The District Police Commander (DPC), Superintendent of Police (SP) Roger Muhodari made the call on Wednesday, November 2, while addressing commercial cyclists in Bwishyura Sector, Kiniha Cell in Maryohe Village.
This was after a public exercise to dispose of assorted counterfeit goods, which were seized in Karongi during Usalama VIII-2022 operations conducted in September.
The disposed of products include 1500 litres of juice, 300kgs of animal foods, biscuits, hair products and soft drinks.
Some of the counterfeit and smuggled goods are sneaked into Rwanda and transported to different destinations by cyclists.
Counterfeit goods worth over Rwf76 million were seized countrywide in the joint operations conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda Foods and Drugs Authority (RFDA) and other institutions.
SP Muhodari warned the cyclists against facilitating smugglers and drug traffickers.
He urged them to instead report those, who try to hire them to transport their unlawful goods.
The DPC further reminded them to operate safely on road to avoid causing or involving in accidents.
Cyclists and among the majority victims of road accidents.
BPR Bank Rwanda Plc is the second largest bank in Rwanda created out of the merger of KCB Bank Rwanda plc and Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) last year while ADHI Corporate Group is a real estate company which uses modular parts pre-made in a factory for faster and more affordable construction.
This method addresses climate change concerns while providing homes that are well-suited to African climates.
ADHI Rwanda runs a Rwf100 billion eco-friendly housing project dubbed ‘Bwiza Riverside Homes’ whose first phase was launched in February this year in Karama, Kigali sector of Nyarugenge District in Kigali City.
The estate expected to give a boost to urban settlement in Kigali, is part of a project to build 2700 affordable housing units.
The project to be completed in five phases came at a time when the government of Rwanda seeks to address low and middle-income communities’ housing challenges with an aim to create 150,000 new dwellings annually to meet the projected demand of 5.5 million dwellings by 2050.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Kigali City, the Managing Director of BPR Bank, George Odhiambo said that the agreement aligns with the lender’s ambitions to create an impact to the community it serves.
He underscored that the partnership will last as long as ADHI will be constructing houses.
“BPR Bank is the bank of people. Our customer base is diverse. One of the challenges the country face is decent and affordable housing. This means that many of our customers need houses and we want to come in between and support them,” he said.
“Housing or ownership is something that some people live a life-time without acquiring. One of the greatest impacts we can create in a society is to provide decent houses. We are the bridge where we give them money to acquire the house and pay us over many years.
Our mortgage loan stretch up to 20 years. So, someone whose income is not so high can acquire a house and pay gradually. This is the contribution want to make in partnership with ADHI,” added Odhiambo.
He disclosed that the bank has engaged with many partners from various parts of the world for the last few years to help the growing population own homes but many of them died at the point of concept.
Odhiambo commended ADHI Rwanda for having reached a great milestone to break the ground and begin implementation, which has become a key enabler for the deal to materialize.
Odhiambo further stated that the MoU gives relief to customers who would hardly build houses.
“We are pleased to know that you have made this a reality. This is something that many of our customers that we fund for their personal development do not necessarily come to buy houses because they are out of their reach, To know that there is someone in town who can just deliver a house in a few weeks, or months is a big achievement for us and our customers” said Odhiambo.
As Odhiambo revealed, BPR Bank has over 1.5 million customers of whom ten thousands are rightfully qualified to start getting those houses for staying in or for investment.
ADHI Chairman, Soleman Idd said that BPR Bank becomes the only regional partner for the ongoing project and encouraged the lender to get involved in more relevant activities including training offered to young people to construct ecofriendly buildings.
Normally, an individual willing to buy a house at Bwiza Riverside was required to pay 10% upfront.
According to ADHI Chairman Vice President, Mme Soleiman Sadiya, the MoU removes the barrier as the mortgage loan can be provided without down payments.
“BPR is coming as the only bank that can finance the full ownership. You will only start paying your mortgage, the moment you have your keys. It is like you are having a house as a rental that will become yours in 20 years. This is the difference from other banks. What BPR is doing is very important for us as developers and for the customers,” she said.
The first phase of Bwiza Riverside estate is expected to be completed in July next year and will be comprised of 270 housing units.
