The tanker was transporting 33 tonnes of gasoline to DR Congo when it caught fire at about 5pm in Nyarurembo Village, Rugerero Cell in Rugerero Sector of Rubavu District.
The Commandant of Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jean Baptiste Seminega said the fire started in the rear tyres.
“The driver, one Mohamed Sheikh Mahamud, 39, a Somali national, drove from Rusumo border post to Rubavu without making any stop-over; this could have led the hot tyres to produce fire in the four rear tyres,” said ACP Seminega.
He added: “Luckily enough, residents were quick to call our Fire and Rescue unit in Rubavu, they immediately intervened and successfully put out the fire before spreading to other parts of the tanker, which could have been disastrous.
You can imagine the extent of disaster 33 tonnes of gasoline can cause especially that it was near communities; many lives could have been lost and property distroyed.”
He lauded the responsiveness of the residents for calling the Police firefighters in real time to prevent such disaster from happening.
“It is likely that the driver being a foreigner, he probably did not know what to do or who call during such emergency circumstances, but residents were there to help, which is commendable,” said ACP Seminega.
The driver, Mohamed Sheik Mahamud thanked the residents, who helped him to call in the firefighters in real time.
Mohamed also thanked the Police for the quick intervention to prevent the disaster.
The driver continued his journey to DR Congo shortly after the fire was extinguished.
The incident occured in the same area where another 41, 500 cubic meter benzene tanker caught fire in March. The benzene tanker was also successfully extinguished.
The Commandant advised long distance drivers to always make stopover to rest but also for trucks to cool down to avoid related disasters.
He further urged drivers to know the emergency contacts and call for intervention in such emergency circumstances.
{{Fire and rescue emergency contacts
Toll free lines: 111 and 112
0788311224: Northern region 0788311024: Western region 0788311023: Southern region 0788311449: Eastern region
The statement released last night shows that the majority of new cases were found in Kirehe:9, Kigali:6, Karongi:6, Huye:4 and Rwamagana: 4.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 25 351 have caught the virus of whom 23 523 have recovered, 1491 are active cases while 337 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 350, 310 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program.
Siyavula opened doors to Rwanda in 2020. It already has operations in Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa where it helps students to attend exercises in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics to students from Senior 1 to 4.
A student registered under the technology, is required to visit Siyavula website where she/he can attend to exercises related to designated courses.
The platform has questions and default answers to guide students.
The technology helps students to revise courses and teachers to identify areas that need much attention.
Students from King David Academy who talked to IGIHE have revealed that the technology is helpful to their education.
“This technology helps me to prepare for exams and attend to enough exercises to get deeper understanding especially in Physics,” said Sesonga Brian Bugingo.
“ Siyavula has been helpful to me especially during the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. When a student didn’t catch everything in class, Siyavula helps to get further exercises to get familiar with particular module,” noted Anaise Norah Umwangange, a first year student.
Nawugaba Stephen, a teacher of Physics at the school has explained that Siyavula helps him to assess how students have understood the course.
“Siyavula has many exercises which I use to gauge how students understood explanations. I take them to the computer lab for practice and allocate more time until there is no gap,” he said.
Currently, Siyavula works with nine schools in Rwanda including King David Academy, Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux, Collège Saint André, Groupe Scolaire Gahini, Group Scolaire Nsanga, Groupe Scolaire Duha, Groupe Scolaire Bumba, Group Scolaire Juru and Group Scolaire Bigugu.
Over 21 000 students from 800 schools in Rwanda have signed up to Siyavula.
During a recent visit held at King David Academy on 29th April 2021, the company’s management said that they plan to introduce the technology to all schools if everything goes well.
“We have faced several challenges to introduce the technology whereby many schools don’t have internet while others have inadequate computers. That is why we started with private schools and others with adequate resources. We are however planning to introduce the technology to all schools in Rwanda,” explained Chiara Walsh, the Project Manager at Siyavula Rwanda.
Habimana Jean Damascene, one of representatives of Siyavula Rwanda highlighted that the technology paves the way for improved performance and urged more schools to embrace it because it is free of charge for students.
Interested users make registration via rw.siyavula.com to enjoy the technology.
