The defence lawyer of Prince Kid, Emelyne Nyembo, who arrived late, has told the court that she was not well informed about the hearing. Nyembo explained that she only knew the day but was not aware of the exact time the hearing was set to begin.
Nyembo told the court that she needs enough time for preparations to be able to defend her client.
The defence lawyer also objected that the Prosecution is considering the remand of her client based on testimonies given during investigations noting that complete details of the dossier should be communicated to them before further proceedings.
Ishimwe has confirmed that he has not yet received his dossier. Nyembo informed the court that one day would be enough to review the dossier.
The Prosecution said that it is the right of the accused to see their dossier but insisted that details were shared with everyone concerned. However, the defence laywer checked and failed to access the file in Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).
The presiding judge asked the Prosecution to help Ishimwe and his defence lawyer to access their dossier to make preparations.
The court adjourned the hearing to 13th May 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
Prince Kid faces three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
This year 2022, AIESEC in Rwanda in partnership with I&M Bank (Rwanda)plc, Rwanda Stock Exchange, and Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) Rwanda participated in the 10th edition of Global Money Week under the theme “Build your future, be smart about money”.
At this time of the covid-19, it is underlined that the pandemic has increased social inequalities and made the situation worse for many vulnerable groups. Young people are those who are suffering the most from the crisis. Access to education, job prospects, and the ability to thrive socially have all been badly hit and all of these are limiting opportunities to build a secure financial future.
The theme “ Build your future, be smart about money” captures the importance of thinking about one’s own future when making financial decisions. This theme not only prompts young people to be forward-looking but also encourages Global Money Week’s participating organizations to think about the future as well as to address issues such as sustainability or the digitalization of financial services. This theme stresses the importance of building financial resilience not to cope with the current crisis, but also for future ones thereby supporting the financial well-being of young people and future generations.
During Global Money Week 2022, AIESEC in Rwanda visited different public and private institutions including financial and learning institutions across the country where participants were equipped with knowledge about money matters such as the stock market, banking, budgeting, saving, investing, etc.
At the closing event of Global Money Week 2022, Fiona Kamikazi the Head of marketing and communications at I&M Bank (Rwanda) plc, stressed that no matter the educational background; anyone can join the backing industry.
“ Are you a youth having a different educational background from finance? I&M Bank (Rwanda) plc offers you ManagementTraineeProgramme after you graduate in whatever educational background, so you can join the banking industry,” she said.
To stress the urgency and importance of youth participation in the conversations around money matters; UWASE Maliki, the Country Director at AIESEC in Rwanda said that “Young people need to be given the instruments, and the opportunities to build a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable future for themselves but also for the society that they live in.”
Financial literacy is one of those instruments together with adequate financial inclusion, and financial consumer protection. The research published on youth financial inclusion in Rwanda (Finscope 2020) showed that about three in five or 1.1 million youth, use informal mechanisms of saving and the most savings are for non-developmental purposes.
Lack of inclusion also appears in form of loan access, rural areas, etc that’s why AIESEC in Rwanda is working with like-minded institutions to tackle such issues mostly found in less privileged demographics.
During the Global Money Week event that took place from 21st to 27th March 2022, more than 5000 young people and children were engaged and impacted across the country and many stories of impact continue to be created.
AIESEC in Rwanda has always put its focus on youth empowerment and leadership development in young people as it welcomes and appreciates all like-minded organizations to foster collaboration toward youth development in Rwanda.
On 10th May 2022, he was received at RDF Headquarters by his counterpart Gen J Bosco Kazura. They held discussions on bilateral defence cooperation between Malian Armed Forces and Rwanda Defence Force. Maj Gen Oumar Diarra also met with the Minister of Defence Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
When addressing Media, the Chief of General Staff of Malian Armed Forces said the purpose of his visit was to exchange experience and expertise on capacity building of both the Rwanda Defence Force and Malian Armed Forces.
He said that the discussions with his Rwandan counterpart tackled different aspects of cooperation in human resource development, military training and welfare among others.
The Chief of General Staff of Malian Armed Forces paid respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial and also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
The secondary cities include Muhanga, Huye, Rusizi, Rubavu, Musanze and Nyagatare.
Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), the Government of Rwanda targets to increase urbanization rate to 30% in 2024 to support economic growth.
Some of infrastructures built in such cities include roads, water drainage channels, electricity, markets, schools, health facilities among other activities supporting national development.
In light of initiatives meant to promote infrastructure development, the country launched the first phase of Rwanda Urban Development Project [RUDP I] in 2016 which was completed in 2021.
