Pierre Celestin Ndayizeye, 37, a driver, was arrested by the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) and Border Security Unit (BSU) officers at about 5pm. He was sneaking the sacks of used clothes into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a tipper truck.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that Ndayizeye was arrested at La Corniche One Stop Border Post in Gisenyi town.
He added that Ndayizeye had transported sand to Goma in DRC and loaded the sacks of second-hand clothes on the way back.
“RPU had prior information that Ndayizeye had loaded unknown quantities of clothes in Goma, where he had transported sand at a construction site. The vehicle was checked on his return at the border post and recovered the seven sacks of used clothes. Ndayizeye was arrested, the goods and vehicle also impounded as the law specifies,” CIP Karekezi said.
In article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, any automobile used in smuggling and seized smuggled goods are auctioned while the driver is fined US$5,000.
Ndayizeye disclosed that he was hired by one he only identified as Patrick to transport the sacks of clothes from DRC.
CIP Karekezi thanked the resident, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspected smuggler and seizure of the smuggled goods.
{{Tax fraud}}
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.
This new vaccination drive launches as Rwanda achieves the milestone of one million people vaccinated against COVID-19, and will see Kigali reaching over 90% vaccination coverage for 18 years and above in the next two weeks.
In addition to 37 sites in local government offices across the three Kigali districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge, mobile teams will go door to door to administer doses to people with mobility challenges including the elderly, people with disabilities as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers.
According to a statement released today, people who received a first dose earlier this month are also reminded to return to their respective facilities across Kigali for their second dose.
Kigali, which generates close to 50% of Rwanda’s national GDP, has been hit particularly hard and went into lockdown three times since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Rwanda plans to vaccinate 30 per cent of the population by the end of 2021 and continues efforts to acquire sufficient doses through direct purchases and other arrangements, to ensure as many Rwandans as possible are protected from COVID-19.
The Government has thanked Rwandans for their continued support and participation in the fight against COVID-19, as well as partner states and institutions that have contributed vaccines and other material to assist in the management of the pandemic in Rwanda.
First Lady Jeannette Kagame made the call on Friday August 20, 2021 as she co-chaired the first virtual AAB meeting of the UGHE along with Prof. Senait Fisseha, the Director of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
The duo was named to chair UGHE African Advisory Board recently on 14th August 2021.
Speaking at the first meeting held virtually, the First Lady requested board members to continue striving for transformations of the health sector leveraging lessons learnt from COVID-19.
“I am extending to you an invitation to keep trailblazing a new and health centered path forward, because 2020 taught us many lessons on how interconnected we are as a global community. We can no longer afford to maintain the status quo,” she said.
UGHE is an institution that strives to train the next generation of global health professionals committed to providing equitable healthcare for all in Africa and beyond, with a focus on the most vulnerable. The creation of the AAB is critical to ensuring that UGHE’s work is informed by the local context vis-a-vis the wealth of knowledge and experience of African leaders on the continent.
Prof. Senait Fisseha highlighted that the opening of the university in Rwanda was an optimal choice.
“It is no accident that the University of Global Health Equity was born in Rwanda, which has for so long been a beacon of hope and an inspiration not just for those of us on the continent, but globally. This is what resilience, perseverance, and the road map to equity looks like,” he said.
During the meeting, the board members pledged to support UGHE to educate young leaders to be able to strengthen health sectors as a pillar of economic development and stability worldwide, especially in Africa. With this far-reaching mission, they are ready to accompany UGHE as it implements flexible and innovative solutions to address complex global health issues on the African continent and beyond. They will also advise on the creation of research and the needed types of professionals, as well as the collaboration required for future self-reliance based on Africa’s health needs.
Prof. Agnes Binagwaho, Vice- Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity said that the university looks forward to continuing the dialogue expected to ‘provide invaluable recommendations to UGHE as it works to attain excellence in global health education’.
“Ultimately, we hope that this provision of quality education will improve the health of the population worldwide, especially that of the most vulnerable in Africa,” she noted.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of synergizing regional efforts and improving the quality and quantity of the healthcare workforce and delivery, to guide the way forward for the institution’s strategic development to build healthcare systems in Africa and other parts of the world.
Other participants include Prof. Paul Farmer, the Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity who stressed the need to work hard to position UGHE as one important legacy of the Rwandan renaissance.
