The 26-year old man was apprehended in Nyakabungo village, Gasanze cell of Nduba sector in Gasabo District with a motorcycle which was reported stolen earlier that day.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that the motorcycle TVS registration number RF 483C, was reported stolen earlier in the day at about 2p.m.
“The owner of the motorcycle had parked it outside the restaurant in Nyakabungo trading centre but could not find it when he came out. He immediately reported the alleged theft,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
He added: “The search for the motorcycle commenced immediately. Fortune enough, it had a GPS, it was tracked and the suspect intercepted with the motorcycle along Gasanze-Nduba road at about 10p.m.”
The suspect was handed over to RIB at Nduba station.
This came less than a week after another stolen motorcycle was recovered from the suspect thief, who was arrested in Gisozi sector also in Gasabo District.
“This is one of many examples of why it is important to install a GPS in your motorcycle,” said CIP Twajamahoro.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles, if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one person.
The Head of State was delivering remarks on Thursday 16th March 2023 at the 73rd Congress of the World’s Football Governing Body (FIFA) held at BK Arena.
Kagame thanked FIFA for having selected Rwanda as a host of the congress bringing together 211 member associations.
“This is a great honour because you could have chosen to go elsewhere,” he said.
Kagame stated that, through the leadership of Infantino, the World Cup presented opportunities for increased participation of African.
“I first got to know Gianni around eight years ago when he was campaigning to lead FIFA. I was convinced by his values and by his vision for the positive role that football can play in society. He was the leader FIFA needed at that moment and everything I have seen from that time until now assures me that he deserves to continue to lead this organization,” he said.
“Under the new FIFA World Cup format, the slots available for African teams will almost double, creating even more engagement and visibility on our continent. What is important is the plan to continue developing and anchoring football in Africa,” added Kagame.
The President maintained that the African Cup of Nationals is not a little tournament stressing that the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe has nothing to do with talent.
“Often, the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe is not talent. It is the lack of quality infrastructure, training and support,” he underscored.
Kagame stressed the need for collaboration between federations and associations to reach common objectives quickly and observed that today’s world needs sports that unites people.
“What the world needs is to see more of the positive spirit of sportsmanship in pour politics rather than bringing political divisions into sports. […] We need to keep bad politics out of sports,” he stated.
Kagame pointed out an example alluding to the way criticisms increased when Qatar was selected to host the World Cup 2022 until it ended successfully.
“As we saw last year, in the constant hypocritical criticisms at the World Cup; instead of asking why is it being held there, first ask why not?” he wondered.
“Unless we are talking about a kind of entitlement that only some of us on this globe deserve to enjoy. It is about keeping some people in their place but that kind of attitude should have been left far behind in history by now,” added Kagame.
The Head of State also said that athletes have rights to object to what personally affects them and their communities.
“They certainly do. Politics in sports reflects the problems that society faces. When fans throw bananas at African football players or taunt a female referee; that is because of a negative social environment that feeds those wrong behaviours.
We need to work together to ensure that the game is inclusive and respectful of everyone,” he stated.
On 2nd October 2010, Qatar was selected as a host for World Cup 2022.
On 5th May 2011, the former FIFA Vice President, Jack Warner made revelations that the process involved corruption.
It was reported that Qatar offered US$1.5 million bribe to the African Confederation Cup (CAF), which was led by Issa Hayatou at the time to vote for its Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
On 25th September 2013, The Guardian reported that many workers from Nepal faced mistreatment in the country under what was termed as a form of ‘slavery’.
On 18th November 2013, Amnesty International released a report pointing out problems of workers receiving peanuts yet they are employed in multibillion construction projects.
In 2014, The Observer reported that 400 migrants from Nepal died during contraction works in Qatar since it was selected to host the World Cup in 2010.
In February 2021, The Guardian reported that 6,500 migrants during construction of a stadium. Figures had been provided by embassies.
Qatar claimed that the figures were false because some of those people succumbed to natural cause with no connection to projects related to preparations for the World Cup 2022.
Sources confirming correct figures indicated that only 3 out of 37 employees hired to build a stadium died doing related works between 2014 and 2020.
As for other countries that hosted the World Cup, South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018) registered two, eight and 21 deaths respectively.
Apparently, the critics were disappointed to see Qatar hosting the World Cup given that such incidents are put in shoulders of construction companies in Europe instead of blaming the country.
Qatar said that 30,000 foreigners were hired during the construction of stadiums.
He was elected on Thursday 16th March 2023 during the 73rd FIFA Congress at BK Arena in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Rwanda becomes the first African country to host a congress coinciding with elections of FIFA Congress.
The Swiss-Italian,53, has been leading FIFA since 2016. He was elected for the second term in 2019.
