The statement released last night shows that 377 people have caught the virus out of 12 180 sample tests while 3 recovered.
A total of 907,147 people have been fully vaccinated while 1,662,759 received the first dose of COVID-19 since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 4th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The appointment has been announced in a communiqué released on Monday 6th September 2021 by the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
Among others, Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama has been appointed the Deputy Secretary General and Director General of External Intelligence and Security at the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
ACP Nkuranga has been assuming duties as the Director General of External Intelligence and Security at NISS since August 2020.
He once served as the Deputy Spokesperson of Rwanda National Police in 2018.
Jean Paul Nyirubutama who is among newly sworn in leaders was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Secretary General of NISS.
Kagame made the remarks today as he presided over the launch of the Judicial Year 2021/2022.
The President commended the judicial sector for tapping into the advantage of technology to continue handling court cases during trying times of COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that the performance of judges reflects their advancing knowledge and prowess which capacitated them to deliver on efficiency.
Despite achieved milestone, more efforts are still needed to fight against crimes in the society.
Kagame has observed that it requires concerted efforts to win the fight.
“Let us talk about cyber-crimes increasing gradually and becoming sophisticated yet there is a way to reduce them. We should concert efforts and tackle these crimes together,” he said.
Kagame highlighted that the Government encourages Rwandans to embrace technology especially using mobile phones in trade and cashless transactions.
He stated that that strict measures are needed to protect unwitting members of the public against scammers.
“It is paramount to tighten measures to protect Rwandans particularly the ones with inadequate digital skills from falling easy preys to scammers and other fraudsters,” he noted.
Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence is among other alarming problems in Rwandan community.
Kagame called for tougher punishment to those who rape women and children and impregnate teenage girls.
“We should put all our efforts into fighting these crimes and ensure that they reduce significantly. The perpetrators of these crimes, their accomplices and those that protect them should face tough punishment to the extent that it might discourage anyone with similar intentions,” he said.
The annual report of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) released in 2020 shows that 48 809 women were victims of SGBV between 2016 and 2019.
Figures from the Ministry of Health also indicate that 17 849 teenagers were impregnated in 2016. The number was 17 337 in 2017, 19 832 in 2018 and 15 656 between January and August 2019.
Kagame has urged stakeholders of the justice sector to thoroughly handle court cases in accordance with laws. He also cautioned judges against bribery to promote professionalism and handle cases based on proven evidences.
“People go to courts hoping that the judges will listen to them, make judgments based on the evidence presented, and as provided for by the law. But we hear some in the justice sector still ask for bribes. This is unacceptable and must be stopped,” he said.
The incident has taken place in Nombe village, Terimbere cell, Nyundo sector of Rubavu district in Western Province.
IGIHE has learnt that unidentified thugs tried to force their way into the company’s premises and attempted to assault the security guard which triggered him to shot one of them while another thug ran away.
The Executive Secretary of Nyundo sector, Aron Habimana has confirmed the incident.
“Two thugs armed with machetes stormed the company to rob steel products which they were not doing for the first time. As they reached gates, a security guard stopped them. Instead of obeying his order, they attempted to stab him with their machetes. He shot one thug as a way of self-defense leaving another one running away,” he said.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Thierry B. Murangira has revealed that the security guard aged 42 has been arrested as investigation gets underway.
“RIB has launched investigation to establish circumstances under which the shooting happened,” he noted.
The security guard is detained at Kanama RIB Post awaiting further investigation before transferring his files to the Prosecution.
These include the Minister of the newly created Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana; the Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarak Muganga; the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Juvénal Malizamunda; the Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame urged sworn-in leaders to build on existing achievements and leverage lessons learnt from the past to continue building the nation with self-less dedication.
“Nation building is every Rwandan’s responsibility because this country belongs to all of us. These responsibilities are not new to us. We have experienced a lot to help us not repeat our past mistakes. Instead, we need to devise new, innovative ways that are adept to the times we are in and deliver on our promises,” he said.
“We already have a solid foundation that we must now build on to achieve even more. This is where our country gets its strength,” added Kagame.
Dr. Bizimana who previously served as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) was named Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement on 31st August following the creation of the Ministry on 14th July 2021.
Among others, Lt General Mubarakh Muganga was promoted from the rank of Major General in June this year and appointed Army Chief of Staff.