Major League DJz’ wildly successful “Balcony Mix” is a private and intimate experience showcasing Amapiano, the new genre taking the world by storm. This genre coming straight from improvised studios in the townships of South Africa is best described as new age “Kwaito”. From its humble beginnings this sound is now moving people all over the world, and now it’s Kigali’s turn.
For this event, BK Arena will be transformed to a nightclub, called 17th Avenue after the address of the venue. QA Venue Solutions, BK Arena’s management company is continuing to provide Kigali with unprecedented experiences one event at a time. Kigalians can look forward to dancing the night away to the world’s top DJs at least once a quarter in the coming year with Amapiano To The World being the first of many 17th Avenue Pop Up Nightclub experiences in the pipeline.
The event is proudly brought to you by Heineken, Momo by MTN, Ubumwe Grande Hotel, Forzza, BK Arena and EAP. Tickets are 20 000 RWF Early Birds, exclusive to BK Arena Prepaid Card holders and 30 000 RWF, both include 3 free Heinekens. Tickets on sale now at www.ticqet.rw
{{About BK Arena}}
BK Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Kigali, Rwanda, it has hosted basketball, volleyball and martial arts tournaments as well as concerts and conferences. Built and finished in 2019, it is the biggest indoor arena in East Africa.
On May 24th, 2022, the biggest naming rights partnership on the continent was announced. The deal was struck between the government of Rwanda (GoR), BK Group and QA Venue Solutions, BK Arena’s management company. The partners are working hand and hand to position BK Arena as the hub of sports and entertainment on the continent.
One of the main objectives of the partnership is youth development, on their part, BK has come up with an innovative digital financial solution, the BK Arena Prepaid Card. This VISA-backed card will not only provide the holder with access to online services globally and be a useful budgeting tool, it will also allow owners to get BK Arena – related benefits; including discounts on event tickets and food and beverage.
Dr. Habumuremyi and Bizimana were not present in the court but the businessman was represented by his defence lawyer.
“Concerned parties have reached consensus and we are here to request for cancellation of the court case,” he said.
The defence lawyer revealed that they took the decision based on article 123 of the law determining processes to handle civil cases.
He explained that Bizimana got in negotiations with the daughter of Dr. Habumuremyi with whom they agreed to cancel the court case on condition that the plaint can be filed again in case the pledge is not honoured.
“That is why Pierre Damien was not present in the court. He was aware of this consent,” disclosed the defence lawyer.
Dr. Habumuremyi is a former politician who served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister between 2011 and 2014.
After serving as Prime Minister from 7th October 2011 to 23rd July 2014, he was named as the chairman of Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decoration of Honour from February 2015 prior to his arrest in 2020 over issuance of unguaranteed cheques.
Dr. Habumuremyi was released on 14th December 2021 after spending a year and three months in jail.
During trial proceedings, the prosecution said that Dr. Habumuremyi had Rwf1.5 billion in debts.
The clemency granted to him nullified the three-year jail term and Rwf892 fine that he was handed by Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on 27th November 2020.
He had to clear all debts owed to plaintiffs but experienced hurdles to clear them as his university (Christian University) which dragged him into debts was also closed owing to irregularities.
It is reported that Dr. Habumuremyi paid some individuals in installments but others did not receive a single coin.
According to sources, Dr. Habumuremyi recently told plaintiffs during negotiations that he is unable to pay pending debts because all his properties were auctioned.
He however promised them to pay them gradually within one year.
The court’s ruling on the request will be read on 10th November 2022.
The incident happened in Nyaruhanga Village, Karurama Cell, Rushaki Sector of Gicumbi District on 1st November 2022.
It is said that the young man stabbed the old woman on the arm and throat which resulted in her death. Sources indicate that the violence is related to property.
Following the incident, residents apprehended Maniragaba and took him to Rushaki Police Station.
The Executive Secretary of Rushaki Sector, Cyriaque Ndizihiwe has confirmed the death noting the suspect first fought with his uncle who escaped with a wound on the arm.
“It is true that the incident happened. The young man stabbed his uncle who immediately ran away. He also stabbed to death his grandmother who could not run ,” he said.
Kagame delivered the message on Tuesday 1st November 2022 as he addressed members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), government officials and envoys accredited to Rwanda.
He particularly congratulated EALA, which is holding its sitting in Rwanda under its fourth term to be concluded in December, for the commendable work that has been done, over the last five years, ‘in the service of our Community and our people’.
