Private Muhuba was intercepted by RDF day patrol on Saturday 12th June 2021 around 14:45 in Majyambere village, Kamanyana cell, Cyanika sector, Burera District of Northern Province.
Following his arrest, RDF announced that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) was dressed in UPDF camouflage uniform, armed with a Medium Machine Gun (MMG) with its 100 rounds, 01 Binocular, 1 cell phone and his military Identification documents.
The soldier was handed back to Uganda on Sunday 13th June 2021 around 7 p.m. at Cyanika border in Burera district with all his belongings.
As Pte Muhuba was returned to Uganda, he revealed that he was impressed with how Rwanda treated him humanely.
“I was on duty when I found myself on Rwanda’s land. Rwanda’s soldier called me and showed me that I have crossed border demarcations. I was intercepted and treated gently that I am safe. I am excited to return to my homeland,” he said.
The Ugandan soldier was handed back through Rwanda’s Immigration and Emmigration Office at Cyanika border.
Captain Peter Mugisha who led Uganda’s delegation receiving the soldier thanked Rwanda for smoothly coordinating the repatriation.
“We voice our appreciation to Rwanda for efforts to solve the issue amicably and facilitating the repatriation process. We are pleased to see our soldier returning safely. It reflects Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining smooth cooperation,” he said.
Pte Muhuba serves in Battalion 32 operating in Nyakabande county of Uganda.
Under the new directives, which will be reviewed after two weeks, movements are prohibited between 9pm and 4am, all businesses must close by 8pm and passenger service vehicles should not exceed 50% capacity.
Places of worship adhering to health guidelines will continue to function at 30% maximum occupancy, down from 50% during the previous weeks. Gyms will be allowed to resume activities without exceeding 10% of maximum occupancy observing guidelines, with a detailed schedule to be communicated by the Ministry of Sport.
Dr. Daniel Ngamije, the Ministry of Health said the government reviewed the directives due to the spike in new Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks.
Over the last seven days alone, 935 new cases were registered with active cases increasing from 660 on June 6, to 1435 cases as of June 12.
“Between April and May, Minister Ngamije said daily new cases were not exceeding 50. However, new daily reported cases have increased to more than four-folds as of June 12.
At least 284 new cases were registered on June 12, and 202 recorded the previous day on June 11. The majority cases are recorded in City of Kigali and Rubavu District, according to the Minister.
Out of 284 cases registered on Saturday, 75 were in Rubavu, 71 in Kigali and 27 in Musanze.
Minister Ngamije attributed the spike to people, who undermine the directives and safety guidelines including prohibited gatherings, Rwandan nationals returning from Uganda and the recent mass movement of people to and from DRC due to the volcanic eruptions.
He said that the Government of Rwanda is still making efforts to acquire more vaccines and urged all people living in Rwanda to exercise patience and follow the recommended prevention guidelines.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera warned anyone with negative ideology and attempt to think they can live their lives contrary to the directives.
“There are some people with negative thinking that they can go on living their lives despite the presence of Covd-19; this ideology means you are intentionally disregarding the government directives and derailing efforts to contain the pandemic. This situation of Covid-19 is not our choice as Rwandans and no one can be allowed to choose such a reckless life and putting other people in danger,” CP Kabera warned.
He added that the only choice is to follow the directives and health guidelines as the government continues to strengthen all available efforts to combat the pandemic.
“It was observed that there are people including those with liquor stores, who after closing their shops turn their private cars and homes into bars. Bars and parties in cars and homes are prohibited and anyone caught in such errant behaviours will equally face the consequences,” CP Kabera cautioned.
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi said that the local leadership in collaboration with the Police are going to heighten the enforcement of directives especially targeting bars and other social gatherings, which were observed as one of the causes for the raise in Covid-19 cases.
“Only 30 people are allowed to participate in civil and religious wedding functions. Traditional wedding functions will be held in hotels or gardens with 30% of maximum occupancy and with negative Covid-19 results not exceeding three days prior to the event. Local leaders, Police and other organs will work together to enforce these directives,’’ said Minister Gatabazi
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Beata Uwamaliza Habyarimana urged the business community to set an example to their clients by adhering to the revised government directives to contain Covid-19.
She reminded them to avail all the required facilities such as handwashing facilities, ensure social distancing in their businesses and customers wear masks to make sure that the virus is not spread easily.