Siyavula also organizes monthly competitions where it awards outstanding teachers and students with smartphones and airtime.
The company is also planning for another competition scheduled in June 2021 to award outstanding teachers and students with different prizes including a laptop as the grand prize.
Students or teachers interested to learn about Siyavula can reach the company on 0789 068 321.
The veteran leader had been weakened after suffering a stroke in 2013, which diminished his mobility and forced him to work from his residence in Zeralda, west of the capital Algiers.
He had since travelled abroad several times to undergo medical treatment in France and Switzerland.
During his tenure, he used to make rare public appearances, during which he was usually seen sitting in a wheelchair.
Rumours often swirled in Algeria about the state of the president’s health. In 2019, he was 82-year old when he announced plans to run another term despite his health condition that sparked protests.
Melissa Tenkhi, is an Algerian who grew up in France but currently living in Dubai since seven years ago. She followed the revolutionary protests from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Tenkhi is a patriotic Algerian even though she has spent many years in foreign countries. Her love for the nation pushed her to abandon work at a company she worked for in Dubai to join Algerians during revolutionary riots.
Considering efforts of the youth to bring political transformations in Algeria, Melissa Tenkhi came up with an idea to produce a video documentary showing youth’s potential to bring positive transformations.
Melissa Tenkhi reflected on what was happening in her mother country and produced two episodes of video documentaries on the situation.
She released the first two parts on YouTube in December 2019 showing youth’s aspirations on the future of their country.
During her first documentary, Tenkhi shows the youth talking about the revolution needed in Algeria to drive the country into a new political agenda.
The second documentary released in February 2020 features different artistes in Algeria talking about their contribution to the society relating it to what happened in their country during the revolutionary period.
Melissa Tenkhi believes that no one is in a better position to narrate another person’s experience highlighting that Africa doesn’t need BBC and other media houses telling Africa’s narratives.
This prompted her to tell Africa’s narratives starting with her country.
Using her stories on a platform dubbed ‘BESMA’ Arabic word translated as ‘Laugh’, Tenkhi toured different African countries to depict different realities.
She visited Ivory Coast where she produced two documentaries, an addition to one produced on Rwanda dubbed “Agaciro: The Rwandan spirit”.
{{His love for the land of Thousand Hills}}
Tenkhi was inspired by Rwanda’s fast progress after overcoming the dark past and its resilience under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame to produce a documentary on the country.
Speaking to IGIHE, Tenkhi said that she conceived an idea to visit Rwanda inspired by Rwandans spirit to strive for ‘dignity’ (Agaciro) and the leadership of President Kagame.
“I am impressed by Rwanda’s leadership and I am a big fan of President Kagame for many years. Rwanda’s reputation and Rwanda’s value of dignity are among other things which prompted me to make a documentary about Rwanda,” she said.
Tenkhi said Agaciro is a great concept that needs to be emulated to the entire African continent.
She described President Kagame as a hero having rebuilt the country from ashes which makes him a reputed person on African continent.
Tenkhi said that Rwandans’ heroism, unity and reconciliation gives her hope for a bright Africa’s tomorrow.
Usually, visitors coming to Rwanda are interested to learn how the country stopped the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and its fast development.
This is what inspired Tenkhi to produce the documentary “Agaciro: The Rwandan spirit”.
The documentary features people of different age brackets including those who were still young and others born after Genocide. They reflected on a brief history of the country and future aspirations.
Hope Azeda Kigaragaramo, the founder of Mashirika; singer Ariel Wayz, Sonia Mugabo fashion designer, Ivan Mugemanyi, a photographer & Makeup artist, the CEO of AC Group, Patrick Buchana; Aphrodice Mutangana of Digital Africa; Faith Keza, the CEO of Irembo and Raoul Rugamba , the founder of Africa in Colors.
Faith Keza said that Rwanda is registering fast development because of ambitions to build a unique identity.
“Rwanda strives to build a unique identity. The Government works hard to achieve its ambitions which give optimism that a lot of things will be done in the near future,” she said.
Female artiste, Ariel Wayz said that all the country’s achievements are fruits of unity.
Aphrodice Mutangana, the Chief Operations Officer of Digital Africa also highlighted that Rwanda’s unique aspect relies on consolidating efforts for common goals.