Inaugurated in 2018, UGHE releases graduates with Bachelor and Master’s in global health sciences.
UGHE focuses on quality, innovation and scientific-based learning and requires that students learn from and live within the communities facing the aforementioned constraints to healthcare access. By situating the university in the rural North of Rwanda, it provides proximity education that exposes our students to the challenges that they will be tasked to address on the continent.
Through a community-based learning approach that leverages community members as teachers, students are equipped with a deep understanding of the needs of the vulnerable, positioning them to adequately address them in their future professional life. By applying these principles, UGHE breaks down traditional boundaries between academic disciplines, fostering interprofessional teaching and learning.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled on 23rd August 2021.
The MGHD’21 Commencement represents the culmination of an intensive year at UGHE, with learning centered on quality, innovation and science. The master’s curriculum deliberately knits together the often-siloed areas of global health, including research development, epidemiology, implementation science, One Health, gender equity, history, anthropology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business management, ensuring its graduates become holistic thinkers and changemakers.
UGHE’s position in the rural north of Rwanda affords students the opportunity to learn from and live among Burera District communities which, in turn, helps them critically examine the challenges faced by the communities they live in, through cultural, historical and societal analysis.
“We are proud of our students, whom we have equipped with the knowledge and skills to be among the leaders who will help transform the world and promote the conditions for equitable, quality, and holistic health service delivery for all. The world needs such global health experts, especially today given the current global situation, with climate change leading to natural disasters such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and forest fires. These natural disasters have several consequences, among others, increased hunger and malnutrition, mass displacement, a more precarious situation for the lives of vulnerable people, and increased risks for illness such as those linked to poor management of environmental, animal, and human health that we have seen with COVID-19 and its catastrophic global consequences. All of these facts are rolling back gains in population health outcomes, and our students are equipped to stop and reverse this trend,” said Prof. Agnes Binagwaho, Vice Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity.
In alignment with robust national measures to curb COVID-19 transmission, UGHE was pleased to offer learning in a blended learning format, combining online training via a sophisticated e-learning platform, COVID-19 compliant field visits, and dynamic classroom study leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities on campus. With authorization from the Government of Rwanda, Butaro Campus remained open and operational during the pandemic thanks to robust prevention measures enforced onsite, ensuring critical learning continued uninterrupted. Like their alumni predecessors, this year’s intake benefitted from tailored training from UGHE’s network of world-class faculty, as well as well as community and faith-based leaders, community health workers and, of course, their diverse cohort.
“The role of our students as the future’s global health changemakers is now more critical than ever as emerging diseases have and continue to threaten the lives of the most vulnerable. Our students leave with the resolute commitment and competency to provide an equitable voice for the historically unvoiced and underserved, and the educational tools to fulfil this challenging, yet pivotal role in the development and innovation of global health systems,” stated Prof. Abebe Bekele, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic & Research Affairs, University of Global Health Equity.
UGHE’s educational mission, and its growing network of alumni, is more vital than ever. The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations globally, exacerbated shortages of trained health professionals, and highlighted the need for increased research and manufacturing capacity in low-and middle-income countries to bolster development of life-saving drugs, equipment and now, vaccines. Educating the next generation of compassionate health leaders, skilled clinicians, innovative researchers, scientists, and implementers is critical to driving this forward. This year’s graduates depart UGHE equipped with the needed skills and expertise to not only repair inequitable health systems, but also to strengthen them, leveraging firsthand learnings from Rwanda’s successful crisis response.
“We have always prepared ourselves to react according to the science of the day and the need to keep our working teams galvanised to navigate new territory and to always serve our students, employees, contractors and the surrounding community with quality, security, while keeping them safe. During the last year and half, UGHE has constantly evaluated and responded to each challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have continuously thought innovatively about organisational structure, supporting all of us so that we could thrive in the face of global uncertainty by planning with a delicate balance for equitable solutions for immediate positive outcomes for all, while securing the future. We are proud to have done it and to have secured continuous authorisation for UGHE to remain safely operational with quality and equity as our guides,” noted Rogers Muragije, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administrative and Financial Affairs, University of Global Health Equity.
In respect of COVID-19 measures, this year’s commencement will be the second to take place virtually, welcoming friends, families, and supporters of the graduates to celebrate the significant milestones this cohort has achieved despite uncertain global circumstances. A small event will take place on campus.
