The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, said that Nizeyimana, who was arrested at about 3am, was reported by a resident.
He added that Nizeyimana had buried the narcotics in his farm in Karenge I Village, where they were recovered.
“A resident called the Police in Nasho Sector reporting a local resident (Nizeyimana), who had sneaked into Rwanda sacks of cannabis from Tanzania and buried them in his farm,” SP Twizeyimana said.
“An operation was conducted on Thursday to dig the exact spot where the narcotics were suspected to be buried and where indeed three sacks of cannabis weighing 42kgs, were recovered leading to the arrest of Nizeyimana,” he added.
SP Twizeyimana thanked the resident, who reported the criminal act and to facilitate national efforts against drugs.
The suspect and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Nasho station for further investigations.
The Ministerial order No. 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis in the category of “very severe narcotics.’’
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses 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 for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
The development was announced by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana during a consultative meeting organized by the Upper House of Parliament to discuss persistent challenges hindering easy access to financial services among citizens.
Pointed out challenges include high interest rates ranging between 16% and 24%.
Another discussed issue is the low percentage of funds loaned to the agriculture sector (five percent) yet it constitutes 70% of the labour force.
The low percentage is mainly attributed to risks associated with the sector and lack of collateral to be presented to banks.
Sometimes, it can take long for farmers to repay the loan yet lenders need to provide loans to other clients.
Noël Muhawenimana, the Chief Executive Officer of Umutanguha Finance Company Plc has said that 35% of its loan portfolio was allocated to farmers last year.
Muhawenimana revealed that waiting farmers to repay the loan after harvesting time takes long time and might affect operations.
He pointed out an example of the agriculture of Irish potatoes which might take up to five months to reach the harvesting time yet the bank needs the money to serve more clients.
“In such situation, we seek loans from foreign banks which are offered at high interest rate like 13%. That is why we also offer the loan to the farmer at 20% or 22%. With such rate, the farmer cannot generate expected profits,” observed Muhawenimana.
Minister Ndagijimana has said that the anticipated Rwf300 billion project will leave farmers accessing cheaper loans as they will be subsided by the government.
“It is a new project. Funds have not yet been released for the project to begin but we have identified requirements and hope that implementation will start in the near future,” he disclosed.
Once the project begins, Minister Ndagijimana explained, the funds will be channeled through financial institutions to provide loans to farmers.
“With this project, the interest rate might reduce from 24% currently charged by institutions like Umurenge Sacco to 10% or below the percentage,” he stated.
Preparations in different parts of Kigali City including the upgrading and construction of new roads are in final phases while more efforts are underway to make Kigali City more attractive.
Among others, signposts welcoming guests expected to attend the meeting and giving a glimpse of the country’s progress in preparations have been erected in Kigali.
However, construction works for some infrastructures including roads in Kacyiru, Kicukiro and Nyabugogo Bridge are ongoing.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru has told RBA that efforts are ongoing to finalize all preparations.
“We have built roads in Kigali. We encourage residents to use them appropriately to avoid traffic congestion,” he said.
The infrastructure development is part of Kigali City’s project to build more than 200-kilometer roads in four years.
The first phase drew emphasis on urgent roads to be used during CHOGM while the second phase will be launched after the meeting.
“The first phase drew much attention on urgent roads to help us reduce traffic jam in the city. They were given priority because the meeting was on the agenda by the time we started the project,” said Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
As the meeting draws near, Kigali dwellers have expressed worries that construction activities might not be completed before and asked relevant authorities to expedite the projects.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has revealed that roads under construction will have been finalized by the beginning of the meeting.
“Many roads including the one in Kacyiru and Kimicanga are being finalized. Some parts have been already tarmacked. Others will have been completed between 10th and 11th. The remaining work will be predominantly about creating gardens and other activities to be done between 12th and 14th June 2022,” he noted.
“We are optimistic that these infrastructures [roads] will be used with lights installed along them,” added Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
Residents in buildings along roads have been also urged to expedite renovation works and spray new paints to make them look attractive.
Dr. Nkurunziza Joseph Ryarasa, the Spokesperson of the Civil Society Platform has said that a lot has been done but stressed the need to do more to improve the smartness of Kigali.
“Residents need to be updated on the meeting lest they are improvised. There is a need for sensitization to keep reminding them to maintain hygiene as a routine not only during the period of meetings,” he noted.