“ What they are doing is to have a strong ecosystem to have all players working together. When you have the Government putting in place all policies, academies producing talents , investors , well-structured private sector and donors associating with what you are doing everything goes smoothly. This is what Rwanda is doing and becoming the land of opportunity,” he noted.
Raoul Rugamba explained that Rwanda is a composition of a lot of things mainly drawing inspiration from good leadership and assured his contribution to make Rwanda a great country.
Hope Azeda observed that Rwanda’s past should leave a lesson that much attention should be drawn to strive for a better future instead of sinking into past horrors considering Rwanda’s experience.
After releasing his documentary, Ranjit Menon got inspiration and expressed willingness to visit Rwanda.
Melissa Tenkhi worked with Samuel Ishimwe in producing the documentary on Rwanda.
The rider also won the second stage yesterday as the race headed to Huye from Kigali.
Alan Boileau clocked 4 hours, 23 minutes, 57 seconds along with 10 riders in his peloton including Quintero (Terengganu), James Piccoli (Israel Start-up Nation), Brayan Sanchez (Medellin) and Eyob Metker (Terengganu).
The winner of the first stage, Colombian Brayan Sanchez has taken the yellow jersey again from Umba Lopez (Androni).
The top performing Rwandan is Muhoza Eric who came 24th, 2 minutes and 2 seconds late after the first rider crossed the finish.
The 4th stage of Tour du Rwanda 2021 will continue on Wednesday with riders covering 123.9 kilometers from Kigali to Musanze.
Classified under UCI 2.1 category, the 13th edition of Tour du Rwanda has attracted 75 riders competing under 15 teams that will ride eight stages.
I&M Holdings PLC and Orient Bank Limited signed an agreement in July 2020 for I&M Holdings PLC to acquire 90 percent shareholding of the Ugandan entity. The acquisition was completed on 30th April 2021 after receiving the necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya, Bank of Uganda, Capital Markets Authority of Kenya and the COMESA Competition Authority.
The move underscores I&M Group’s commitment to its growth and expansion strategy in Eastern Africa, where Uganda was the missing link in the Group’s strategic effort to set up its presence in all East African countries.
A key focus of this strategy is to seek opportunities to invest at a local and regional level enabling the bank to serve the needs of all customers, while promoting trade flows within the region.
This development supports the group’s business growth initiatives through diversification of revenue streams by entry into new markets and extension of its Corporate, Business, Personal Banking, as well as Treasury and Trade Finance solutions, to all its customers operating in Uganda.
Commenting on the acquisition, I&M’s Group Executive Director, Sarit Raja Shah noted, “I&M Group aspires to be Eastern Africa’s leading financial partner for growth. The acquisition of OBL will place I&M Bank in an advantageous position to capitalise on the growth in the Eastern African economies and thereby ultimately increasing shareholder value.”
“This acquisition is expected to give the Group greater capacity to grow profitably, through extending our network to our Regional customers. Further it demonstrates our continued leadership role in the industry across East Africa”, Sarit Raja Shah added.
Dr. Ketan Morjaria, a founding member of OBL and continuing shareholder and Director said “This acquisition marks a great milestone in the history of Orient Bank. We are proud to be integrating into a regional group like I&M Holdings PLC and this synergy will allow our customers to benefit from more seamless and superior banking products whilst continuing our tradition of trust.”
Kumaran Pather, CEO of OBL said “The acquisition of OBL into I&M Holdings PLC will see the new entity rise to greater heights and allow us to broaden our market reach and penetration. The management of OBL are excited to be part of a large and fast growing Group and look forward to serving new and existing customers alike with better products, digital platforms and regional services.”
Through the acquisition, I&M Group has acquired additional net loan assets of approximately KES 7.7 Billion, deposits of KES 18.2 Billion, a customer base of close to 70,000, a staff component of 340 employees and a network of 14 branches and 22 ATMs across the country.
A clear plan for the integration of OBL has been developed and through its execution the Group expects to gain considerable business and operational synergies.
I&M Group has made significant investments in its robust infrastructure as part of its digital transformation journey. Through this acquisition, OBL customers will now benefit from this technologically driven infrastructure, which will give them a wide suite of market driven financial solutions aimed at meeting their financial and lifestyle requirements.
