The deceased include two-month old baby, woman aged 40 and 37-year old man from Kigali. Others are two women aged 75 and 84 from Rubavu district as well as 36-year old man from Huye.
The statement released last night shows that 622 people have caught the virus out of 5342 sample tests. The majority of new cases was found in Kigali: 305, Kamonyi: 40, Rubavu: 35, Gicumbi: 27, Nyabihu: 24, Burera: 24, Rwamagana: 22, Musanze: 21,Rutsiro:17 and Rulindo: 17.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 31 435 have been tested positive of whom 26704 have recovered, 4343 are active cases, 13 are critically ill while 388 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 390,848 people have been vaccinated 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.
Baptism parties are among the prohibited events and social gatherings under the government directives meant to contain the pandemic of Covid-19.
The were paraded to the media on Monday, June 21, at Nyarugenge District Police Unit offices in Rwezamenyo Sector.
The violators were found at the home of one Jean Marie Nizeyimana located in Ruyenzi Cell, Runda Sector.
Nizeyimana had invited friends and relatives for the christening party of his two children.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that Police was called in by concerned area residents.
“Two of Nizeyimana’s children had on June 9, received sacrament of baptism and Eucharist but did not hold the party at the time. He invited friends and relatives on June 20, to celebrate the admission to the faith of his children. Fortunate enough, some responsible residents called the Police to report the prohibited gathering leading to the arrest of 11 of them,” CP Kabera said.
He commended the role of the public in the enforcement of the government directives by reporting violators.
“We remind the public that Covid-19 is still in our midst and still claiming lives, there is no room for complacency. Any violation can be fatal. All ceremonies and gatherings at homes are prohibited and you will be arrested for non-compliance,” CP Kabera said.
He warned that Police heightened enforcement operations against anyone flouting the Covid-19 prevention directives.
The violators were educated on the government directives and health measures, and handed administrative fines accordingly.
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The resolutions are part of other stringent measures taken to control the up surging COVID-19 cases and deaths.
The meeting was chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro.
“Movements are prohibited between 7p.m-4a.m. All businesses must close by 6p.m. Movements between Kigali and other provinces and movements between districts across the country are prohibited except for medical reasons and other essential services. However, vehicles transporting goods will continue to operate with no more than two people on board,” reads part of the cabinet statement released today
New measures follow steady upsurge in COVID-19 infections where the country has recorded 3153 new cases since 11th June 2021.
The statement also shows that physical meetings will continue but must not exceed 30% of venue capacity. Negative COVID-19 test results will be required for all participants.
All social gatherings and celebrations of all kinds have been prohibited both in public and private settings.
Traditional, civil and religious weddings have been suspended.
Public offices will continue with essential staff at no more than 15% percent of all employees while others continue working from home on a rotational basis.
Restaurants and cafés shall operate at 30% capacity and shall receive clients until 6pm. Negative COVID-19 test results will be required for designated restaurants.
Among other measures, tourism activity will continue in strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services facilitating guests.
The month-long campaign was launched on 1 June 2021, by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda, and other partners to promote positive parenting.
In the video released today by UNICEF Rwanda; Ange Kagame, the daughter of President Paul Kagame talked about how a baby’s brain develops most in the first 1,000 days at a pace never repeated again.
The mother of one also highlighted the role of both parents, male and female in the overall development of their baby.
In the earliest years of life, a child’s brain develops at an astounding speed of more than 1 million new neural connections every second.
This period offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape a child’s ability to learn, grow, form healthy relationships, and contribute fully to society in adulthood.
Parents are the key providers of health, nutrition, stimulation, opportunities for early learning, and protection that babies need for healthy brain development. Another area where parents can contribute significantly to a child’s development is by playing with the baby.
This helps babies learn and build crucial life skills – from problem-solving to expressing ideas – and strengthening the bond between child and parent.
Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs in the world and now COVID-19 has placed even more pressure on parents and caregivers to support their children’s learning and development, keep their households functioning, and look after their families’ wellbeing.
The video explains the various techniques such as ‘serve and return’ that parents can use to strengthen their bond with their babies while ensuring their holistic development.
Commenting on the provisional financial results released recently for the period ended 31st March 2021 ; John Bugunya, the Chief Finance Officer at Cimerwa Plc explained that the plant’s position in the first half of the year ‘paints an encouraging picture of what our financials will look like at the end of 2021’.
“Despite the effects of the lockdown that went into effect during the first quarter of this year, we were able to record strong revenue and profit and maintain a healthy cash balance of Rwf 8.7 billion. This speaks volumes on our resilience in the face of difficulties and challenges,” he said.
