janvier Iribuka, a student from the University of Kigali, highlighted the importance of national development and expressed a strong sense of responsibility toward building the nation.
He acknowledged Rwanda’s past challenges and the progress achieved through the collective efforts of its people. Iribuka affirmed that the youth hold the responsibility to shape the future of their universities and the country as a whole.
Similarly, Usanase Ntaganda from the University of Rwanda pledged to share the Minister’s message with colleagues, with the aim of bringing about visible transformations and helping university students overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol.
The civic education training, which has been held since 2014, brought together approximately 200 students this year. Over the past three editions, more than 2700 students have participated in the program, contributing to the development and progress of the nation.
During a visit to the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Secondary School for Sciences on Monday 19th June 2023 in Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District, Amb. Alqahtani interacted with students and teachers, taking the opportunity to highlight the UAE’s efforts in the education sector.
Education has always been a top priority for the UAE, as emphasized by its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The late Sheikh Zayed believed that investing in education was the best use of wealth, creating generations of educated and trained individuals.
The UAE’s focus on education extends to both men and women, with significant progress made over the years. In 1975, adult literacy rates stood at 54% for men and 31% for women. Today, literacy rates for both genders are close to 95%.
Emirati women, in particular, have excelled in higher education, with 77% of them enrolling after completing secondary school. Furthermore, women constitute 70% of all UAE national university graduates, and 46% of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are women.
According to Amb. Alqahtani, the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education aims to equip future generations with the necessary technical and practical skills to drive the country’s economy in both the public and private sectors.
This initiative has been extended to other countries through scholarship programs offered to foreign students at UAE universities. These students, upon completion of their degrees, return to their home countries to contribute to their respective economies.
The UAE’s vision is for its students to be the best in the world in reading, mathematics, and science, and the Ambassador expressed his desire for the Rwandan students he addressed to strive for excellence in their science classes.
The UAE has developed student exchange programs, allowing Emirati students to gain enriching academic, professional, and personal experiences by spending time in other countries. Additionally, students from around the world have the opportunity to apply for exchange programs in UAE schools, providing them with diverse educational and cultural experiences.
In a short period, the UAE has established an excellent and diverse higher education system. With over 100 public and private institutions, including local and international campuses, such as the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University, New York University, and the American University of Sharjah, the UAE offers a wide range of educational opportunities.
Scholarships have been provided to Rwandan students at these universities, including the UAE University and Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University, for those who have excelled in their secondary education.
The UAE has been actively supporting education in Rwanda for several years. The Al Maktoum Foundation has funded two secondary schools, including the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Girls Secondary School for Sciences in Muhanga. Moreover, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has provided full support to the Islamic Secondary School for Sciences and the Islamic Cultural Center for the past 14 years.
As part of joint efforts to support the education sector in Rwanda, the UAE Government has awarded scholarships to outstanding Rwandan students in various UAE universities through the UAE Technical Assistance Program.
Since 2018, twenty students from Rwanda have received UAE Government scholarships at the UAE University, pursuing disciplines such as Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, and Computer Science. In 2019, an additional ten Rwandan students were granted full scholarships to pursue bachelor’s degree programs at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University.
Speaking to students and teachers, Amb. Alqahtani affirmed his country’s commitment to continue providing opportunities to the best performing Rwandan students.
“I want to reiterate that the UAE is fully committed to ensure that not only its citizens should have access to the best educational opportunities, and my country in cooperation with Rwanda, is willing to give the most talented students access to higher education in internationally recognized universities in the UAE,” he noted.
After the interactive discussions, Amb. Hazza Alqahtani awarded seven academically best performing students with Samsung smart phones.
UAE is a country in Western Asia, founded in 1971. It consists of seven Emirates, with Abu Dhabi as the capital and Dubai as the economic capital. The UAE has a population of around 10 million, with 90% being expatriates. Its main exports are oil, natural gas, pearls, and precious metals/stones.