With the acquisition, I&M Group will continue to focus on mergers and acquisitions as part of its growth strategy, as it continues to enhance its shareholders’ value and to provide customers with a wide network of banking solutions across the region.
The transaction with OBL adds to a list of previous strategic alliances that the Group has effectively completed such as the acquisition of Giro Commercial Bank Limited in Kenya, I&M Burbidge Capital Limited in Kenya and Uganda, CF Union Bank in Tanzania, BCR Bank in Rwanda and First City Bank in Mauritius.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Sarit Raja Shah noted:“Uganda has made great strides in improving access to financial services across the country. The partnership with Orient Bank Limited is very timely since the Group plans to play a significant role in the growth of the banking sector in Uganda, as it has done in other East African markets.”
{{About I&M Holdings PLC}}
I&M Holdings PLC is a regional banking and financial services group with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius and now Uganda. Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange with a market capitalization of KES 37.5 billion, it is regulated by the Capital Markets Authority as well as by the Central Bank of Kenya as a non-operating holding company.
I&M Holdings PLC (I&M Holdings), formerly known as City Trust Limited (CTL) was incorporated on 16th August 1950. I&M Holdings PLC was licensed and approved as a non-operating holding company in accordance with the provisions of the Banking Act, Cap 488 Laws of Kenya following a reverse takeover of CTL by I&M Bank Limited in June 2013.
I&M prides itself on its strong values and key strengths of innovative service and strong customer relationships. Through these pillars, the Group aspires to be ‘Eastern Africa’s Leading Financial Partner for Growth’ by providing innovative and market driven banking solutions for its target segments.
{{About Orient Bank Limited}}
Orient Bank Limited (OBL) is a leading private sector commercial bank in Uganda, which began operations in 1993. In November 2002 Orient Bank successfully out competed other banks and acquired TransAfrica Bank Limited as part of the bank’s growth strategy.
Since 2015, the Bank has placed a significant emphasis on investment into digitization including internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs, Visa cards, POS terminals and an online payment gateway. As at December 2020 the Bank had loans and advances of USH 262 billion and customer deposits of USH 606 billion.
RCCDN is comprised of 63 members from non-governmental organizations involved in environment preservation efforts.
Members have received two-day training to deeply understand environment preservation treaties that Rwanda has ratified, their relevance and implementation plan so that they can smoothly accomplish their duties.
These agreements include Paris Agreement on Climate Change and The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aimed at gradually reducing the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons among others.
The training held recently, was organized in partnership with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
The Coordinator of RCCDN Rwanda, Faustin Vuningoma explained that the trained aimed to immerse members’ knowledge on international agreements to protect environment most importantly the ones ratified by Rwanda.
“Capacity building is part of RCCDN responsibilities to acquaint members with deeper understanding on how to mitigate climate change. We have identified gaps in following up discussions related to international agreements during which signatory countries discuss various topics of great significance and adopt resolutions that must be implemented in respective countries,” he said.
“It is of great significance for members to know agreements that Rwanda has ratified so that they can bring play their role in the implementation phase. We are also grateful to our funding partners including Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) through the Public Policy Information, Monitoring and Advocacy (PPIMA) project for their great support,” added Vuningoma.
He explained they training beneficiaries will share acquired knowledge with colleagues in respective organizations and thanked partners.
Racheal Tushabe, the Director of environmental education and mainstreaming in REMA said that trained RCCDN members will cement existing environmental protection cement existing efforts.
“They have acquired deep understanding facilitating them to comply with clauses implicated in these agreements and extend awareness to the general public,” he noted.
Honorine Isingizwe, the Executive Director at Young Volunteers for the Environment (YVE Rwanda) has said that acquired knowledge will enhance active participation in the implementation of signed agreements.
“The training is very important as it acquaints us with deeper understanding of signed agreements so that we can play our role during implementation,” she noted.
Léon Fidèle Mugisha, the Operations Manager at Rwanda Development Organization emphasized that the training came in handy to build capacities for staff working with organization advocating for environmental preservation.