Following his unopposed re-election, Infantino thanked all supporters and pledged continued contribution to the development of football across the world.
“Let me simply thank all of you. Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all. Being FIFA president is a big honour and privilege but also a huge responsibility,” he said.
“I’m truly humbled and touched by your support, and I simply promise you that I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world, serving all 211 Member Associations of FIFA. Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and I think I am learning every day,” added Infantino.
He urged member associations to count on his commitment and collaboration to develop football.
“Leadership is also about acting, and I’m certainly there to act so you can continue to trust on my commitment, and the only thing I am asking you is to continue working hard together to unite the world with football,” said Infantino.
Since 2016, Infantino made several reforms to restore the image of football that had been mired by corruption scandal for the past 20 years.
The scandal also led to the resignation of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2015.
Among others, Infantino has helped the body to achieve financial self-sufficiency and increased the budget to support member associations.
Particularly, Infantino has announced FIFA’s projected income of US$11billion in this tenure, compared with US$7.5bn in the last four-year cycle between 2019 and 2022.
Infantino is also reputed for giving opportunity to countries with less advanced football by increasing teams expected to participate in the World Cup 2026 from 32 to 48.
The disclosure was made by Wang Di, the Director of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China during a recent press conference.
He said that his country is ready to assist in solving conflicts in different countries including tensions between Rwanda and DRC.
Wang Di was responding to a question on the country’s mediation efforts to end tensions between countries in conflicts particularly on the African continent.
He said that his country will make possible efforts to restore trust between both countries in case one of concerned parties demands intervention.
“China is always ready to be a good and reliable mediator. For any issues around the world, China’s position is that we support dialogue and consultations. For all issues, we are ready to play a constructive role as soon as the conflicting parties demand intervention. China is ready to contribute to resolving those issues,” noted Wang Di.
He however explained that China cannot intervene in tensions between Rwanda and Congo without call for support.
Wang Di highlighted dialogue is the best option to solve clashes instead of military action.
Rwanda and DRC have been experiencing strained relations related to reciprocal accusations.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebel groups during a fighting against Congolese Army (FARDC).
Rwanda has repeatedly rejected the claim and blamed the neighbouring country of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which harbours intentions to threaten its security.
To calm the tensions, dialogues have been initiated on the mediation of different countries including Angola, France and Qatar.
At least 240 decorated officers of Rwanda Formed Police Unit One (RWAFPU-1) are operating in Malakal, Upper Nile State under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Other 184 officers include 180, who constitute RWAFPU-II and four Police Advisors deployed in Kaga Bandoro, Nana Gribizi province under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The medal pinning ceremonies were presided over by the UN Police Commissioners; Christine Fossen of UNMISS and Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu of MINUSCA.
The ceremonies were also attended by members of other Police, military and civilian contributing countries, government officials, the local police and the local communities.
The two FPUs were deployed to protect civilians, create conducive environment for humanitarian assistance, monitor and investigate human rights violations, support the implementation of the peace process as well as escort duties, among others.
Madam Fossen reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to peacekeeping particularly in South Sudan, and congratulated the decorated officers.
“Today, we recognize your hard work and sacrifice in the name of peace. You have been critical to the implementation of protection of civilians mandate and maintained day and night patrols in civilian sites,” Madam Fossen said.
She added: “You are a strong pillar of the police contingent visibility patrols in Malakal, contributed to reinforce law and order while preventing criminality in civilian sites and providing confidence building mechanism for them to return to their homes.”
The UNMISS Rwanda FPU-1 contingent commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prudence Nirere Ngendahimana thanked the people of Malakal for their cooperation in peacekeeping matters.
“We have had good relations with the people of Malakal and particularly those under our protection. We thank the UNMISS, the leadership South Sudan Police for their support and facilitating us in our service to humanity,” SSP Ngendahimana said.
Rwanda deployed the first contingent of FPU-1 to Malakal in 2015. The decorated officers constitute the 7th contingent, which was deployed in April last year.
In MINUSCA, the Head of Police component, CP Christophe Bizimungu thanked the decorated peacekeepers for their dedicated service to humanity.
“You have served selflessly; your dedication and sacrifice to peacekeeping provides safety to those displaced by conflicts,” CP Bizimungu said.
Their service, he said, is also a pride to their country Rwanda.
The RWAFPU-II contingent commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hodali Rwanyindo thanked the MINUSCA leadership for the support to execute their mandate.
Rwanda FPU-2 supported the local people with assorted agriculture tools and seeds, especially those displaced by conflicts and currently under their protection in Razaret Protection of Civilian (PoC) camp.
They also provided free medical services to at least 380 internally displaced persons, and planted trees as part of the environmental protection campaign.