While parading the new batch of violators on Sunday, June 13, at Kigali Metropolitan Headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District, RNP spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera said that all the 41 were arrested in City of Kigali.
“They were arrested between June 9, and June 12… all of them were driving while drunk, which is another serious traffic offence causing fatal accidents,” CP Kabera said.
Since the beginning of this year, 223 road accidents resulting from drunk driving have been recorded across the country, leading to 69 fatalities and 400 serious injuries.
Over 1,200 people have also been arrested for drunk driving since the beginning of this year.
Some of the arrested violators, while speaking to the media, claimed that although they took alcoholic beverages, they were not drunk.
“I was riding a motorcycle when I was stopped by the Police in Kimisagara (Nyarugenge District) in the night of June 12, they measured my alcoholic content level with a breathelyzer and told me it was 2.44,” said Ernest Nshimiyimana, one of the suspects.
The maximum alcoholic content for one to drive or ride in Rwanda is 0.08.
Laurien Kayijuka also said he was arrested in Kicukiro District after Police officers found his alcoholic content level at 2.01.
CP Kabera warned that no one is allowed to drive or ride a motorcycle when they drink.
With some motorists refusing to be tested for drunkenness or to determine the level of their alcoholic content, CP Kabera said that they will equally be arrested.
“These people caught driving while drunk do it well knowing that it is prohibited because they all have driver’s license and they understand traffic regulations,” CP Kabera said.
“Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had enough time to sensitize all Rwandans during Gerayo Amahoro campaign on safer road usage and drunk-driving is one of the serious offences that we tackled. Under no circumstances is driving after drinking is allowed.”
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 28 373 people have been tested positive of whom 26 341 recovered, 1662 are active cases, 9 are critically ill while 370 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 389,519 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.
Those arrested are Wellars Dushimimana, 30, Assoumpta Byukusenge, 35, and Vincent Ukwizagira, 25. They were found in possession of combined 491 pieces of assorted lotions including Caro light, Miss White, Princess Clair, G.G and Hypprogel.
At least 254 pieces of assorted creams were found in the shop owned by one Daniel Dushimiyimana, who is still at large.
The arrest of the trio came few days after three other three dealers in skin whitening cosmetics were also arrested Kigali Sector, Nyarugenge District with 156 pieces of assorted skin whitening creams including Caro light, Eclair 600, Extra Clair, White Max and Beauty.
On June 1, Police also arrested two people in Kigarama and Gikondo sectors of Kicukiro District with combined 1,451 pieces of assorted creams and oils worth Frw768,100.
Late last month, RNP recovered 90 boxes of skin bleaching products worth over Frw9 million from the house of one John Hakizimana (also arrested) located in Ingenzi Village, Kivugiza Cell of Nyamirambo Sector, Nyarugenge District.
The boxes had been trafficked into Rwanda from DRC, through Rubavu before sneaking them into Kigali.
Earlier in March, four people were also arrested in Kicukiro District with 36 types of bleaching creams worth about Rwf3 million.
The cosmetics are among the 1,342 listed cream and oil brands with hydroquinone and mercury, which are prohibited in Rwanda.
The skin bleaching products are labeled illegal under the ministerial order determining the list of cosmetics, whose use is prohibited in Rwanda; law relating to offences and penalties in general, the law on organization, functioning, and competence of the Council of Pharmacists; and the law relating to the regulation and inspection of food and pharmaceutical products.
“The existing good collaboration with the public is playing a big role in identifying those dealing in these outlawed creams and oil brands, and these are continuous operations. We can only advise anyone still involved in such unlawful acts to stop before they are arrested,” CP Kabera warned, while parading Dushimimana, Byukusenge, and Ukwizagira on Saturday, June 12.
According to one of the suspects, Byukusenge, they were buying the skin bleaching creams from street vendors at cheap prices. Byukusenge added that she started selling the outlawed cosmetics last year.
Wellars Dushimimana, who operates a shop in Downtown taxi-park, said he started selling the banned skin whitening products eight months ago.
“We have heightened operations against shops and other people selling these products, which have ill-effects on people’s health. We call upon the public to continue reporting dealers,” said CP Kabera.
{{Side effects}}
The outlawed creams and oil brands contain chemicals such as mercury and hydroquinone, which can cause liver damage, reduce resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, and increase anxiety, according to the World Health Organization.