Some of activities covered during the phase include the upgrade of slums in Kigali City in the areas of Biryogo on 12.46 hectares, Kiyovu on 20.1 hectares and Rwampara on 26.42 hectares.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the project (RUDP II) recently, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana said that the magnificence of Biryogo which has a space reserved for A ‘Car Free Zone’ convinced authorities to consider the extension.
The Minister explained that the upgrading of such slums to be equipped with electricity, water drainage channels and roads installed with lights facilitate movements and enhance security as well.
“It is a very good project that inspired the country to consider how to extend it in Kigali and secondary cities,” he said.
Dr. Nsabimana revealed that Rwf160 billion allocated for the second phase of this project have been secured whereby implementation is expected to begin in the near future.
{{Rwf60 billion earmarked for infrastructures in Kigali}}
The Ministry of Infrastructure shows that Kigali City will receive Rwf60 billion while the remaining funds will be earmarked for infrastructure development in secondary cities starting with Muhanga and Huye.
In Kigali alone, the project will be executed nearby River Mpazi flowing through the sectors of Gitega, Kimisagara na Rwezamenyo of Nyarugenge District. It will also draw emphasis on eliminating slums in Gatenga of Kicukiro, Nyabisindu of Remera Sector and Nyagatovu of Kimironko Sector in Gasabo District.
These slums will get infrastructures including roads, water drainage channels. Parts of the funds will also be used to preserve marshlands in Rwampara, Gatenga, Gikondo and Rugenge among others in accordance with Kigali City master plan.
The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said that such activities will transform residents’ welfare and add up to the magnificence of the city.
He further stated that the projects benefit residents who get jobs and improved wellbeing.
Rubingisa pointed out an example of a project rolled out in Agatare of Biryogo where 9-kilometer roads were built and facilitated movements.
More six-kilometer roads were also developed for pedestrians.
“Biryogo residents have started renovating their houses because the value increased. We are set to do the same thing in the four slums and want the project to move fast so that it can be beneficial to residents who will live in decent places with minimized disasters’ risks,” noted Rubingisa.
The Country Manager of World Bank in Rwanda, Roland Pryce thanked the Government of Rwanda for efficient use of received funds while rolling out projects meant to transform residents’ wellbeing.
{{Sensitization}}
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana revealed that the relocation of residents triggered mixed reactions in the first phase due to mindsets and circumstances under which they settled in these slums.
To address the issue, he explained that more efforts will be geared towards sensitizing residents on the relevance of such infrastructures and advantages they are set to pull from them.
According to Dr. Nsabimana, the move will facilitate relocation and expropriation.
Stretched on 76 hectares and inhabited by 3,915 residents; Nyabisindu and Nyagatovu are among overpopulated parts of the city.
Under the second phase, the areas will get 7.4-kilometer roads.
More 8.2-kilometer roads will be built over River Mpazi to help residents reach markets, playgrounds and other infrastructures easily.
RUDP II will leave 17,621residents from this area accessing basic infrastructures.
In Gatenga, RUDP II will see 11.8 kilometers roads constructed and help 17,621 residents to reach infrastructures in 500 meters.
The funds will also be utilized to mitigate floods in different parts of Kigali including Rugunga, Rwandex, Gisozi, Kinyinya, Karuruma and Nyabisindu while the wetlands of Rugengerwintare, Kibumba and Nyabugogo will be preserved.
Miss Iradukunda was arrested on Sunday8th May 2022. She is detained at Remera RIB Station.
The Spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Murangira B.Thierry has told IGIHE that Iradukunda is facing charges including ‘forgery and tampering with investigation’.
It is said that RIB launched investigation into sexual corruption in Miss Rwanda contest in 2019.
Since then, evidences were gathered gradually until the arrest of Dieudonné Ishimwe alias Prince Kid, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up which organizes the beauty pageant.
Since the arrest of Prince Kid, IGIHE has learnt, Miss Iradukunda has been contacting all girls who provided testimonies on sexual abuse against them in Miss Rwanda to change their position before the court.
It is said that Iradukunda worked with a notary identified as Nasira Uwitonze who witnessed the signing of concerned individuals as they wrote letters repudiating testimonies pinning Ishimwe.
IGIHE has learnt that some of witnesses who provided testimonies to RIB revealed that they were sexually abused by Ishimwe at different times.