UGHE is honored to welcome an esteemed line-up of speakers to the ceremony, the elected student representatives, the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, the Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, and a keynote address from Dr John Nkengasong currently serves as the first Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). UGHE’s Chancellor, Dr. Paul Farmer, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Agnes Binagwaho, the Dean of the School of Medicine and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic & Research Affairs, Prof. Abebe Bekele, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administrative & Financial Affairs, Rogers Muragije, Dr. Rex Wong, Associate Professor and Director, Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health will also speak to audiences within the ceremony.
Now, at a time when their skills are needed most, they enter a new chapter as global health leaders, eager to apply their learnings and enact fundamental change in their respective communities, and around the world to contribute to create resilient health delivery system. They join an MGHD alumni network of leaders who situate the institution at the forefront of a collective struggle to advance health equity and accelerate the dissemination of discovery and innovation in global health.
UGHE looks forward to welcoming a new intake of master’s students this September representing 13 countries globally, who will continue to drive forward this mission.
With presence of dense forests, Mbau is located in 45 kilometers away from Mocimboa da Praia.
It was reportedly used by rebels for training of recruits. Following days of intense fighting, the joint forces seized Mbau on Friday 20th August 2021.
As they attacked Mbau, Rwandan and Mozambican troops maneuvered through Mocimboa da Praia and Mueda.
Before entering Mbau, RDF and Mozambican troops exchanged fire with approximately 100 rebels. The fight left several rebels killed while others escaped.
Eleven of killed rebels were found on the battle ground.
The joint troops also seized weapons including Submachine Guns (SMGs) among others.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Col Ronald Rwivanga has told IGIHE that operations to defeat insurgencies are ongoing despite the victory in Mbua.
“We have quelled rebels and seized the region but operations are ongoing,” he said.
IGIHE has learnt that Rwandan troops started operations on Tuesday and followed tracks left by rebels as they fled with their vehicles from Mocimboa da Praia also seized recently.
The remaining regions under control of rebels include Siri I and Siri II.
During the ongoing fight, liberated regions are left under protection of Police forces as soldiers advance to chase out rebels.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique, recently on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked ISIL.
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops have started yielding where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Zambia, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu have been seized from rebels.
The land linked East African nation has over the years seen more than 80 per cent of its exports and imports passing through the seaport which handles over 90 per cent of Tanzania’s cargo traffic.
Fielding questions from reporters , Rwanda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Major General Charles Karamba said the Port of Dar es Salaam plays a significant role in Rwanda’s economy.
According to Major General Karamba, Rwanda continues to depend on the seaport for its imports and exports.
“It is a very important point for Rwanda and I’ve been routinely meeting senior port officials with a view of scaling up the use of the port,” asserted the envoy after he paid the East African Business Council (EABC) a courtesy call.
Rwanda uses the Port of Dar es Salaam for much of her inbound and outbound cargo, through what is commonly known as the Central Corridor.
Rwanda remains the leading country within the East African Community capitalising on the presence of the Dar es Salaam Port.
It boasts of about one million tonnes of cargo recorded at the port per year, according to Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) figures.
Burundi depends on the port for 99.2 per cent of its international cargo while the figure for Rwanda is 86 per cent, comprising both imports and exports.
It is estimated that about 90 per cent of Tanzania’s international trade transactions depend on Dar port.
Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and eastern DR Congo are the target destinations for cargo offloaded at the principal port.
In 2018, Tanzania and Rwanda agreed on joint construction of a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Isaka (northwestern Tanzania) to Kigali, a move which will facilitate movement of goods between the East African neighbours.
Earlier, EABC Executive Director John Bosco Kalisa informed the envoy that the regional apex body of Private Sector associations and corporates had established a Technical Working Group (TWG) which is meant to spearhead initiatives that will benefit the private sector in East Africa.
TWG will also be crucial in providing a platform for addressing concerns raised by the business community in the region.
“We’ve had support and vision from our Heads of State and we are very optimistic that it will address challenges that impede trade within the EAC,” he explained.
Following his demise, friends and Rwandans eulogized him as a man of peace who strived for everyone’s progress irrespective of their background.
Edouard Bamporiki, the State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Culture has said that Amb. Habineza was a valuable person who had become an intimate friend apart from official duties.
Speaking to IGIHE, Bamporiki revealed that he sought advice from Amb. Habineza as a person who had long-standing experience.