The Ubuntu Trophy, which recognizes the BAL player who has made an outstanding effort and impact in the community during the BAL season, was awarded to Jean-Jacques in recognition of his efforts with Club Rafiki (CR) in Rwanda throughout the 2022 BAL season.
Through his collaboration with CR, sources reveal, Nshobozwabyosenumukiza used the game of basketball to help children and young adults (U18) integrate into society and discover their potential through developmental basketball programming and competitions.
In recognition of his efforts, the BAL will donate US$5000 to Club Rafiki.
Nshobozwabyosenumukiza who was nominated as the Ubuntu Trophy finalist alongside Forces Armeés et Police Basketball’s (FAP) Essome Pierre and Petro de Luanda’s Lukeny Gerson, was selected as the winner by a BAL executive panel and fans on social media.
He is the second BAL player to receive the award, joining 2021 BAL Season Ubuntu Trophy winner Hichem Benayad-Cherif, who played for Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers in the inaugural BAL season.
The BAL Ubuntu Trophy, which will be given out annually, recognizes a player who participated in the BAL and who best represents the league through his efforts in the community.
“Ubuntu” derives from Nguni and Bantu languages and symbolizes essential human virtues, such as compassion, respect, and humanity.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday 15th March 2023. The sporting facility which previously carried the name of Kigali Stadium has been inaugurated after undergoing renovation.
The official inauguration was also characterized by a football match between veterans as part of events on agenda of the 73rd FIFA Congress held in Kigali.
Renovation works that began on 4th January 2023 include replacement of turf on the pitch and roof, renovation of the dressing room and spraying new paints on different sections among others.
The stadium was renamed as after the death of Brazilian football legend, Pele who died last year.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame thanked Gianni Infantino for being part of the event and providing the opportunity bringing together delegates at the launch of Kigali Pelé Stadium.
He said that the life of Pelé is an inspiration for many people with aspirations to do great things.
“Pelé brought the whole world together, a man from humble beginnings who rose to the level of excellence. That is an inspiration to many in the world with such backgrounds. That gives them hope that they can do things that bring them to the same level,” noted Kagame.
He said that the stadium is a facility where young women and men will come together to play and draw inspiration from Pelé.
Gianni Infantino said that the event was a great occasion that saw representatives from across the world convening in Kigali. The stadium is located in Nyamirambo.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pelé is Brazilian footballer whose extraordinary talent and unmatched achievements made him a global icon.
Widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, Pele is the only player to win the World Cup three times, having lifted the sport’s most prestigious trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
His celebrated career included 732 goals in 792 games for club and country.
Pelé died at the age of 82 on 29th December 2023 succumbing to natural cause.
In parallel to the football competition, forums aimed at contributing to sustainable development will also take place. All these events are scheduled between 10th and 20th May 2024.
From 12th to 14th October 2022, football veterans were in Kigali for ‘LEGENDS IN RWANDA NATIONAL KICKOFF”. The latter is a promotional tour that seeks to promote the 2024 Veteran Clubs World Championship to attract global participation.
Legends who met in Kigali were Rwandan Jimmy Gatete; Cameroonians Roger Milla and Patrick Mboma; Senegalese Khalilou Fadiga; Ghanaian Anthony Baffoe as well as French nationals Lilian Thuram and Laura Georges.
The promotional tour was later taken to Doha, Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.
VCWC’s Spokesperson, Regis Isheja has told IGIHE that preparations are well underway, one year ahead of the tournament
“Teams’ captains will be announced this week,” he said.
This coming May, football veterans will tour 12 cities different cities across the world to bring the tournament to limelight.
“We will be going through Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.”
Throughout this tour, legends and the organising committee will be engaging with the media, investors, development organisations and public institutions worldwide to make sure no one misses this international rendez-vous.
“Captains representing eight teams to participate in VCWC 2024 will be announced on Friday 17th March 2023,” Isheja added.
Eight regions of the world will have a captain and each team will be made up of 15 male legends and 2 female Legends.
VCWC is the largest sporting event ever bringing together veterans. The tournament will bring together 150 football legends facing off in 20 games.
The country also expects to benefit from the tournament through forums and numerous partner events that will bring in over 5000 international visitors.
The development emerged from a report released by RDB during the recent Invest Rwanda Forum indicating the country’s top 100 investment opportunities.
Construction, manufacturing and agriculture were identified among top investment opportunities.
It has been two years since a Ministerial Order was gazetted in June 2021, providing a framework for responsible and secure cultivation, processing, distribution and use of cannabis in the country.
Figures show that cannabis production is projected to increase and generate US$197.7 billion in 2028 from US$28.3 raked in 2021.
The report reads that ‘this represents a significant opportunity that can be further explored by Rwanda’.