Ishimwe was arrested on 25th April 2022 over sexual abuse to participants of Miss Rwanda beauty pageant at different times. He faces three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
It is said that Miss Elsa has been in love with Ishimwe with whom, they planned marriage. According to sources, this pushed her to make attempts to tamper with evidences to get Ishimwe released.
RIB has also confirmed that Nasira Uwitonze was also arrested over allegedly validating factless statements.
On Monday 9th May 2022, the Ministry of Youth and Culture also announced the temporary suspension of Miss Rwanda contest due to ongoing investigation into alleged sexual abuse to contestants.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Samuel Dusengiyumva handed over the houses to the beneficiaries on Monday, May 9.
The beneficiaries include Clementine Ntahomvukiye, a widow with seven children; Daphrose Mukamugema, a single mother of two; and Alex Niyitegeka, an orphan and father of two.
RNP also handed over two engine boats to facilitate movements of residents on the two islands.
The houses and the boat are part of the Rwanda National Police human security support and strengthening its partnership with communities in crime prevention as part of its 21st anniversary, launched in December last year.
Last week, RNP also handed over two houses it constructed for two families on Nkombo island in Rusizi District, powered 200 households with solar energy and covered medical insurance premiums for 500 people on the island.
RNP has so far injected about Rwf1 billion in community development projects in this 11th edition of the annual ‘Police Month’ to construct 30 houses, financially support cooperatives, cover medical insurance premiums, and connecting households that are far from the national grid with solar power system.
PS Dusengiyumva told the residents that Rwanda’s governance system is centred on uplifting the wellbeing of its citizens towards prosperity and sustainable security.
“Do not indulge in unlawful acts like smuggling and always strive collectively to identify and report those who attempt or commit crimes. Ensure that all your children go to school,” Dusengiyumva said.
He further advised them against overloading boats to prevent them from capsizing and drowning and to respect other laws and rules governing businesses such as transportation of people and goods, and fishing in Lake Kivu.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo, who represented the RNP leadership, said that Rwandans must be safe, happy, secure and should take their hands off their pockets and work.
“Rwanda National Police will continue to work with you to ensure safety and security. Continue to provide timely information so as to prevent crimes and for you to continue with your development activities with no hindrance,” CP Munyambo told the residents.
He added that these outreach programmes are meant to support communities to improve their livelihood while also empowering and partnering with them to fight and prevent crimes in their neighborhoods.
Clementine Ntahomvukiye, one of the beneficiaries, said: “I don’t know what to say, but I am so happy today. I was renting on top of having to take care of my seven children as a single mother, which was hard. You are not safer if you do not have shelter. I am very grateful to our Police for building this house for us.”
Developed by Education Development Center (EDC) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the Building Resilience in TVET Through E-Learning (BRITE) program is one of solutions designed streamline efficiency in the education sector.
The latter was created with the aim of responding to Rwanda’s commitment to integrate technology in education by providing interactive e-learning digital solutions for the TVET system.
The e-learning materials available through the program include a Work Ready Now audio program, trade specific electronic-lessons and electronic-Work Based Learning.
IGIHE has spoken to Education Development Center (EDC) and BRITE Deputy Chief of Party Aimee Senzeyi to tell us more about this program and how it is contributing to the education sector.
{{Excerpts: }}
{{IGIHE: What is the BRITE project? Tell us a bit more about the levels that are covered by the project}}
Management: BRITE stands for building resilience in TVET through e-learning. It is a two-year Mastercard foundation-funded Project implemented by EDC in partnership with AKA, the Rwanda TVET Board, and Rwanda Polytechnic. Its core activity is to develop e-learning materials for TVET Schools and IPRCs and build the capacity of trainers from those training institutions on blended learning or how to use those materials in class as complements to their current training or teaching methodologies. It has 3 components (1) WRN Audio Program (2) Trade-based e lessons and (3) e-Work Based Learning.
Currently, we are implementing in 3 levels, Level 3 and Level 5 with Rwanda TVET Board in TVET Schools and Level 7 with Rwanda Polytechnic in IPRCs. We focus only on 4 trades (1) Food Processing (2) Animal Health (3) Crop Production (4) Domestic electricity.
{{After launching the e-learning materials, how have schools (learners and trainers) responded to using them? }}
Trainers are currently using the BRITE e-learning materials in schools as training materials and we are receiving constant positive feedback from them. We have put all our trainers on different WhatsApp groups based on their trades to be able to receive prompt feedback but also provide support as needed. Our materials are accessible by trainers through the TVET e-learning platform “Moodle”. We upload our e-lessons on their platform and create group credentials for schools allowing them to access the e-learning materials.