“He is my minister. I knew him before when I was seeking his support to promote my artistic talent. It happens that a talented artiste might not have an opportunity to directly engage with the minister. I visited him for the first time being with an American called Lee Isaac Chung as we planned to produce Munyurangabo film,” he said.
“Joe was pleased to see a native from Nyamasheke being with an American talking about film projects. I later called him via provided phone number informing that our film had won an award. He helped us to get travel documents to receive the award in USA. This reflects his humility,” added Bamporiki.
He explained that Habineza continued to support his works of arts and enjoyed the privilege of becoming his intimate friend.
“The most important thing people can learn from him is humility. I know him as a humble person who assumed duties in difficult conditions. He particularly played a major role in sports where he brought foreign celebrities and worked hard to uphold culture in tough times,” he said.
Bamporiki revealed that he was saddened by the passing of Amb. Habineza as someone with whom they had built strong relationship.
“Hearing that Joe Habineza has died at such younger age is beyond imagination,” he said.
Bamporiki expressed optimism that Habineza’s kind heart and friendly interactions with members of the society give hope that he has gone to Heaven.
“His kind heart, compassion, love and humanity that characterized him gives us hope that we shall meet him again as believers because he has been granted seat in Heaven,” he noted.
Aimable Karirima Ngarambe, a journalist representing IGIHE in Europe and the United States knew Habineza since 1988.
At the time, both Karirima and Habineza were players of Electrogaz Volleyball Club and later played together in Amasata Volleyball Club between 1994 and 1995.
“I knew him as a professional and disciplined player who was always characterized by kind heart. He was friendly and interactive with everyone around. In fact, he was always charming” he stressed.
“He was a ardent player during exercises and matches. Such qualities continued to characterize him at work. I remember one day when he denied wearing the jersey of Electrogaz because it carried the names of Pepsi Cola which sponsored the team. Habineza was avoiding to promote products of a competitor because he was working with Bralirwa,” he added.
Karirima also highlighted that Habineza will always be remembered for his good attributes as a bright, amiable, disciplined and humble person.
Joseph Habineza was born in Kamonyi district in Southern Province on 3rd October 1964.
He served in various positions where he worked with Heineken in Kinshasa between1994-1998 and headed the digital power arm of Heineken in Nigeria between1998-2000.
Habineza started his political career in 2004 after returning from Nigeria. At the time, he was appointed the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.
In 2008, the Ministry was split into the separate institutions where Habineza continued to assume duties as the Minister of Sports and Culture until 2011.
He was later appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Nigeria and Ghana.
Habineza rejoined the cabinet in 2014 following his new appointment as the Minister of Sports and Culture. He held the position for 183 days and replaced on 24th February 2015.
In November 2016, Habineza started own businesses where he was involved in the wholesale of noodles produced from Egypt based firm known as Antoniou.
He was appointed the CEO of Radiant Yacu Ltd in 2019 and left the position in August 2020.
{{Contribution to Miss Rwanda, music industry}}
Ishimwe Dieudonné, the Managing Director of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up which organizes Miss Rwanda contest is among people with indelible memories to late Habineza.
“I knew him when he was re-appointed the Minister of Sports and Culture at a time when we were organizing Miss Rwanda. I had heard many people describing him as a kind person but I had not yet witnessed the reality until I worked with him and realized how he was friendly and social interactive to everyone,” he said.
“It is also important to mention his brilliance. He was clever and constantly worked hard to bring innovations. I remember some days when we would feel desperate saying that some works are beyond our capacity. He instead encouraged us to push through insisting that we can make it. We followed his tips and succeeded,” added Ishimwe.
He stressed that Habineza was honest and humble man who strived for positive development of everyone around him.
“He was a righteous man who always stood for the truth. It is hard to believe that he has died but one sure thing is that he was a blessing to everyone who met with him. Habineza leaves a good legacy. I also take this time to condole with his children and the bereaved family during these difficult times,” said Inshimwe.
Joseph Mushyoma [Boubou]; the CEO of East African Promoters (EAP), an event management company which organizes concerts including Iwacu Muzika Festival among others described Habineza as a great icon who contributed to the growth of music industry.