Hatumimana, a resident of Akimpundu Village, Gikundavura Cell, Karama Sector, Nyagatare District, has expressed his gratitude for the construction of Gatunda Hospital in Nyamikamba of Gatunda Sector. Previously, Hatumimana had to travel long distances to seek medical treatment, but now he can access quality healthcare services at the nearby hospital.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Isaïe Byamungu from Gashama Cell, Janja Sector in Gakenke District. He highlighted the scarcity of healthcare facilities in the area, with only Gatonde and Janja health facilities available. Byamungu shared his experience of the high costs of motorbike transport to Nemba Hospital, where his wife had given birth to four of their children. The establishment of modern hospitals at the district level has relieved the burden on residents like Byamungu, ensuring they can receive medical care without the need for arduous journeys.
The impact of these health infrastructure developments extends beyond Gatunda and Gatonde.
Residents from Munini in Nyaruguru and Shyira in Nyabihu, as well as other parts of the country, also express their gratitude for the improved proximity of healthcare facilities. President Paul Kagame, during his outreach visits, listened to citizens’ concerns and responded to their demands for increased infrastructure development, particularly in the health sector.
Gatonde District Hospital in Gakenke District was completed in April 2021 at a cost of Rwf 2.8 billion. Construction of the facility began in May 2017. Similarly, Gatunda District Hospital in Nyagatare District, located in Gatunda Sector, was completed in 2020, costing Rwf 4.3 billion.
Munini Hospital in Nyaruguru District, which underwent significant upgrades from 2019 onwards, was completed in 2021 at a cost of over Rwf 9 billion. Nyabikenke Hospital, a gift from President Kagame to the residents of Ndiza in Kiyumba Sector, was built with an allocated budget of Rwf 7 billion.
According to Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), the government allocated a total budget of Rwf 137.2 billion for the construction of state-of-the-art hospitals throughout the country.
The development of these medical infrastructures has had a profound impact on the lives of residents. The days of walking long distances to receive medical treatment are now behind them.
These modern hospitals offer a wide range of services, including pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, specialized dental care, eye care, orthopedics, HIV/AIDS patient care, and more.
Residents who have experienced the improvements in healthcare services express their heartfelt gratitude to President Paul Kagame for positively transforming their lives. Josiane Mukakarangwa from Gakenke District emphasizes the challenges faced before the hospital’s construction, particularly during childbirth emergencies. She appreciates the President’s support, which has improved access to timely medical assistance.
Claudine Mukandayishimiye from Muhanga District acknowledges the government’s efforts in overcoming the difficulties faced in reaching Kabgayi Hospital. She expresses her gratitude for the improved accessibility to quality healthcare services.
Olive Niyonteze, born in Rusenge Sector, Nyaruguru District, emphasizes the cleanliness and attentive care provided at the newly constructed hospitals. She describes the hygienic conditions, clean bedsheets, and regular visits from medical staff, ensuring that patients receive the necessary attention and care. Niyonteze expresses her relief that critically ill children no longer have to suffer without assistance, thanks to the improved healthcare services.
Francine Nyiransabimana from Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District, shares her experience of the overcrowded Nyagatare Hospital, where many patients faced difficulties in receiving timely surgeries due to the high volume of patients. She expresses her gratitude for the newly built hospital, recounting how she arrived early in the morning and had already completed her examinations and radiography without delays, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare services provided.
Augustin Hatumimana from Karama Sector in Nyagatare District also expresses his appreciation for the proximity of healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to travel to Uganda for medical treatment.
He acknowledges the positive impact of the hospitals, stating that there is no longer any reason to seek treatment outside Rwanda.
In addition to the remarkable developments in healthcare infrastructure upcountry, Kigali City has also witnessed significant improvements. Recently, a high-level hospital was completed in Nyarugenge District, addressing the challenges faced by residents in accessing fast and efficient healthcare services. This new hospital complements existing facilities in the district, such as Muhima Hospital, which specializes in maternal care.