{{E-learning is fairly new in Rwanda, how are you helping trainers and students to adapt to using the e-learning materials?}}
We do that through capacity building. Having access to e-learning materials is one thing and being able to use them is another. To make sure that trainers enrolled in the BRITE Project make use of our e-learning materials in schools we provide training of trainers (ToTs) and constantly check with them through different channels. We also do school visits and do class observations and coaching where needed. Also, our e-learning materials are fashioned in a way that can inform you that materials are being used or not by schools.
{{How do the schools access these materials? – online platform/ interactive materials }}
Through RTB’s and RP’s Moodle platform. We create accounts with usernames and credentials and share them with trainers and train them on how to navigate and access the lessons.
{{Do you work with all the TVETs? If no, why? }}
So far, we work with 20 TVET Schools, 4 Technical Secondary Schools (TSS), and all the 8 IPRCs. Being a two-year Project, we cannot serve and train all the 400+ TVET schools within that time.
{{What are the challenges that are currently being faced using these materials (Both by trainers and students) and how do you intend to overcome them? }}
The main challenges are connectivity (meaning the internet); digital literacy, and technology readiness. Most of the schools do not have enough computers for all students making it a very big challenge to the accessibility of online learning materials.
To mitigate the impact, the project conducted a technology need assessment to be able to identify the need per school in terms of technology and connectivity and advise in collaboration with other Development Partners implementing in the same schools.
{{How long is the project and what is the way forward after? How will you ensure sustainability and continuity of the project? }}
The Project started in 2020 in October and is ending in September 2022. A lot has been achieved so far, we have developed 30 elessons; 100+ audios on complementary modules and elessons preparing students for industrial attachment. We have trained a total of 250 trainers on blended learning and have always developed content hand in hand with them before developing electronic lessons.
“At Bank of Kigali we believe in business as a model to transform lives and our country. We are devoted to supporting youth-led enterprises by giving them access to interest free loans. In this year’s BK Urumuri, we will select the best innovative ideas that provide digital solutions and equip these entrepreneurs with skills they need to unlock their full potential and foster their businesses to greater heights,” said Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Diane Karusisi.
For this 6th edition, outstanding inventive digital economy businesses which leverage technology in their daily operations and offer digital solutions to solve Rwanda’s pressing needs, especially those that create a positive social or environmental impact will be highlighted.
“The digital economy is no longer the future; it is here and many Rwanda entrepreneurs are already embracing it, creating innovative solutions. We are seeing many businesses adopting digital solutions in their day-to-day work. At Inkomoko we are immensely proud to support entrepreneurs that will create digital solutions for Rwanda and beyond,” Emmanuel Mugabo, Inkomoko Interim Managing Director.
The BK Urumuri Initiative application deadline is 13th May, and the 25 selected winners will undergo the Inkomoko Business Development accelerator program from June to September. Eligible businesses must be based in Rwanda, have annual revenue that is less than Rwf500m, have proof of registration for at least 1 year, demonstrate financial profitability, or plan to reach profitability within the next year. The competition is open to people of all ages and nationalities.
To apply for the BK Urumuri Initiative 2022 and the chance to win consulting and zero-interest loans, entrepreneurs can find the application link at www.inkomoko.com and contact +250 788 358 639 for any questions.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Bank of Kigali is the largest commercial bank in Rwanda by total assets, according to Global Credit Ratings. The Bank has won several back-to-back international and regional banking awards, including from EuroMoney, The Banker, Global Finance Magazine, and EMEA Finance. Bank of Kigali has also been named “Best Bank in Rwanda.”
{{About Inkomoko}}
Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development has supported Rwandan businesses since 2012, providing business training, consulting services, and access to affordable finance through its partner, AEC Rwanda Trustee Company Ltd. Inkomoko’s business accelerator program has helped more than 25,000 entrepreneurs in Rwanda run their operations more efficiently and strategically, create jobs for thousands of individuals, and increase their annual revenues by an average of 88%.
Inkomoko has a long history of gender equity in its entrepreneurship support, including working with women entrepreneurs in the SPRING accelerator for adolescent girls, the Imbuto Foundation sexual and reproductive health accelerator, trainings for young women at FAWE, partnerships with Kate Spade on Purpose fund in Masoro, and working with women entrepreneurs through partnerships with UN Women. More than half of Inkomoko clients have been women entrepreneurs.
Recently, this debate has sparked up again in different parts of the world when a document was leaked showing that the United States Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
Roe v. Wade was established in 1973. It was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.