Marizamunda who also served as the Deputy Commissioner General of Police (DCGP) in charge of Administration and Finance, Juvénal Marizamunda was appointed Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) in April 2021 replacing CGP George Rwigamba who had held the office since March 2016.
Marizamunda was replaced by Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza who had been serving as the RCS Deputy Commissioner General prior her new appointment.
Meanwhile, Jean Paul Nyirubutama who is also among newly sworn in leaders was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Secretary General of NISS.
The campaign is set to run on TV, radio and digital platforms throughout the month of September and is designed to highlight the simplicity of the app, and the advantages of using all the exciting features.
‘’We established early in the year that there was a need for an above the line Pan African campaign to raise the awareness of our Super App and its features” said Olivier Prentout, ayoba Head of Customer Marketing.
He explained that the app will appeal to many on the continent stressing the need to go above the line ‘to raise the profile of our product’ despite its presence for the last 2 years on many digital platforms.
“In building the campaign, we had to look at what unites our African users, rather than what divides them. We had to show them that they can find everything they need in our all-in-one app. This approach has brought us a textured and innovative campaign, and we are very proud of it. We are also very appreciative to launch this campaign with the full support of MTN Rwanda,” noted Prentout.
The TV campaign is supported by radio as well as outdoor, print and on-ground activations through our unique trade tool. The message is simple – ayoba has everything you need in an ‘all-in-one app’.
“This campaign is vibrant and relevant for our market,” commented Yaw Ankoma Agyapong MTN Rwanda Chief Consumer and Digital Officer.
“It’s sure to appeal to all the youth in Rwanda. Today, the adoption of ayoba in Rwanda is still growing, and this campaign couldn’t have come at a better time. A time when we are still socially distanced and unable to enjoy face-to-face interactions, ayoba gives you chat and call options, music, games, news like IGIHE.com and other fun features in one convenient location. It’s truly your all-in-one app. The campaign easily explains how ayoba works and how to join by downloading it on either Google playStore or iOS App store. Once more, using the ayoba application is at no data charge on the MTN network – what better way to stay connected with loved ones.”
Ayoba continues to grow content partnerships with various partners in the country.
Ayoba users now have access to a range of channels from 2020 Tokyo Olympics, allowing subscribers read & watch the ongoing competitions, the latest on the English Premier League, Music Time with the latest in local and international artists, to local media outlets such as Igihe.
{{About ayoba}}
Since its launch in May 2019, ayoba has reached 8 million of monthly active users in June 2021. Ayoba offers users free access to an ecosystem of digital and rich media services through channels, micro-apps and payment solutions, embedded within an African super-app. Ayoba is highly localised and tailored for African and Middle East consumer needs, supporting 22 relevant languages.
Users can send and receive encrypted messages, share photos, videos, files and voice notes and can also subscribe to live channels. Family friendly localised content is available through curated channels aimed at entertaining, educating and empowering communities as well as a range of games. Ayoba is available for Android users on the Google PlayStore, on iOS (AppleStore) as well as the Transsion, Huawei, Samsung and BeMobi stores. Users can also download the app on our website (ayoba.me).
{{About MTN Rwanda}}
MTN Rwandacell PLC (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our footprint and are the country’s No 1 network. MTN Rwanda offers various innovative services to consumers and enterprises, including personalised voice, data, home and fixed connectivity solutions. The company is also the front runner in Mobile Financial Services in Rwanda delivered through its FinTech subsidiary, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Executive Secretary of Gisenyi sector, Jean Bosco Tuyishime has confirmed the accident and advised drivers to remain vigilant.
“The accident took place today morning around 6a.m as the driver approached the town. The vehicle’s brake failed and hit the fence of Gisenyi Hospital leaving one of two persons onboard dead while another one is receiving medical attention. I would like to extend thanks to Police Fire and Rescue department which intervened shortly after the accident,” he said.
Another accident took happened at the same location in February this year when a truck with Tanzanian number plate hit the fence of Gisenyi Hospital claiming two lives.
Zuma, 79, has been serving a 15-month prison sentence since July for contempt of court after defying a summons to appear at an inquiry into corruption during his time in office.
“Medical parole placement for Mr Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, whereby he must comply with a specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires,” South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said in a statement on Sunday.
Last month, Zuma was admitted to an outside hospital where he underwent surgeries for an undisclosed ailment, according to prison authorities.
The DCS said it was “impelled” to grant Zuma medical parole after receiving a medical report.