It is also worth mentioning that the construction for the headquarters of the African hub of the Research Institute against Digestive Cancer (IRCAD) is underway in Masaka, Kigali City. IRCAD is a renowned French institute dedicated to advancing and teaching minimally invasive surgery, particularly for gastric cancer. The construction of IRCAD Africa is at 79% completion, and it is expected to enhance the medical capabilities in the region.
Moreover, plans are in place to expand Masaka Hospital, where Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente Edouard officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion project on Thursday 30th March 2023. The project, currently at 18.25% completion, is supported by the People’s Republic of China.
The expanded Masaka Hospital will be used to house the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), with increased capacity to accommodate 2,000 patients per day and a total of 837 beds. It will also feature specialized departments such as emergency, pediatric, and infectious departments, as well as modern technological facilities such as the Air compressor room, Oxygen Generator Station, radiology department, blood bank, laboratory department, and ultrasound and functional examination rooms.
The developments in Rwanda’s health infrastructure demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for its citizens. Through significant investments and construction projects, the country has witnessed remarkable progress in healthcare delivery, resulting in improved medical care, reduced travel distances, and increased efficiency in treating patients.
The withdrawal is made “on the basis of the achievement of the minimum conditions of the most important milestones of the transition plan,” the UN envoy said at a joint press conference with the Congolese Minister of Communication and Media Patrick Muyaya.
The exact timeline was not specified, added Keita, who is the UN secretary-general’s special representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to Muyaya, the Congolese government granted the request for the departure of MONUSCO, while stressing that the process must be done “in an organized, civilized and structured manner.”
“We cannot set a date, because there may be several unforeseen and imponderables,” he said.
The UN peacekeeping mission has been present in the country since 1999. It is one of the largest and most expensive in the world, with an annual budget of around 1 billion dollars.
Yusuf Murangwa, the Director General of NISR, emphasized the importance of translating this 9.03% growth into improved livelihoods for Rwandans.
He stated, “Economic growth should translate into better lives of Rwandans. Their growth signifies their hard work and increased profits. When retail businesses thrive, it reflects the overall growth of Rwandans. The 17% growth in wholesale and retail trade is especially commendable.”
Agricultural activities witnessed a 1% growth, contributing 0.2 percentage points to the overall GDP growth. Within the agricultural sector, the production of food crops experienced a decrease of 3%, while the production of export crops increased by 25%.
Industrial activities expanded by 9% and contributed 1.7 percentage points to GDP growth.
Construction activities increased by 1%, mining and quarrying by 15%, and manufacturing activities by 16%. The growth in the manufacturing sector was driven by a 22% increase in food processing, a 26% increase in the manufacturing of metal products, machinery, and equipment, a 37% increase in the manufacturing of chemicals, rubber, and plastic products, an 18% increase in the manufacturing of wood and paper printing, and a 7% increase in the manufacturing of non-metallic minerals.
The service sector experienced a robust growth of 13%. Within this sector, wholesale and retail trade increased by 17%, transport activities by 19%, hotel and restaurant industry by 42%, financial services by 12%, telecommunication services by 43%, professional and scientific services declined by 6%, public administration services increased by 7%, and education services by 13%.
However, health services recorded a negative growth of 3% following a high growth of 22% in the same quarter of 2022.
Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, expressed optimism about the future, stating that the figures suggest a continued reduction in market prices in the coming days.
The extension will see “Visit Rwanda” – the country’s marketing and tourism initiative – continue as a Foundational and Host Partner of the BAL. Through the agreement, Visit Rwanda will continue to be showcased on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine.
Meanwhile, RwandAir – Rwanda’s national airline – will continue as the Official Airline Partner of the BAL and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff.
“The Rwanda Development Board, as a Foundational Partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.
“Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come,” he added.