If it enters the bloodstream, it also results into fatal liver and kidney damage, although medics say the most immediate visible side effect is skin scarring.
Health experts confirm that prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can also decrease levels of collagen in the skin.
Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of striae commonly known as stretch marks.
{{Legal framework}}
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or any other products derived from plants, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or one of these penalties.
The statement released last night shows that 284 people have caught the virus.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 28 146 people have been tested positive of whom 26 341 recovered, 1435 are active cases while 370 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 389,389 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme 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 were nominated during the cabinet meeting held on Saturday 12th June 2021 chaired by President Paul Kagame.
The new appointments saw Dr. Gashumba becoming Rwanda’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, Prof. Shyaka became Rwanda’s ambassador to the Republic of Poland while James Gatera will represent Rwanda to the State of Israel.
Michel Sebera has been also appointed Minister Counsellor in the Embassy of Rwanda to the Kingdom of Netherlands.
The cabinet meeting has also approved Antoine Anfré as the new French Ambassador to Rwanda with residence in Kigali. The post has been vacant for six years.
Dr. Gashumba holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Masters in Medicine specializing in Pediatrics. She started practicing in 1999. She was appointed Minister of Health on October 4th, 2016 replacing Dr. Agnes Binagwaho.
Prior to that position, she was the Cabinet Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in the cabinet of Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi.
She also served as the Director General at Kibagabaga Hospital for 3 years.
Between 2010 and 2016, she worked with a USAID-funded child and maternal health project as “Senior Team Leader”.
Dr. Gashumba resigned from her position as the Minister of Health on 14th February 2020 and had no other official duties prior to the ambassadorial post.
Prof. Shyaka is a politician who served as the Minister of Local Government from October 2018 to March 2021. Prior to that, he worked as CEO of Rwanda Governance Board since 2011.
He once served as the Director of the Center for Conflict Management at the University of Rwanda.
James Gatera appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to the state of Israel previously worked as CEO of Bank of Kigali from 2007 to 2016 when he was appointed the CEO of Crystal Ventures.
Michel Minega Sebera has been also serving as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.
The statement released last night shows that the decision will take effect starting 14th June 2021 and be reviewed after two weeks upon health assessment.
New measures follows steady surge in COVID-19 cases where 899 people have been tested positive within the past 11 days.
Among others, public transport buses should not exceed 50% capacity. Bus operators are requested to ensure that passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed on board.
Public offices will continue with essential staff at no more than 30% capacity while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis.
Places of worship adhering to health guidelines are allowed to continue functioning at 30% maximum occupancy against the previous 50%.
Restaurants and cafés shall operate at 30% occupancy limit and shall receive clients until 8pm.
Individual and non-contact outdoor sports activities will continue and must comply with health preventive measures.
The cabinet statement also reads that gyms will continue to operate at 10% of venue capacity and must comply with health preventive measures.
Civil and religious wedding shall not exceed 30 persons while local authorities have to be informed prior to the event. Any event happening in hotels, public venues, gardens should not exceed 30% of the venue’s capacity and should comply with instituted directives. All participants are required to have a valid negative COVID-19 test, not exceeding three days prior to the event.
Social gatherings at homes are also prohibited.
Citizens have been reminded of the critical importance of complying with health measures including physical distancing, wearing face masks and ensuring hand hygiene. Penalties will be applied for non-compliance.
Approximately 100 entrepreneurs will benefit from the program every year.
Beneficiaries will be segmented into two categories with the first including startups to be offered business incubation programs, facilitated to acquire equipment and linked to financial institutions among others.
The second category includes entrepreneurs with wood processing enterprises that have been operating for over 12 months.
The two-year project will be implemented through “ICON Institute” and “NIRAS IP Consult” companies from Germany expected bring experts in wood processing and project management.
Jean Claude Rwubahuka, the Head of Incubation/Acceleration Facility at ICON-Institute has told IGIHE that the application is open for interested entrepreneurs from 10th to 25th June 2021 via provided website link nirda.gov.rw
“The support is meant to enhance productivity and competitiveness of wood processing firms. We shall equip entrepreneurs with technical know-hows, project management among other relevant skills to grow businesses,” said Rwubahuka.
The research carried out by NIRDA in 2019 identified gaps in timber processing industry related to quality standards, lack of environment friendly practices and use of outdated technology among others.
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and with the health, safety, and well-being of Fellows and Partners as the highest priority, the 2021 will be organized virtually.