“If you remember well, he closely followed up artistes; he was enthusiastic about arts and music and warmly welcomed everyone seeking his support. He was a peaceful man who lived in harmony with others, valuing everyone’s views and offering advice where necessary. As he worked with Radiant, he was among EAP partners with whom we toured the country together. Our industry loses an important and experienced person,” he said.
Singer Mani Martin is also among artistes who are grateful for the support of late Habineza to the growth of music industry.
“Joe Habineza was an outstanding person to me. His higher ranking positions didn’t favor arrogance. He however, interacted with everyone. He played a big role to my career development and Rwandan music industry at large,” he said.
As he started Kesho Band in 2011, Mani Martin sought advice from Habineza introducing him to his engagement in live performances.
“He gave me a message of encouragement that paved the way for my success. I owe the current progress to him in no smaller part,” he revealed.
“His death is a great loss,” added Mani Martin.
{{Social media users mourn Habineza}}
Rwanda’s embassy in Germany has also sent condolences via Twitter handle notoing that Habineza will be missed.
” RIP Joe – you will be missed. It was a pleasure and honor to work with you, particularly in sports. Condolences to the family and loved ones left behind,” reads the tweet.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Shema Maboko Didier also condoled with the bereaved family.
“I am saddened by the passing of Joe Habineza. May your soul Rest in Eternal peace. Sports fraternity will always remember you,” he tweeted.
The President of FERWAFA, Olivier Nizeyimana also wished him to rest in eternal peace.
“FERWAFA President, Olivier Nizeyimana and everyone at FERWAFA is saddened by the passing of former Sports Minister, Amb Joseph Habineza. The football fraternity stands with his family in these despairing times. Rest well Joe,” the federation tweeted.
The Director-General of the National Rehabilitation Service (NRS), Fred Mufulukye also said that Habineza will always be membered for his humility and comforted the bereaved family.
“Heartfelt condolences to Joe Habineza’s family. We will always treasure the memories of your simplicity and warmth. Your gentle soul will always be in our hearts. RIP Joe,” he tweeted.
CP Bizimungu made the call on Friday, August 20 as he visited the RWAPSU base camp in the capital Bangui.
At Mamica RWAPSU base camp, the Head of MINUSCA Police component was given a presentation of the unit’s deployments and operational activities.
CP Bizimungu appreciated their contribution to security and peace in CAR. He reminded them that high level of discipline and team work are inevitable factors for a successful peacekeeping duty and urged them to maintain the spirit and the good work they are doing.
MINUSCA, he said, will continue to support Police units to address any challenges that may affect their performance in the execution of peacekeeping responsibilities.
This is part of CP Bizimungu’s visit to all Police units deployed under MINUSCA having taken over as the new Head of the Police Component in late June.
RWAPSU 1-6 of 140 Police officers was deployed in Bangui in May. The unit is assigned to perform various VIP tasks including close protection of the Prime Minister, President of the National Assembly and Minister of Justice.
The Rwandan unit is also charged with close protection to the UN Special Respresentative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to MINUSCA and static guard at his residence as well as the protection of the two deputy SRSGs
They also conduct other assigned tasks including escort duties but also support the local communities in human security activities.
RWAPSU is one of the three Rwandan Police contingents deployed in CAR with two of them composed of 140 officers and another Formed Police Unit (FPU) of 180 officers.
The statement released last night shows that 380 people have caught the virus out of 12772 sample tests.
A total of 419,715 people have been fully vaccinated while 980,082 received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th 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.
They include 31 officers of Rwanda National Police (RNP), five from Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and three from Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP/AP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, presided over the graduation of the eighth intake.
While speaking at the closing of the course, DIGP Ujeneza said that training is one of the essential tools to equip officers with professional knowledge and skills that match with the operating context required in the contemporary policing dynamics and challenges.
“The contemporary dynamics and challenges in policing environment require that security and law enforcement personnel at all levels to be equipped with necessary tools in terms of professional knowledge and skills that match the context they are operating in,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
This, she added, is the reason they were selected by their respective institutions to attend the course.
DIG Ujeneza observed that the training offered a unique golden opportunity to build on their competencies towards professionalism and urged them create positive impact in the performance of their respective institutions.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Flora Niyongira, who was awarded as the overall best trainee, said that the course enriched her understanding in command, operational and tactical policing.
The Police Junior Command and Staff Course is a middle level training designed to equip junior officers with necessary skills to effectively perform command and staff responsibilities at operational and tactical levels.