Commenting on the development, RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi expressed delight for extension of collaboration with the Basketball Africa League.
“We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together. The BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, Made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport in Africa,” she noted.
Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said that the airline is proud to be a partner of the Basketball Africa League.
“We are excited to see the Rwandan Development Board continue to bring world-class basketball to Rwanda. We know how sport can bring communities together as teams compete to win and celebrate the power of teamwork and know the extended partnership will further strengthen those bonds.
We are also focused on our goal of delivering world-class customer service as we bring people together through our extensive route network, and we look forward to flying fans and players over the coming years,” she remarked.
On May 27, 2023, Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Senegal’s AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 BAL Finals, which took place at BK Arena and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.
In conjunction with the 2022 and 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and NBA Africa held a variety of youth development and social impact programming in Rwanda, including in collaboration with RDB.
Activities to date have included Jr. NBA, Special Olympics and coaches clinics; an environmental day of service; innovation summits that brought together African leaders from business, entertainment, sports, social entrepreneurship and beyond to discuss the enormous growth opportunities on the continent; and a series of workshops for young women from the local community as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem and celebrating women in the sports industry who serve as role models to young women across the continent.
The BAL’s Foundational Partners also include NIKE, Jordan Brand, Wilson and New Fortress Energy (NFE). The league’s roster of world-class marketing partners also includes the Attorney General Alliance (AGA-Africa), Envol City, Hennessy, SERTEM and Société Pétroliere (SP).
{{About Visit Rwanda}}
Visit Rwanda is the tourism and marketing initiative of the Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for fast-tracking Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth. Visit Rwanda works with local conservation, tourism, and development partners to create and market tourism experiences that benefit inbound tourists, local communities, and wildlife and ecosystems.
{{About RDB}}
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth.
The Prosecution, also granted permission to appeal, considers the ruling declaring Kabuga unfit for trial as an impediment to achieving justice in the case. The IRMCT had reached this decision on June 6, 2023, based on a medical report stating that Kabuga suffered from “severe dementia” and was unable to effectively participate in court proceedings.
In an order, the IRMCT stated that Kabuga is not fit for trial and is unlikely to regain fitness in the future. Consequently, the court proposed an alternative legal procedure that would avoid a conviction.
Although judges Iain Bonomy (presiding judge), Margaret M. deGuzman, and Ivo Nelson de Caires Batista Rosa approved the decision, judge Mustapha El Baaj dissented from his colleagues.
As a result, the Prosecution demanded the right to appeal against the ruling on June 13, 2023, arguing that the lack of consensus among the judges required further consideration of the case.
On Friday, June 16, the court announced that Kabuga’s defense team also requested permission to appeal the ruling. They claimed that since Kabuga was deemed unfit for trial and unlikely to regain fitness in the future, he should be released and his trial suspended or discontinued.
The defense team argued that no legal provisions were taken into account in ruling for an alternative legal procedure, and continuing the trial in such a manner would violate Kabuga’s fundamental rights.
The court’s statement revealed that both sides were granted permission to appeal against the ruling.
Félicien Kabuga is accused of financing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and co-founding Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), a media outlet that disseminated hate speech and encouraged the killing of Tutsis.
Kabuga, believed to be in his late 80s, has been on trial at The Hague branch of the United Nations mechanism responsible for the operations of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda since September of last year.
Meanwhile, IBUKA, the umbrella organization representing survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, recently filed a lawsuit seeking compensation worth Rwf50,000 billion from Félicien Kabuga for endured suffering due to effects of his actions.
The lawsuit was filed at the Gasabo Intermediate Court on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
The donation ceremony took place at the school premises in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, Mayor of Nyabihu district Antoinette Mukandayisenga, teachers, students and community members.
Due to the impact of the heavy rainfall and subsequent disasters, the affected communities in Rwanda were in great need of support, Yin Qingri, chairman of the Chinese community in Rwanda, told Xinhua after the ceremony.