{{Smart Bus Shelters in final preparations}}
At least 20 Smart Bus Shelters are being constructed along the road from Kigali International Airport to the city centre. The facilities built at bus stops will shelter passengers awaiting buses.
The smart bus shelters will be equipped with facilities like LED advertising and entertainment screens, LED lighting, WiFi and other accessories like charging ports.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has said that these facilities will be installed gradually.
“All required facilities will not be ready during CHOGM but they [smart bus shelters] will be used,” he said.
“We are going to expend much effort to get them completed. We want these shelters set up in all parts of Kigali where passengers using them will access information regarding the next bus to pick them and available seats among others,” disclosed Dr. Mpabwanamaguru.
{{Nyabugogo and Kicukiro bridges near completion}}
Nyabugogo and Kicukiro bridges are among infrastructures being upgraded and expected to be used during CHOGM 2022.
The rehabilitation of Nyabugogo bridge is meant to contain floods occasioned by Mpazi drainage overflow which used to destroy houses and wash away cars among other valuables.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has assured that the bridge might be ready for use in 14 days.
Construction of a flyover in Kicukiro is underway while side roads have been also upgraded.
More preparations are ongoing in parts of Kigali designated as Car Free Zone in Nyamirambo and Gisimenti in Remera.
Public latrines will be also built in these places before CHOGM.
The campus was launched on Tuesday 7th June 2022 at the outskirts of Virunga National Park in Kinigi Sector of Musanze District, Northern Province.
The Head of State hosted them at Urugwiro Village on Wednesday 8th June 2022. He was along with the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi.
Ellen DeGeneres who built the campus is an American television personality and comedian renowned for his talk show dubbed ’The Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
DeGeneres was gifted with the campus by her long-time partner Portia de Rossi considering her love for Diana Fossey, a celebrated gorilla conservationist who died in 1985.
Construction of the multimillion-dollar facility was completed at a cost of US$15 million.
The Ellen Campus established to foster gorilla conservation efforts is an eco-friendly facility which includes three main buildings—the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery and the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center—as well as housing for visiting students and researchers.
The official inauguration of Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was graced by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) among others.
Premier Ngirente said that the launch is an important milestone in conservation of our mountain gorillas, which remains at the heart of Rwanda’s priorities.
He thanked Ellen and Portia for their dedication to Rwanda and long-term passion for the conservation of the mountain gorillas and for continuing the remarkable work of Dian Fossey.
DeGeneres also expressed delight for seeing her dreams becoming a reality.
“I have looked up to Dian Fossey since I was 12 years old, and this past week in Rwanda, I was able to tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. It has been so emotional and so incredible to see the impact it has already had,” she said at the event.
During the visit held on Wednesday 6th June 2022; the group was accompanied by the Head of the RDF’s Department of International Military Cooperation (IMC), Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa.
The training was officially closed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and the Governor of the Northern Province, Dancilla Nyirarugero.
It follows a similar training extended to members of youth volunteers from the Eastern Province in April.
The training harnesses their understanding of national values including patriotism, sacrifice, heroism and love for work.
The youth were also enlightened on their role in addressing issues related to the wellbeing of the people in their villages, community policing, cultural values, job creation and innovations, setting goals, technology and communication.
IGP Munyuza reminded the youth of their community policing duty to fight and prevent crimes. He urged especially those from the borderline districts of Gicumbi, Burera and Musanze to reinforce the efforts against cross-border crimes such as smuggling and drug trafficking.
“You are young, energetic, educated and you have the ability and good ideas that your government will listen to and value,” IGP Munyuza told the youth.
He urged them to use their knowledge and abilities to transform their country, to refrain and fight radicalisation and extremism.
Governor Nyirarugero thanked youth volunteers for their commitment to contribute to community development.
“We urge you to help the Northern Province to execute its performance contract in all aspects of development and security,” Governor Nyirarugero said.
Richard Kubana, the director in charge of youth volunteers in the Ministry of Local Government said that the purpose of the training has been realized.
“What remains is for you (trainees) to share the vast and vital knowledge you have acquired with your colleagues, who did not have such an opportunity and to work with a common understanding towards sustainable security and development,” Kubana said.
There are about 500, 000 members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing across the country.
The campus was built by an American television personality and comedian, Ellen DeGeneres renowned for his talk show dubbed ’The Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
DeGeneres was gifted with the campus by her long-time partner Portia de Rossi considering her love for Diana Fossey, a celebrated gorilla conservationist who died in 1985.