Just like it was leaked in 1973, this leak also prompted many to bring it to the streets in protest, some saying it should not be revoked and others saying it should be revoked.
In different parts of the world, those who are pro-life or pro-choice have arguments that they are bringing forth.
{{A woman has the right to her own body }}
Those that are pro-choice state that a woman has the right to decide what happens to her own body, that women are not just ‘wombs’.
Feminists say that a woman should be given the right to have an abortion if she wishes and that she should choose for herself what to do with that right.
{{Life begins at conception }}
Those who are pro-choice suggest that a fetus is already a human because from the moment, an egg is fertilized and has a genetic identity that it will carry for the rest of its life. Thus, having an abortion is killing a human being.
They argue that killing an innocent human being is wrong even if that human being has yet to be born.
{{A fetus becomes a human when it can survive outside the womb}}
Those who are pro abortion say that a fetus is not a human. They say personhood begins after a fetus becomes “viable” (able to survive outside the womb) or after birth, not at conception thus abortion should be legalised.
Some scientists claim that a fetus becomes a human around five months or 16 weeks, which therefore would permit people to get an abortion before and not after.
{{Abortion is not the killing of a human being }}
The pro-choice group says that abortion is the termination of a pregnancy, not a baby because embryos and fetuses are not independent, self-determining beings and they also say a person’s age is calculated from birth date, not conception.
{{Abortion has effect on the body }}
The pro-life groups say that abortion is dangerous because it can cause problems to a woman’s reproductive system or even affect her fertility.
{{Abortion is safe in this modern age }}
These people argue that abortion has been made safe due to modern technology in medicine considering it a safe practise. They argue that not legalizing abortion will cause people to abort in unpractical and unsafe ways.
{{Abortion reduces unwanted children }}
Oftenly, people do not want children because of different reasons like poverty, personal choice, illness and many other issues.
Unwanted children are made orphans or are abused by their parents or they are even subjected to a very bad life , giving women abortion rights would prevent children from having a terrible fate.
{{Abortion can be permitted in certain situations}}
This group argues that abortion should be permitted in certain situations like rape or when they child is fatal to the mother or other special situations like if the baby will have disabilities or untreatable anomalies.
{{Different Religions people believe abortion is going against God }}
The Bible does not draw a distinction between fetuses and babies by the time a baby is conceived, he or she is recognized by God.
The bible says killing applies to all human beings, including unborn babies.
In the Hindu religion, the holy text ‘Kaushitaki Upanishad’ indicates that abortion is an equivalent misdeed to killing one’s own parents.
Traditional Buddhism rejects abortion because it involves the deliberate destroying of a life.
There are endless arguments on the pro-life or pro-choice debate but a fact that should no change is that abortion is not a mean of contraception and unless of rape, it is better to avoid getting one it is by using preventive contraception methods.
His resignation has been announced through a statement signed by the university’s Board Chair, Prof Paul Davenport.
“This is to inform the general public that Prof Alexandre Lyambabaje has resigned from the post of Vice Chancellor for the University of Rwanda effective from today 6th May 2022, to begin a well-earned retirement,” reads part of the statement.
“On behalf of the whole University community, I would like to thank Prof Lyambabaje for his service on behalf of UR over the last fourteen months,” adds the statement.
The Board Chairman has also announced the appointment of Prof. Nosa Egiebor who will serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor of UR until the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.
Professor Alexandre Lyambabaje, 62, once served as the Minister of Trade.
He had been appointed by the cabinet meeting held on 2nd February 2021. The appointment came four months after the tenure of former Vice Chancellor, Phillip Cotton ended in October 2020. Cotton had served as UR’s Vice-Chancellor since 2015.
At the time, Prof Lyambabaje replaced Dr. Musafiri Papias Malimba who served as the acting vice chancellor.
Prof Lyambabaje was born in 1960. He studied at the National University of Rwanda from where he went to pursue Master’s Degree in Canada.
Lyambabaje holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mathematics from University de Rennes in France.
He has served in different capacities in Rwanda’s public sector. Among these, in 1999, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
In 2000 he was appointed Minister of Commerce, Tourism Industry, Investments Promotion and Cooperatives, a position he held until 2003.
He supervised the formulation of policies for the ministry and in particular Rwanda Tourism Policy.
He also contributed to the regional integration process through active participation in regional ministerial meetings, including those of the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
From April 2014 to 2015, he served as a senior researcher at the University of Rwanda in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He also served as an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Institute of Applied Sciences Ruhengeri.
Prof Lyambabaje has been recently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
