The appointment marks a significant milestone in the bank’s journey to strengthen its commitment to delivering outstanding financial services and contributing to innovation, aligned with Rwanda’s sustainable development goals.
Serge Atikossie brings extensive experience in financial services and leadership positions. He is expected to ensure excellent governance and further enhance the bank’s engagement with clients.
Bank of Africa Rwanda emphasized that his client-focused approach aligns perfectly with the institution’s mission to provide Rwandans with financial services that are accessible, efficient, and transparent.
Speaking on his appointment, Serge Atikossie expressed his enthusiasm and commitment: “I am honoured to join Bank of Africa – Rwanda and lead a team that is deeply committed to serving customers and supporting Rwanda’s economic growth. Together, we will build on the bank’s strong achievements, introduce innovative solutions, and continue to deliver value to our clients, partners, and communities.”
Vincent Istasse, who served as Managing Director of Bank of Africa Rwanda for the past two years, played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth and in strengthening relationships with clients.
He expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and wished his successor success in continuing the bank’s development.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Managing Director of Bank of Africa – Rwanda. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and I am confident that Mr Serge Atikossie will take the bank to even greater heights,” he stated.
Bank of Africa Rwanda also thanked its clients, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and collaboration.
Bank of Africa is a commercial bank operating in over 18 African countries. In Rwanda, it started operations in 2015 and has steadily grown its footprint, now operating 14 branches nationwide, eight in Kigali and six in other provinces.
On Friday, Putin and Trump concluded a high-stakes summit in Anchorage, the U.S. state of Alaska.
“President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process,” the South African presidency said in a statement.
According to the presidency, Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from Putin while also stressing the need for “more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine.”
Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests, the presidency added.
Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, has also been mediating to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some European leaders at the White House.
In a statement, the government said it is “astonished” by the persistence of certain UN agencies in Burkina Faso in deliberately and carelessly using ambiguous terminology, concealing a clear intention to legitimize or redefine the barbarity that the Burkinabe people have suffered for a decade.
It said an official clarification had already been issued on March 25, after representatives of the agencies concerned were summoned.
The statement added that for her role in co-chairing the drafting of a report “compiling data without objective sources, without evidence or justification, and conveying serious and false information,” Flore-Smereczniak had been declared “persona non grata.”
Given that she unilaterally confirmed information without legally acceptable evidence and submitted it to such a strategic body as the UN Security Council, and to preserve and strengthen the important achievements of cooperation between Burkina Faso and the UN, the government considered that Flore-Smereczniak is “no longer a credible interlocutor,” read the statement.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the UN ideals, acknowledging its contributions in the context of security and humanitarian challenges, and reiterated its readiness to continue working with the UN through its representatives and country teams “for genuine and sincere cooperation,” it said.
Earlier in 2025, the UN published a report titled “Children and armed conflict in Burkina Faso”, alleging violations against children in the West African country.
The donation took place on Sunday, 17 August 2025, in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali City, where the foundation routinely carries out initiatives to assist individuals affected by cancer.
This contribution was part of the foundation’s ongoing awareness campaign, ‘Turi Kumwe’ (We Are Together), which seeks to demonstrate solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, and those currently undergoing treatment, ensuring they feel supported and not alone.
Raissa Umutoni, founder of the organisation and sister of Yvan Buravan, explained that the ‘Turi Kumwe’ initiative was inspired by her brother’s passing.
“This is our third year running the campaign. We aim to reach out to those who have lost loved ones to cancer, support those currently battling the disease, and remind the healthy to take care of their health. Even minor health concerns should prompt a medical checkup. We want people to understand that cancer should not create fear but awareness,” she stated.
Umutoni emphasized the critical message that early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. She reflected that if Buravan had been aware of his condition earlier, it might have been manageable.
“Understanding that early intervention can save lives is crucial. Among us are survivors, patients still fighting, and others unaffected by the disease, we thank God for their wellbeing,” she added.