Since its re-establishment more than twenty years ago, Kagame said, the East African Community has made significant progress towards the creation of a single market.
EALA has been an integral part of this success by harmonizing laws and policies, and providing oversight of regional bodies to ensure the interests of all citizens are being served.
Despite the progress, Kagame observed that there are still challenges in the implementation of EAC programs and projects.
“First, the East African Community is currently underfunded, delaying the implementation of projects and programs. As partners, we must work together to adopt a sustainable financing mechanism, and take full ownership of our development, with less reliance on external support, which we are appreciative of,” he said.
The President also stressed the need to ensure that the bloc’s resources are spent soundly, and make financial accountability a top priority.
Secondly, Kagame said that the bloc is far behind the timeline set to achieve some of the major goals for the Community.
He reminisced on the establishment of EAC single currency noting that East African Monetary Institute is necessary for achieving a monetary union.
Lastly, the Head of State highlighted that a good progress has been made in removing non-tariff barriers even though many still remain.
As he said, unsettled challenges hinder the free movement of goods and services, yet it is the foundation of the region’s shared prosperity of the future.
“Here, political will is the solution,” he stated.
Despite these areas needing improvement, the Head of State divulged that the East Africa Community ranks highly in independent reviews of Regional Economic Communities.
He however observed that it does not suffice, ‘for Regional Economic Communities across our continent to do well, individually’. To this end, Kagame said that they must collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another, to fulfill the wider objective of a more united and prosperous Africa.
Among others, the president said that the coming years will bring numerous challenges and new opportunities to the continent and urged countries to face the future with a sense of urgency, working closely together.
In consideration of the fact that the youth account for the vast majority of the continent’s population while the number is projected to continue growing, Kagame stated that Africa should become the engine of the world’s growth and innovation in the second half of this century.
However, the president stressed the need to make the necessary investments in people, in infrastructure and in regional integration ‘right now’.
Creating a bright future for today’s young people, means putting good governance and security at the center of everything we do. Rwanda remains committed to peace and stability efforts, within agreed frameworks, at both the regional and continental levels,” he said.
EALA started its plenary sitting in Rwanda on 24th October to be concluded on 5th November 2022.
It is part of the assembly’s principle to have rotational sittings in all partner States.
During the sitting held in Rwanda, members are expected to discuss on different draft laws and receive a report from the eight committees making up the assembly.
Nisingizwe had smuggled the three bales from the neighbouring Uganda through a porous border point, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region.
“The bales were recovered from Nisingizwe’s garden in Rwimiyaga at about 8:30p.m, where she hid them after sneaking them into Rwanda,” said SP Twizeyimana.
He added that the used clothes were sneaked into Rwanda the previous night as reported by area residents.
“Residents, who witnessed the acts of smuggling and fraud that night, called the Police. She hid them in a sorghum plantation in the backyard of her house in Rwimiyaga Village, where they were recovered and the suspect taken into custody,” SP Twizeyimana said, adding that the goods were handed over to Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Nyagatare branch.
He thanked the residents for the community policing act and urged them to maintain the spirit against smuggling and drug trafficking.
A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is also subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax and a likely imprisonment of between six months and two years. Seized smuggled goods are also auctioned.
The event to induct new members took place recently on Friday October 2022 at the home of the club’s treasurer, Rotarian D.P. Singh who resides in Kiyovu.
It is part of Rotary Club Kigali Virunga’s broad plan to work with other ten local clubs to open doors for a large number of new members so that Rwanda can be promoted to the status of district level.
Once the plan becomes successful, the country will benefit from funding allocated to each district of Rotary Club to complement existing programs to uplift citizens’ livelihoods.
Normally, Rwanda belongs to Rotary Club District 9150. The latter brings together ten countries which receive a fair share from funds provided by Rotary International to address some of problems facing the society.
This time around, Rotary Club Rwanda wants to see the country promoted to district level.
As per regulations governing the organization, a country with 40 clubs can be promoted to a district level with a requirement to reach the threshold of 80 clubs within a span of two years.
Today, Rwanda has 10 Rotary Clubs with plans to open news ones in all the 30 districts before the end of this year. If everything goes well, this year might leave Rwanda hitting the number of 40 clubs.