Overall, investment worth Rwf19 billion is needed but might increase depending on demand at the local and global market.
Key products with potential medical cannabis include industrial hemp, edible products as well as cannabis oils.
RDB indicates that cannabis is among highly profitable crops where US$10 million can be generated from a hectare. The amount is way higher than the US$300,000 that can be raked from a hectare of flowers.
The United States, Canada and Europe are the biggest potential markets for cannabis to be produced in Rwanda.
{{Strict measures}}
In March 2022, the Government of Rwanda announced that it had designated 134 hectares for cultivation of cannabis.
It is expected that RDB will work with government institutions including Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and Rwanda National Police to ensure compliance with safety guidelines during the production of cannabis.
The CEO of RDB, Clare Akamanzi recently told APA News that, there will be no way that cannabis can leak out of the farm to go to the domestic market or to the wrong users.
“The crops will be in a designated place, and there will be very strong measures, whether it is CCTV cameras, watch towers, street lights, and human security. So it is going to be extremely secure,” she said.
Apart from medicinal and research purposes, Cannabis is classified as a very severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.
Anyone convicted for dealing in severe narcotic drugs faces a sentence of between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.
This initiative that commenced in 2019, has supported more than 1,000 women saving groups so far, both financially and through business acumen training.
In line with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion’s priority of gender equality and empowering women, Connecting Women in Business aims to empower women in their respective projects, growing them to cooperative level allowing them to further improve their quality of life.
Jackline Kamanzi, National Women’s Council Executive Secretary has said that women are the backbone of families whereby empowering them benefits the entire family and community at large.
“We are grateful to MTN Rwanda for continuing to drive this impactful initiative year in year out. These saving-groups are essential as they play a role in eradicating poverty, sustaining their families, and growing our nation,” she noted.
The MTN Foundation funded initiative selected saving groups from all over the country with five saving groups in the category of Agriculture, five in Art, and four under Fintech and women with disabilities respectively.
These seventeen savings groups were chosen out of a total of four hundred (400) groups based on the performance of their ongoing projects and vision.
This phase of identifying the savings groups was supported by AEE Rwanda, a local Christian NGO dedicated to working with families to eradicate poverty and NUDOR, the umbrella organization that exists to strengthen the voice of persons with disabilities in Rwanda.
Following their selection in their respective categories, the saving groups underwent the second phase of the competition, where judges from MTN Rwanda, National Women Council and NUDOR assessed them and selected the top three (3) winners from each category who then competed in the final round in Kigali where a winner for each of the four (4) categories was announced as well as an Overall Winner who won the grand prize of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Rwandan Francs (Rwf 2.5 million).
The grand prize amount has been increased for this edition of Connecting Women in Business in recognition of MTN Rwanda turning twenty-five (25) this year, giving the winning group an even greater opportunity to invest in projects to support their families and communities.
Zulfat Mukarubega, MTN Rwanda Foundation Chairperson highlighted that it is pleasing to hear the various projects from these women saving groups.
“These women are intelligent, hardworking, and resilient. We would like to thank the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion through the National Women Council for their support and our partners AEE Rwanda and NUDOR, who have been instrumental in selecting the savings groups and following up with their respective projects. Congratulations to the winners and we hope this will be an encouragement to other saving groups across the country to join future editions of Connecting Women in Business,” she said.
The top three winners in each category underwent a Master Class in the areas of Taxes, general Legal matters, Digital Marketing, Saving schemes, and Conflict Resolution, which will aid in growing their businesses with the aim of creating wealth.
Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer congratulated winners and encouraged to work hard to make a meaningful impact to the community.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners. Each saving group was selected from a critical category that represents much of our economy today: agriculture, arts, fintech and women with disability.
One of the areas of exposure provided to the saving groups is digital marketing, because we believe social networks, for example, can propel these saving groups’ projects further, resonating with year’s Women’s Day theme DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality, which highlights the importance of leveraging digital tools to empower women and girls in all aspects of life. We encourage these women saving groups to not only keep using these tools but pass them down to others in their communities.”
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Prof Bayisenge Jeannette who graced the event, commended MTN Rwanda for its contribution to the development of women and girls.
{{About MTN Rwandacell }}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, it has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network. MTN Rwanda offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings.
{{About MTN Foundation}}
MTN Foundation is the vehicle through which MTN implements its Corporate Social Responsibility Programs. MTN Foundation was established in February 2010 and MTN has committed 1% of Profit After Tax (PAT) annually to support the Foundation activities.
The Foundation’s focus areas include Education, Youth and Women Empowerment and Environment initiatives. It was created with a focus of giving back to society and “Impacting the quality of lives in our communities in a meaningful way.