Construction of the multimillion-dollar facility was completed at a cost of US$15 million (over Rwf14 billion). It was initially opened to public on 1st February 2022 to foster research and education on gorillas while more than 2400 Rwandans got jobs during construction of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
The opened campus will be home to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which has been operating in Rwanda for more than 50 years through its Karisoke Research Centre, based in Musanze District, Northern Province.
The Dian Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to the conservation of gorillas.
It particularly works in areas of conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat, scientific research on the gorillas and greater biodiversity of the region, educating the next generation of African scientists through working with Rwandan universities, and engaging local communities to increase their support for conservation.
Ellen and Portia’s lead gift enabled the Fossey Fund to move forward on an ambitious, 20-year dream project to build a permanent home in Rwanda aimed at accelerating their science and conservation work. The Ellen Campus is the vision of the award-winning MASS Design Group and has been named one of Africa’s 10 most anticipated architectural projects.
Founded by the legendary Dian Fossey, whose life and ultimately death were portrayed in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist,” the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is the world’s largest and longest-running organization dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.
After launching Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in 1966, Dian Fossey was killed in 1985.
Its work combines daily, boots-on-the ground protection and study of individual gorillas with people-centered programs aimed at training the next generation of African conservationists and addressing the basic needs of the people who share the gorillas’ forest home through food and water security, livelihood and education programs.
Feared by Dian Fossey to be extinct by the year 2000, mountain gorillas represent a rare conservation success story, with the population in the region growing from a low of 250 in the 1980s to more than 1000 today.
The Ellen Campus established to foster gorilla conservation efforts is an eco-friendly facility adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park which includes three main buildings—the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery and the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center—as well as housing for visiting students and researchers.
An extensive ‘living laboratory’ has been created on the former agricultural site through the planting of more than 250,000 native plants and the inclusion of green roofs, water harvesting and a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment.
The Ellen Campus is also designed to support Rwanda’s ecotourism sector. Managed by the Rwandan government, tourism to see the gorillas plays a critical role in providing revenue for the park as well as supporting local communities through employment and revenue sharing.
Visitors to the Ellen Campus can immerse themselves in an interactive, educational exhibit located in the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery.
Designed to tell the story of mountain gorilla research and conservation from Fossey’s time to modern day, it includes original, never before displayed artifacts from Dian Fossey’s almost two decades of living amongst the gorillas, stunning visual effects through a 360 degree immersive experience, as well as augmented and virtual reality and numerous engaging, edutainment opportunities to learn more about the science and, most importantly, people behind the conservation success of mountain gorillas.
The official inauguration of Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund took place on Tuesday 7th June 2022 in Kinigi.
It was graced by Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) among others.
Premier Ngirente said that the launch is an important milestone in conservation of our mountain gorillas, which remains at the heart of Rwanda’s priorities.
He thanked Ellen and Portia for their dedication to Rwanda and long-term passion for the conservation of the mountain gorillas and for continuing the remarkable work of Dian Fossey.
“I am confident that the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund will play a critical role in carrying on Dian’s legacy. It will ensure a bright future for the mountain gorillas and build a thriving community of scientists and conservations right here in Kinigi,” said Premier Ngirente.
Speaking at the event; Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of RDB, said that the campus is a perfect example of sharing knowledge and support for ecotourism policy.
“We commit to see this campus prosper. You took Rwanda to the world and now this campus is bringing the world to Rwanda,” she told DeGeneres.
DeGeneres also expressed delight for seeing her dreams becoming a reality.
“I have looked up to Dian Fossey since I was 12 years old, and this past week in Rwanda, I was able to tour the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. It has been so emotional and so incredible to see the impact it has already had,” said DeGeneres at the event.
“I can’t say enough about Rwanda, there is so much to do and I will keep talking about Rwanda. I have always dreamt of being here. Dian Fossey taught us that we should look at different things differently rather than fighting them. She’s been my hero,” she stated.
DeGeneres said that the campus was named the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to recognize the legacy of the late Dian Fossey in service of mountain gorillas.
“We want to produce the next generation of conservationists here in Rwanda. This campus also contributes to Rwanda ecosystem development,” said Tara Stoinski, president of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
She said that the campus will focus on creating a space to engage the many stakeholders in conservation –students, scientists, tourists, conservation partners, and community members — to advance a collective goal of saving gorillas and, more broadly, the planet.