Cimerwa Plc also recorded Rwf 1.02 billion decrease in cost of sales which was buoyed by efficiencies in plant operations and prudent cost-saving measures.
Albert Sigei, Cimerwa Plc CEO explained that recorded revenues were driven by investments and market growth.
“The domestic market continues to show a good growth trajectory driven by infrastructure investments across the country while the export market also grew during the period. Amidst this wave of growth, our market position remains strong and steady and we are gearing up to make it even more robust. The noticeable increase in our inventories is a deliberate and strategic move to ensure that we are ready and able to supply the market with cement as we continue to support the government’s infrastructure development agenda as a proud ‘Made in Rwanda’ company,” noted Sigei.
The management of Cimerwa Plc has asserted that the plant continues to observe strict COVID prevention measures in line with the guidelines from the health experts such as the 1-meter rule, masks-on and hand washing rules and a strong vaccination effort that has seen over 200 staff taking COVID-19 jab.
“Our good results during this period demonstrates CIMERWA Plc’s ability to ride the wave of challenges that were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This however is a collaborative effort that starts from the exceptionally skilled pool of people who work for this company, a competent and devoted board of directors and our supportive stakeholders. All of this puts us in a position to keep delivering on the promise we made to our customers, our shareholders and the country at large to continue Strengthening Rwanda,” noted Sigei.
{{About Cimerwa}}
Established in 1984, Cimerwa Plc has over three decades worth of experience as Rwanda’s first and only integrated cement manufacturer. The firm’s production plant is located in Bugarama, Rusizi District near the South Western border of Rwanda.
Cimerwa Plc is the only cement company in Rwanda to mine raw materials, produce the clinker concentrate, pack and sell cement for general and civil construction. Cimerwa Plc is committed to building strong partnerships with leaders and members of the local community. In the process, the firm has helped set up a number of initiatives geared at improving the livelihoods of the people.
These include a nursery and primary school, medical clinic, a market, a tailoring workshop and providing them with clean, piped water among many others.
The virtual graduation ceremony took place on Friday 18th June 2021 in adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures.
The graduates were supposed to complete their studies in 2020, but this was not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These graduates are from Akilah Institute, one of the two colleges of Davis College which focuses on empowerment of women.
The Interim President of Davis College, Paul Swaga revealed that the graduates have been equipped with all the necessary skills relevant to make them successful at the workplace.
“I expect a lot from these graduates because we have prepared them well enough. I am convinced that they will bring positive changes at the workplace. Some of them have conceptualized projects which they are set to implement, thus, impacting the community through job creation,” he noted.
Swaga explained that the graduates will also play a bigger role in the transformation of the lives of other women who did not get the opportunity to study at Davis College and Akilah.
“ When some of these graduates start their own businesses, they will impact the community as more women will get job opportunities. Others who will work with various companies are also expected to deliver efficiently because they have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge,” he revealed.
Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes, a co-founder of Davis College and Akilah who graced the graduation ceremony thanked graduates for exhibiting team work amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
“ You have exhibited strength , resilience and togetherness, team work spirit, developed your leadership, management and other impactful skills bringing changes to the community amidst uncertainties brought by the pandemic. This has been an unusual year. We commend you for soldiering on in difficult times,” she said.
The State Minister at the Ministry of Education in Charge of TVET and ICT , Irere Claudette who was the guest of honour at the event, congratulated graduates and thanked the school for helping students during difficult times.
“This year has presented unusual circumstances to all of us, particularly to the education sector. We voice appreciation for your courage and achievements. I would also like to commend the management of Davis College and Akilah for helping graduates to complete their journey successfully,” she said.
Graduates expressed delight for acquiring the knowledge relevant for them to effectively compete at the labour market.
“I am extremely happy for this great achievement despite the tough moments and sleepless nights we went through. I am ready to deliver on the expectations along my professional career,” said Iqra Naeem, the Valedictorian for the Class of 2020
Another graduate, Mari Grace Ishimwe also highlighted that the school unleashed her potential to break social and cultural constraints which limit girls from performing to their full potential.
“I was pleased to join the institute as soon as I realized its uniqueness. I became self-confident and attended the ICT program which many assume not to be suitable for girls. I exhibited good performance, and I am ready to compete at the labour market,” she revealed.
The school has graduated eight intakes since 2010.
In September 2020, Davis College launched another college for both male and female students which operates alongside the Akilah Institute.
Davis College graduates students with diplomas in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Systems, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
JCI is an international Non-Governmental Organization that builds the capacity of the youth through training in entrepreneurship, leadership, fellowship and self-responsibility in over 115 countries.