As part of the May 4th listing by introduction, Crystal Telecom Limited’s shareholders now hold a direct 20% stake in MTN Rwanda and can trade their MTN Rwanda shares directly on the RSE. These shares were previously held by Crystal Telecom PLC.
MTN Rwanda CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi said the listing is good news for MTN and Rwanda: “We are honoured to be the first telecommunications network provider in Rwanda to be listed on the RSE. We are committed to further establishing our presence, expanding our connectivity, driving digital inclusion and contributing to the sector and economy.”
She said MTN was proud of its journey in Rwanda in the past 23 years: “We are grateful to our customers, partners and stakeholders and look forward to this new chapter. Listing on the RSE is a major milestone for us and the platform for even better and bolder things to come.”
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita said the listing demonstrated MTN’s commitment to Rwanda: “This listing will assist in deepening the Rwandan capital markets by broadening public ownership over time and will also establish the basis for a new and emerging telecoms and technology asset class on the exchange.”
This listing by introduction is part of MTN Group’s work to continuously promote local ownership and participation in MTN businesses across its markets and provides an opportunity for Rwandans to invest directly in the country’s leading network operator.
“MTN Rwanda joining the Rwanda Stock Exchange as we celebrate 10 years of operations as an Exchange is another big milestone for our market. We hope that the powerful brand recognition brought by MTN Rwanda on the market will attract more private sector companies both locally and internationally to join the market and enjoy the benefits of listed companies,” said Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange.
Ahead of its listing by introduction on the RSE, MTN Rwanda changed its status from a private company to a Public Liability Company (PLC) effective December 2020. The full company name has therefore been changed from MTN Rwandacell Limited to MTN Rwandacell PLC.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana who was the guest honor of the event that took place at Marriot Hotel Kigali , observed that the listing of MTN Rwanda PLC will contribute to the growth and deepening of Rwanda’s capital market, provide Crystal Telecom shareholders direct ownership of MTN Rwandacell and reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to continue providing conducive business environment.
“Rwanda has made good progress in improving investment environment and is well ranked on the continent and globally in easing business. The Government of Rwanda will continue to improve further business environment to support both local and foreign investment in line with its National Strategy for Transformation and its Vision 2050,” he said.
{{About MTN Group}}
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy, Ambition 2025, is anchored on building the largest and most valuable platform business, with a clear focus on Africa. www.mtn.com
{{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.
According to a statement released today, the new appointment is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the rapidly expanding event management company.
planitswiss is a global exclusive event designer and producer headquartered in Switzerland with regional offices in Singapore, France, Rwanda, and China.
planitswiss is part of a global group providing innovative and trendsetting services in events.
Kagara Isaac brings local knowledge and experience with a proven track record in the Meeting Incentive Conference & Events (MICE) sector. Previously, Kagara, oversaw sales at the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) to market Rwanda as Africa’s top MICE destination. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management.
With Kagara based in Kigali, the new appointment is expected to position planitswiss even stronger in the market and support its ambitious growth plans in the region.
COVID-19 has majorly impacted the global economy and the MICE industry, planitswiss has however grown worldwide, offering its virtual and hybrid event solutions to international and local customers.
Kagara is expected to deliver successful tailor-made corporate, public, and exclusive events in the region, leveraging the group’s experience in hybrid and virtual events.
David Lappartient is among dignitaries that attended Tour du Rwanda 2021 presided over the launch of the tournament on Sunday 2nd May 2021 where Colombian, Brayan Sanchez won the first stage.
Topics of discussions have not been revealed but Kagame receives Lappartient at a time when Rwanda is competing with Morocco to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
As the race kicked off, Lappartient commended preparations of this year’s edition running from 2nd to 9th May 2021.
Tour du Rwanda 2021 was initially scheduled in February 2021 but was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
David Lappartient came to Rwanda with UCI technical team that will assess Rwanda’s capacity to host 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
Rwanda submitted a bid for the races in September 2019 after the UCI invited bids from African nations, with Morocco also bidding. If either nation wins the hosting rights it would mark the first time the continent would host the Worlds, and only the 11th time a nation outside of Europe has done so.
David Lappartient also visited Rwanda in 2018 attending Tour du Rwanda. At the time he visited Kigali Genocide Memorial and Musanze Cycling Club.