There are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas living in the world, more than half of which live in the Virunga Mountains, and the remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
FDLR is a rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Maj Yefuta who was gunned down in the night of Monday 6th June 2022, has been the commander of FDLR Battalion which stayed in forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for 25 years.
Since last month, it has been reported that FDLR is collaborating with FARDC in clashes with M23.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the fighting in which Maj Nsanzimana was shot dead happened in area of Bugusa, Jomba in Rutsuru Territory of Northern Kivu.
M23 has said that the fighting left 50 opponents killed.
The Spokesperson of M23, Major Willy Ngoma has announced that FARDC and FDLR have lost many soldiers during the fight which resumed on Monday.
On Monday, FARDC also confirmed the death of its two soldiers killed in the fighting with M23.
Maj Nsanzimana joined the army through a military training school known as School of Non-Commissioned Officers in Butare (ESO) in 1990.
Following the defeat of the then Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) towards the end of July 1994, Nsanzimana fled to DRC where he joined FDLR.
Rwanda’s Presidency has via Twitter handle revealed that their discussions held on Tuesday 7th June 2022 focused on ways to enhance the existing bilateral relations between Rwanda and Luxembourg in key areas such as the digital and FinTech sectors.
In October last year, Rwanda and Luxembourg signed bilateral agreement to support Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC).
The agreement provides ground for signatories to work together with the aim to support Rwanda in further developing the KIF.
Strategic areas of cooperation defined within the agreement include; capacity building and talent development development of sustainable finance in Rwanda, enabling a fintech ecosystem in Rwanda, and setting up a marketplace for impact investing in Rwanda.
Luxembourg, Rwanda also signed double taxation avoidance agreement in the same year.
Individuals who wish to become qualified professionals in the field of accountancy, finance, credit management, corporate governance and related disciplines; register at KASNEB, where they do examinations and obtain qualifications allowing them to perform at the international level.
These include; Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA), Certified Credit Professional (CCP), Certified Secretaries (CS) and many others.
Recent graduates include Certified Public Accountants and Certified Investment and Financial Analysts.
The certificates of Certified Public Accountants help professionals to become members of a professional regulating body that is affiliated with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).
Being a member of such a professional body requires individuals to have successfully completed the professional course and to spend at least 40 hours of continuous professional development (CPD) updating themselves on new trends.
Graduates have revealed that it was a long journey requiring dedication to complete the courses.
Julienne Nyiratwagirimfura enrolled in the certified public accountant (CPA) course in 2011 and graduated in 2012. Nyiratwagirimfura later registered for certified Investment and financial analyst course in 2019 which she completed in 2021 qualifying as a certified investment and financial analyst (CIFA).
“It is difficult but nothing is impossible. Everything is possible whenever you have set goals. I had to secure time for work and courses within the past two years and I am proud that I made it,” she said.
Nyiratwagirimfura has been working as an internal auditor at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) since 2013.
She explained that the courses have helped her to become more productive at work.
Déo Bakinga, an Internal Auditor at Business Development Fund (BDF) has also revealed that completing such courses requires hard work. He expressed optimism that they will be very helpful to improve performance at work given that they are taken through packages designed to enhance their competencies at the international level.
Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) has been operating in Rwanda since 2010. It has so far offered over 500 certificates to professional accountants and others in related disciplines.
Jeanne Abayo, KASNEB Rwanda Country Director, has said that the journey is ongoing to increase the number of competent professional accountants in Rwanda.
“We must open our eyes because we are members of East African Community, Commonwealth and others. We no longer see our interests limited in Rwanda. That is why people need professional certifications equipping them with international competences.
Today’s graduates induce pride to us. They worked hard with great zeal to make this achievement. We can confidently assure employers including public and private institutions that these graduates have relevant skills helpful to achieve envisaged goals,” she noted.
Abayo revealed that the 500 graduates are currently employed at different institutions including the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, BNR while others work as heads of different financial institutions in Rwanda.
The Chief Executive Officer of KASNEB, Dr. Nicholas Kibiwot Letting said that the tuition center was introduced to enhance professionalism in the fields of accounting and finance.
He also underscored that the world is going digital where accountants’ skills need to be updated and urged the general public to enroll in such professional courses.
Having existed for over 50 years, KASNEB operates in different countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Cameroon and Burundi..