“The aim was to demonstrate unity and support among all members of the community, emphasizing the shared bond of sisterhood and brotherhood,” said Yin.
Onesphore Ntawigomwa, director of Groupe Scolaire St Paul Rurembo, expressed deep gratitude for the donation.
“Within our school, there are children who have been directly affected by the recent disasters. Some have lost their school supplies and clothing, while others have parents whose farms were destroyed. The supplies you have graciously given us will greatly contribute to resolving the issue of limited resources that the children were facing here at school,” he said, adding that the relief supplies arrived just when they were most needed.
At least 135 people were killed and 110 others injured in the disasters triggered by heavy rains last month in the East African country. More than 20,000 people were displaced after nearly 6,000 houses were destroyed.
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attacked Lhubirira Secondary School Friday night in Mpondwe, about 2 km from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing at least 37 students, a security guard and three people of the local community, according to police and military sources.
The rebels, according to the military, burnt a school dormitory and also looted a food store. Among the victims, at least 17 students were burnt to death.
The militants abducted six students and forced them to carry the food, Felix Kulayigye, Uganda’s military spokesperson, told Xinhua by phone.
“We shall get them wherever they will be” and rescued the students, he added.
At least eight students who were sent to the hospital remain in critical condition, according to the police.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sent a team of top military officers to investigate the incident.
Dick Olum, Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces commander for the mountain division based in western Uganda, said in a televised address that the rebels were aided to cross into Uganda from neighboring DRC.
“Kindly help us to identify the boys who helped the ADF come here. We have got information that ADF [militants] came and spent two nights here before they attacked the school,” Olum said.
The military said in a statement that it was using both aerial and ground forces to pursue the attackers who could be retreating to Virunga National Park in the DRC.
“The planes have already arrived and deployed. They are going to search everywhere for these rebels,” Olum said.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a statement after the attack, condemning the heinous attack and abduction of students and demanding their immediate release and safe return.
“Schools are a safe place for all learners and must never be attacked. We appeal to all those involved in the Friday attack to respect schools and the rights of every child to learn in a safe and protected environment,” said Munir Safieldin, UNICEF representative to Uganda, in the statement.
The ADF, which is a branch of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group that is holed up in the jungles of eastern DRC. The rebel group is blamed for causing havoc in villages in eastern DRC.
The Ugandan military and their Congolese counterparts launched joint operations against the rebel group in November 2021 shortly after the ADF launched bomb attacks in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
Both the Sudanese army and the RSF announced on Sunday their agreement to the new 72-hour truce mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Eyewitnesses in southern Khartoum said armed clashes had stopped and warplanes activity significantly declined since the truce went into effect at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday.
“There is great stability. We do not hear sounds of gunfire, artillery or airstrikes,” an eyewitness in Omdurman, a major city west of Khartoum, told Xinhua.
The situation in Bahri (Khartoum North) city was also calm on Sunday after intensive clashes that took place in the city the day before.
In their statement, the warring parties agreed that during the cease-fire they would refrain from prohibited movements, attacks, use of military aircraft or drones, artillery strikes, reinforcement of positions and resupply of forces or seeking military advantage.
They also agreed to allow the unimpeded movement and delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country.
According to the statement, should the parties fail to observe the 72-hour truce, the facilitators would be compelled to consider adjourning the Jeddah talks.
Since May 6, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been patronizing negotiations between the Sudanese warring parties in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Several truces have been reached since then with the two sides accusing each other of violating them.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which has left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, Al-Hadath TV Channel reported on Saturday citing the Sudanese Minister of Health.
More than 1.9 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, fleeing to safer areas both inside and outside Sudan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update on Tuesday.
As of June 6, 1.4 million people had been internally displaced in Sudan and some 460,000 people, including refugees, asylum seekers and returnees, had crossed into neighboring countries, the OCHA said, citing the UN Refugee Agency.