While participating from home, Fellows will participate in sessions of virtual Leadership Institute including leadership training, mentoring, and professional development. Each Institute will offer insights into US society and will help strengthen connections between the United States and Africa by establishing partnerships between Fellows, local communities, and private businesses. Fellows will also network with US community members.
After their Leadership Institutes, Fellows will participate in a virtual Summit. Additionally, up to 100 competitively-selected Fellows will virtually engage in professional development with US organizations in the public, private, or non-profit sector. Fellows can participate in alumni programming after their Fellowships to further build their professional skills and networks.
Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the US commitment to invest in the future of Africa. YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. Since 2014, nearly 4,400 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Since the inaugural of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellowship last held in 2014, there are 66 Rwandans that have been awarded to attend the prestigious Fellowship. This year’s recipients include, Marie Christelle Igihozo, Mary Musoni, Niceson Karungi, Elie Habimana, Jean Claude Mbonigaba, Sheila Uwase, Germaine Umuraza, Shilla Ndegeya, Gisele Kayitasirwa Ituze, Jean Paul Sekarema, Donat Nzigiyimana, and Justin Byiringiro Murengera.
{{2018 YALI recipients’ bios}}
{{Marie Christelle Igihozo, 25, F, Business & Entrepreneurship}}
Marie Christelle is the customer demand lead at Zipline International, a U.S.-based start-up that is earning world-wide recognition for its work in Rwanda delivering medical supplies by drone. In her day-to-day duties, Marie Christelle is responsible of supply chain integration and works closely with the 25 district hospitals served by Zipline drones, making sure that emergency blood donations and other medical supplies are delivered safely and securely.
Marie Christelle understands the important challenges facing Rwanda in her domain and is determined to offer her best in addressing them. During the interview, for example, she explained how the supply chain of medical product is inefficient and lacks proper forecasting. Marie Christelle is a graduate of the University of Rwanda. She will do her leadership institute in Business track with University of Nevada-Reno.
{{Mary Musoni, 30, F, Civic Engagement}}
Mary is a Legal Aid Attorney at Legal Aid Forum, a local non-governmental organization that provides legal aid services to vulnerable populations, mainly refugees and asylum seekers.
In 2019 , she represented more than 20 refugees before the court, and assisted more than 30 other refugees with their casework. She also coordinates at team of 13 volunteer lawyers. After realizing that access to information related to law and justice is one of the important challenges facing Rwandans, Mary worked with other lawyers to develop a mobile app that helps rural Rwandans access basic information on popular issues such as succession, land, divorce, etc. Mary is a graduate of the University of Rwanda. She will do her leadership institute in Civic Engagement track with Drexel University. (Note: Mary was an active participant in our Amicus Curiae training series.)
{{Niceson Karungi, 31, F, Public Management}}
Niceson is an IT business analyst and software development specialist at the Judiciary of Rwanda. She led the implementation of Integrated Electronic Case Management System that has helped more than 300,000 Rwandans file cases online without going physically to court, significantly reducing the time and cost litigants incurred before. Niceson has been active in mentorship of young women in STEM fields. She has earned a bachelor’s degree from Makerere University in Uganda and a master’s degree from the University of Glasgow. She will do her leadership institute in the Public Management track with Georgia State University
{{Elie Habimana, 30, M, Business & Entrepreneurship}}
Elie is the Operations Manager at the African Leadership University (ALU) campus in Kigali, a rapidly-growing pan-African undergraduate university with campuses in Rwanda and Mauritius. In this capacity, Elie manages a budget of more than $3 million annually, and supervises ten permanent employees and 60 student workers.
Elie understands that the lack of a skilled workforce capable of leading big and innovation projects in a challenge for Rwanda and hopes his passion and dedication for quality education will help address that. Elie graduated from the Adventist University of Central Africa and earned an online MBA through Oklahoma Christian University. He will do his leadership institute in Business track with Lehigh University.
{{Jean Claude Mbonigaba, 31, M, Civic Engagement}}
Jean Claude is an information and communication technology officer at Home de la Vierge des Pauvres (HVP) Gatagara, an orthopedic and rehabilitation hospital for people with disability in Nyanza, southern Rwanda. In addition, Jean Claude is a board member and legal representative of people living with disabilities in the Rwanda Scout Association.