She also noted the emotional challenge of facing a cancer diagnosis and the importance of encouraging frequent screenings to avoid late detection.
“Buravan remained strong despite our initial disbelief. Had he known the possibilities of early detection, the outcome could have been different. There were times we thought it was impossible, and doctors sought alternative explanations before sharing the prognosis. We are grateful that his actions and legacy continue to guide us today.”
In addition to the awareness campaign, YB Foundation aimed to provide practical support to patients at Bethania Home Care by donating 1,109 liters of fuel, valued at over Rwf 2 million, to facilitate easier access to medical services.
Sr. Helena L. Katebera, Executive Director of Bethania Health Care, expressed gratitude to YB Foundation, noting that despite Buravan’s passing, he left a lasting impact.
“We are deeply grateful. Your late colleague left a remarkable legacy, which continues to positively impact lives. This was part of God’s plan, ensuring he left something meaningful behind.”
Bethania Health Care continues to assist individuals affected by cancer, particularly those with limited resources for treatment.
The ‘Turi Kumwe’ campaign began in Bugesera in 2022, following the death of Yvan Buravan on 17 August 2022 at a hospital in India, where he had sought treatment for aggressive cancer.
The campaign’s most recent activities were held last year during a commemorative concert at BK Arena, which included voluntary cancer screenings and other initiatives to raise awareness.
[Amb. Kacyira died of natural causes on June 12, 2025->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amb-aissa-kirabo-kacyira-dies-at-61], leaving a profound void among colleagues, friends, and the international community.
According to The New Times, the final vigil is scheduled for Monday at her home in Kabeza, Kigali City.
After Kacyira’s demise, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, extended sympathies to her family and to the people of Rwanda.
The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Souef Mohamed El-Amine, also expressed sorrow over her passing, describing her as a leader dedicated to building connections between people from Kigali to the United Nations.
Dr. Kacyira’s career spanned senior roles both in Rwanda and abroad. She served as a Member of Parliament from 2003 to 2006 before becoming Mayor of Kigali from 2006 to 2011. She was then appointed Governor of the Eastern Province, serving briefly in that capacity.
During her tenure as Mayor of Kigali, she was recognised in 2008 by UN-Habitat for transforming the city into a model of cleanliness, tranquillity, and sustainable development.
Her efforts also included promoting affordable housing and creating accessible job opportunities for residents.
From 2011 to 2018, Dr. Kacyira was the Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She also held the role of Project Director in Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and worked with international organisations such as Oxfam and Care International.
In 2020, she was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation to Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. In 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a position she held until her passing.
Dr. Kacyira held a master’s degree in Veterinary Science in Animal Production and Economics from James Cook University in Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University in Uganda.
The initiative reflects Uganda’s broader strategy to enhance local mineral processing, add value to natural resources, and increase national revenue.
The Bank of Uganda reports that the country earned $3.4 billion from gold exports last year. This figure includes both domestically mined gold and gold imported from other countries.
President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that exporting unprocessed minerals undermines Uganda’s economic potential, while nations that refine their minerals locally generate substantially higher profits.
On August 16, 2025, President Museveni officially inaugurated the Wagagai gold processing plant, located in the Busia District. The facility spans nine square kilometers and is equipped to refine gold to a purity level of 99.9 percent.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Museveni ruled out the possibility of exporting unprocessed gold in the future , to ensure that Uganda captures the full value of its resources.
The Wagagai plant is expected to significantly contribute to Uganda’s economic development by creating jobs, increasing revenue, and fostering a sustainable gold industry that retains more of the country’s wealth within its borders.
In 2024/2025, Kigali had set a goal of collecting Frw 60 billion, which was achieved. Building on that success, the city has now raised its target for the coming year.
The Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya explained that strategies to meet this target include raising awareness among business owners about the importance of timely tax payment and guiding them through the process.