“Apart from being terminally ill and physically incapacitated, inmates suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activity or self-care can also be considered for medical parole,” the statement said.
The DCS appealed to South Africans “to afford Mr Zuma dignity as he continues to receive medical treatment.”
Deadly violence erupted in South Africa in July after Zuma handed himself in to custody, triggering widespread protests and looting as soldiers and police struggled to restore order. It was some of the worst violence the country had seen in years.
Zuma’s successor, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the unrest was “instigated” and that that he would not allow “anarchy and mayhem to unfold in the country.”
Zuma served as president from 2009 to 2018 and was once widely celebrated as a key figure in the country’s liberation movement. He spent 10 years in prison with anti-apartheid hero and former President Nelson Mandela.
But his nine years in power were marred with allegations of high-level corruption, which he has repeatedly denied.
Zuma is accused of corruption involving three businessmen close to him — brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta — and allowing them to influence government policy, including the hiring and firing of ministers to align with the family’s business interests. The Guptas deny wrongdoing but left South Africa after Zuma was ousted from the presidency.
The report on countries using Spyware was first published by The Washington Post and 16 other news organizations in July this year indicating that 50,000 phone numbers are vulnerable to Spyware attacks.
Pegasus is a spyware developed by the Israeli cyberarms firm NSO Group that can be covertly installed on mobile phones (and other devices) running most versions of iOS and Android.
Rwanda is among countries accused of using the spyware along with Mexico, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Togo, Morocco, India, United States of America (USA), Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
It is said that Rwanda might hack 3500 phone numbers using the technology.
During an exclusive interview with RBA held on Sunday 5th September 2021, Kagame was asked if Rwanda uses Pegasus which he refuted explaining that the country has never owned the technology.
As the report was released, Rwanda was also accused of using the technology to spy on the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Kagame said that some individuals are not happy with revitalizing Rwanda and South relations and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to accuse Rwanda of using Pegasus.
The President stressed that Rwanda has been making clarifications on such false accusations since 2019 noting that the country will continue to demystify biased information.
“If you are saying do you spy with this tool? The answer is a big NO. We don’t have it; therefore, we don’t use it. Does Rwanda do spying? They don’t even have to ask me because they, as individuals or institutions, do spying. This story gained significance or prominence when the name of Rwanda was injected into the whole thing. Spying itself is as old as human beings. There are so many tools used by everybody in this world. But when Rwanda’s name is mentioned it’s for a reason,” he said.
“Why don’t you go to those people who created that spying tool and ask them? They will tell you those who have it and those who don’t have it and you’ll find out that Rwanda doesn’t have it. Of course it is to cause damage to Rwanda. It fits into the whole narrative that has been there for 27 years. We have gone through accusations of all kinds. We have had to explain ourselves. We will always do what we think is right for ourselves and explain things that are not true,” added Kagame.
Rwanda refuted similar allegations in 2019 after Facebook Inc accused NSO Group from Israel of using Pegasus spyware to hack people’s phones.
At the time, it was said that the country targets opposition figures and human rights activists.
Speaking to the media in 2019, President Paul Kagame explained that Rwanda does intelligence on enemies highlighting that the country can’t spend money to use that technology deemed costly.
Hamez has been serving as the Managing Director for Airtel DRC, a position he held for four years. While at the helm of Airtel DRC, Mr. Hamez grew Airtel’s customer base, ensuring investments were targeted at achieving the goals and objectives of the organisation.
He was instrumental in building a strong and sustainable business, setting up 4G and rolling out data network in addition to deepening Airtel’s investments in the DRC.
Hamez has extensive experience in the African telecommunications market having held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Econet Leo in Burundi, Managing Director Expresso at Telecom Senegal and Chief Executive Officer of Sudani Mobile.
Hamez has also served as Group Chief Technical Officer of Sudani Sudan, Managing Director of Celtel Congo B, Group Operations Manager of Celtel Africa, based in the Netherlands.
Through a statement released today; Raghunath Mandava, the CEO of Airtel Africa welcomed Hamez onboard and wished success for the outgoing Managing Director in his future endeavors.
“We are confident that Emmanuel’s strong track record and depth of telecommunications experience makes him a good choice to best serve our valued customers in Rwanda as Managing Director. I would also like to thank Amit for his contribution as he moves on to other endeavors. He was instrumental in leading the Merger & Acquisition integration of Tigo and Airtel and has also worked closely with all stakeholders to enable a collaborative working relationship,” he said.