Past Assistant District Governor Paul Masterjerb Birungi, a member of Rotary Club Kigali Virunga who oversees Kigali Public Library revealed that they held talks with the President of Rotary International and promised the status once the 40 clubs are reached in Rwanda.
“You must present the project’s feasibility before the promotion. We plan to increase clubs so that Rwanda can become a district this year,” said Birungi.
He explained that Rotary Club Kigali Virunga birthed two new clubs last year namely; Rotary Club Kalisimbi and Rotary Club Senior, each with over 30 members.
“We are set to establish another club dubbed Rotary Club Kigali Golf in the near future. We also plan to increase members to at least 100 in this year expected to end in June,” said Birungi.
He disclosed that the target is to open clubs in all districts across the country. New members also said that they joined the club to contribute to activities aimed at bringing positive impact into people’s lives.
A Rotary Club District can receive funding ranging from US$200,000 to US$1.2 million to implement different community projects.
To this end, Birungi encouraged interested people with a kind heart to join the club so that the country can get promoted and benefit from the funding.
Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes and fighting disease.
Rwanda has ten clubs including Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Musanze-Murera, Rotary Club Kalisimbi, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, Rotary Club Kigali Doyen, Rotary Club Gasabo, Rotary Club Seniors, Rotary club Kivu Lake, Rotary club Butare.
Rotary Club Kigali Virunga has been involved in different activities to impact the society in different aspects of life.
It has partnered with the Government of Rwanda to build Kigali Public Library and renovated a transit accommodation facility for cancer patients from different parts of the country undergoing radiotherapy treatment at Kanombe Military Hospital coming.
During the event held on Friday, members raised Rwf2.3 million to facilitate the transportation of the patients from the facility to the hospital.
The new products include high voltage solar panels that can be used to power factories, water heaters, security lighting, megaphones and battery powered torches among others.
Speaking at the unveiling event held on Friday 28th October 2022; the Country Director of Engie Energy Access Rwanda, Sylvie Kanimba said that the aim was to bring high voltage products that can boost access to electricity among Rwandans at an affordable price.
She explained that the launch of new products aligns with the company’s ambitions to support Rwanda’s electrification target by providing clean and reliable solar home systems at a low cost.
Blaise Butoyi, the Head of Sales at Engie Energy Access Rwanda said that the company’s products are mainly distributed to rural or remote areas but considered how to go an extra mile by extending its services to people in urban areas.
He explained that the products are expected to reduce electricity related losses and make urban life easier as they will have alternative high voltage products whether they experience power blackouts or not.
Engie Energy Access Rwanda rebranded from Mobisol in the past few years after acquisition.
Mobisol had been launched in 2014.
After acquiring Mobisol, Engie Energy Access products were branded as “MySol” products.
Butoyi reminded people with inadequate means to buy MySol products to seek assistance from its shops or contact the company on the toll free line ‘2345’ so that they can pay in installments.
Engie Energy Access has so far lit 300,000 Rwandans from 600 families. It has also distributed nearly 400 schools with solar energy.
Figures from the Ministry of Infrastructure indicate that 73% Rwandans have access to electricity. Of these, 50% are connected to the main-grid while 23% use off-grid energy.
The psychotropic drinks commonly known as Ibikwangari, were recovered from the home of one Dany Irihamye alias Kazungu, 34, of Nyabikoni Village in Nyabugogo Cell, where he was operating an illegal production plant.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that Irihamye was reported by the local residents.
“Residents raised concern of Irihamye, who was producing illicit brew. They also suspected a group of young people that converge at his home to drink the substances, to be behind series of theft, beating people at night and other criminal acts,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
In response, he added, Police and local authorities found five drums full of Ibikwangari drink at Irihamye’s home. Irihamye fled and is still in hiding.
Last week, Police and FDA seized over 3500 litres of Huguka illicit brew and close to 1000 litres of Agasusuruko brew, from store in Nyabugogo and at his plant of the producer in Jabana, Gasabo District. Two people were arrested in the process.
Alcoholic drinks produced without complying with standards and other laws are considered as simple narcotic drugs.
Article 263 of the law determing offences and penalties in general states that; any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years and not more than ten years and a fine of not less than Rwf5 million and less than Rwf10 million in regard to “simple narcotics.”