The organization opened doors to Rwanda in 2005 where it has 200 members.
The event coincided with the visit of Zandile Makhoba, JCI Vice President for Africa and Middle East who is in Rwanda for five days.
As she visited the memorial with JCI Rwanda team, Makhoba called on the youth to learn from what happened to prevent reoccurrence of Genocide.
“You feel pain after visiting the memorial. I have seen messages of Genocide survivors and pictures of the extreme cruelty. It is clear that helping survivors to rebuild is a long journey but it reminds everyone of responsibility to strive for a peaceful world and unity. Rwandans should build their hope upon self-reliance to shape their future,” she said.
“It should be our collective responsibility to prevent reoccurrence of the dark past. We should take the lead as Africans and think about possible impact before reacting. As this year’s theme goes ‘remember-unite-renew’, we need to strive for that resilience. The youth needs to learn from this history and should always remember their responsibility to shape Rwanda’s better future,” added Makhoba.
The President of JCI Rwanda, Origene Igiraneza also reminded the youth to stand united and strive for positive transformations to the community.
“As Rwandans, remembering is a responsibility to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. It is also an opportune moment for the youth to reflect on what happened and seek how best we can bring positive changes. It also leaves a lesson to concert efforts for good causes, strive for peace, and fight Genocide ideology in Rwanda and elsewhere across the world. The country can only progress when we work together to build a common identity and a peaceful country,” he stated.
The commemoration continued through virtual event featuring talks on how the youth should actively be involved in the fight against Genocide ideology and helping trauma victims during commemoration events.
As part of the partnership, Ghana will supply processed organic cocoa in a form of coca nibs or cocoa Liquor as shall be determined.
Rwanda will also establish a formulation plant in Ghana for the production of organic pyrethrum-based pesticides for crop protection, veterinary use and public health.
This will help cut on transportation costs and bring affordable organic products closer to the Ghanaian farmers.
Madam Ariella Kageruka, the Head of Tourism and Conversation Department, Rwanda Development Board disclosed this on Saturday as part of recommendations from Ghana-Rwanda familiarisation tours between the two countries.
She said both countries have agreed to undertake a collaborative research on pyrethrum and Cocoa to ensure greater yields to the benefit of farming communities in Rwanda and Ghana.
“In order to facilitate easier access to Rwanda and Ghana markets, we recommend urgent establishment of an MoU between product registration and standard agencies of both countries,” she said.
Ghanaian officials between March 14 and 20, 2021 embarked on a familiarization tour to Rwanda while a 32-member delegation of Rwandan officials also visited Ghana from June 13 to 20, 2021 to explore business opportunities.
The two countries have also agreed to forge partnerships between tourism stakeholders to develop Rwanda – Ghana joint packages for international tourism.
Other areas to explore include the creative art industry, travel and hospitality sector, education, culture and agriculture.
Nana Sarfo Kantanka, the Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, said both countries were proud product of great leadership and pledged to maintain the relationship to bring sustainable development to the citizenry.
He said the policy environment to be spearheaded by both countries was critical to realisation of these partnerships in boosting trade and investment.
The Special Adviser called for support from stakeholders for the collaboration to succeed, adding that Ghana- Rwanda had set the tone for others to follow.
Ms Afua Asabea Asare, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, said the collaboration between the two countries was the beginning of the journey to explore more business opportunities.
She called for commitment between the two countries for the partnership to work, saying “we need to operationalize these concepts to be fruitful.”
Mr Akwasi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, said government had laid a good foundation and charged the private sector operators to make the partnership work.
He said multi- destination tourism was necessary to position the African brand on the global map.
Dr Aisa Krabo Kacyira, the Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana, commended Ghana for the warm reception, describing it as a passionate moment to uphold the dignity of Africa.
She was confident that the collaboration would succeed to ensure the effective realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Rwanda’s Presidency has via Twitter handle revealed that Kagame also met with Teklay Teame, CEO of Simba Supermarket.
Kuok Khoon Hong was accompanied by Santosh Pillai, Wilmar International Head for Africa.
Before meeting with Kagame, Kuok Khoon Hong held talks with the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi.
Even though areas of discussions with the Head of State were not mentioned, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) revealed via Twitter account that Wilmar International wants to open doors to Rwanda.
RDB explained that the group intends to invest in manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, among others.
Wilmar International Limited, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Singapore, is today Asia’s leading agribusiness group. Wilmar is ranked amongst the largest listed companies by market capitalisation on the Singapore Exchange.
Wilmar’s business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, manufacturing of consumer products, specialty fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertilisers as well as flour and rice milling.