As a board member, he encouraged boy scouts to be more inclusive and accept young people with various disability to join the association, something that did not exist before he joined. Jean Claude also volunteers with Uwezo Youth Empowerment, a local NGO advocating for disabled youth. Jean Claude earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rwanda and is working on a master’s degree at the University of Kigali.
Jean Claude has a mobility disability, but will not need substantial accommodation to participate. He will do his leadership institute in Civic Leadership track with Appalachian State University (Note: You met Jean Claude at HVP Gatagara in May 2021.)
{{Sheila Uwase, 31, F, Public Management}}
Sheila is a public transport officer for the city of Kigali, Rwanda’s beautiful capital city. A graduate of the University of Rwanda in Civil Engineering, Sheila is charged with monitoring public transport services, ensuring smooth service delivery, and following compliance with terms and contracts by transport service providers and transport infrastructure developers. Sheila understands that public transport is a growing challenge as Kigali grows and wants to help forestall the environmental impact of a poorly-managed public transportation policy. Sheilla will do her leadership institute in Public Management track with the University of California – Davis.
{{Germaine Umuraza, 31, F, Civic Engagement}}
Germaine is the head of programs at the Rwanda Girl Guides Association (GGA). In five years with the organization, Germaine has developed a variety of programs that focus on empowering girls and young women. One of the important changes that Germaine brought to GGA is convincing the board to create a National Youth Committee, a team of the younger girl guides that better understands issues of importance to girl guides and the concerns of their peers. Germaine holds a bachelor’s degree from INES-Ruhengeri and a master’s degree from the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali. She will do her leadership institute in Civic Engagement trach with Rutgers University – New Jersey
{{Shilla Ndegeya, 28, F, Public Management}}
Shilla is the National Director for Special Olympics Rwanda, a non-profit organization that promotes sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In her current role, Shilla is in charge of day-to-day technical operations of the organization and report directly to the Board of Directors.
She earned a degree in business administration from Mount Kenya University and has advanced through the business side of the organization. Shilla’s said that her preferred approach toward empowering persons with disabilities is to focus on their ability side — what they are able to do — instead of their disability and what they might not be able to do. Shilla will do her leadership institute in Public Management with Arizona State University. Note tha Sheilla is the only one approved for PDE.
{{Gisele Kayitasirwa Ituze, 27, F, Business & Entrepreneurship}}
Gisele owns a fashion design business that makes all types of closes and bag. Gisele partners with the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) to train and empower other deaf women in tailoring and other handicraft skills that result in economic self-reliance. Gisele’s workshop currently trains 20 deaf women and works closely with several deaf women cooperatives. Gisele completed a two-year fashion design course in Uganda. Gisele is deaf and will require accommodation during the pre-departure process and throughout the fellowship. Gisele will do her leadership in Business track with the University of Texas at Austin. (Note: Gisele’s regular sign language interpreter is also named Gisele.)
{{Jean Paul Sekarema, 31, M, Civic Engagement}}
Jean Paul is a Grants Officer for the National Union of Disability Organizations of Rwanda (NUDOR), an umbrella organization that brings together many local NGOs that advocate for people living with disabilities. His current grants portfolio includes projects that are being implemented by 27 grant recipient organizations.
Jean Paul also serves as an advisor on the National Paralympic Committee of Rwanda as an advisor. He is a graduate of the University of Rwanda. Post highly recommends Jean Paul for a fellowship in the Civic Engagement track. Jean Paul has a cerebral palsy, but will not need substantial accommodation to participate.He will do his leadership institute with Civic Engagement Track with Kansas State University.
{{Donat Nzigiyimana, 34, M, Public Management}}
Donat is the Director of Admission and Recruitment at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), a new tertiary education institution focusing on conservation agriculture. The institute has been established within the past year by support from the Buffet Foundation, in close collaboration with the University of Nebraska. Donat is a graduate of the University of Rwanda and has worked on post-graduate degrees in law, business administration, and education administration.
Donat will do his leadership institute in the Public Management track with University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
{{Justin Byiringiro Murengera, 26, M, Business & Entrepreneurship}}
Justin is the Founder and CEO of Ikivi-Link, a social enterprise with a vision to promote peace, eradicate poverty, and empower rural women. His organization is currently working with six women’s cooperatives from Musanze, on assignments including the assembly of cardboard boxes for chocolates. Justin will do his leadership institute in Busines Track with Rutgers University – New Jersey.