“We continue to remind taxpayers about deadlines and show them the systems they can use to pay, since many get caught up in their work and end up missing the due dates,” she said.
According to Ntirenganya, higher tax revenues directly strengthen the city’s ability to finance infrastructure projects such as roads, health centers, and other public services.
Officials from the City’s Department of Economic Development acknowledged that some business operators still do not fully recognize the value of paying taxes, a gap that slows down economic growth. New measures are being introduced to improve compliance.
The City of Kigali’s total budget for 2025/2026 is projected at Frw 250 billion. If the Frw 80 billion revenue target is achieved, the city will cover nearly one-third of its budget through its own resources.
Speaking about RRA’s new targets, he highlighted the ambitious goal of collecting Frw 3.628 trillion in taxes during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, explaining how the Authority intends to achieve this and why citizens should better understand their role in building their country’s economy.
For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, RRA aims to collect 54% of the national budget, which amounts to Frw 7.032.5 trillion. This collection effort aligns with the government’s introduction of new taxes, expected to significantly contribute to financing Rwanda’s development.
Niwenshuti stressed that citizens should appreciate the benefits of taxation, as revenues are reinvested in public infrastructure and services across the country.
“A nation can rely on its future if its people work, pay taxes, and grow the economy,” he explained. “Think of taxes as the blood in a body. Taxes are the blood of a country’s economy because when we collect them, we build roads, schools, hospitals, ensure security, and most importantly, we create jobs.”
He further noted that taxes stimulate employment through infrastructure projects, which generate jobs for citizens who, in turn, support their families. Taxes also create business opportunities through public tenders and contracts, expanding economic activity year by year.
{{Is collecting 54% realistic?}}
According to Niwenshuti, entrusting RRA with the responsibility of collecting 54% of the national budget is a remarkable milestone.
He recalled that when RRA was established in 1998, it collected just Frw 66 billion, yet since then tax revenue has grown by an average of 13% annually.
The 2025/2026 budget allocates 62.8% to economic development projects such as roads and infrastructure, and 21% to social welfare initiatives.
“Much of this money will directly benefit citizens through infrastructure and services,” he explained. “But to achieve these targets, RRA cannot do it alone. It requires collective effort and citizen cooperation.”
{{Why new taxes?}}
The Commissioner General explained that the introduction and revision of new taxes is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen the taxation system.
Rwanda’s ambition is that by 2029, tax revenue should reach 19% of GDP.
“The more taxes we collect, the more the country can prosper — just like a household striving to improve its wellbeing. When you approach a bank for a loan, it first checks your ability to repay. Similarly, a nation must demonstrate its capacity to grow, and that capacity comes from tax revenues. Taxes give the country the strength to borrow and invest in development projects early, instead of postponing progress to the future,” he noted.
This year marks one of the most significant shifts in Rwanda’s taxation framework, designed to help Rwandans clearly understand the nation’s development path.
“Taxation itself is not enough. People must understand why it matters,” he added. “First, it’s about raising more revenue. Second, it reduces the deficit between what people earn and what is needed for national services. Third, it changes citizens’ mindset toward embracing their role in development.”
He noted that some taxes, such as those on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling, might be enacted to serve a social purpose, discouraging harmful habits that can negatively affect citizens’ wellbeing.
Niwenshuti urged Rwandans to shift their mindset and recognize that paying taxes is not merely an obligation but a direct contribution to the nation’s progress.
The ministry announced in a press release that Hussein Moallim Hassan, a key figure in the al-Shabab terrorist group for over 15 years and one of its most wanted senior leaders, was killed on Saturday night.
The deceased had played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against civilians in the central and southern regions of Somalia, said the ministry.
It added that the elimination of Moalim provided strategic impetus to the intensified campaign to degrade al-Shahab terrorists, including those in the group’s leadership structure.
Somalia’s security forces have vowed to step up air and ground operations to flush out al-Shabab militants in the central and southern regions of the country.
The case gained public attention after several journalists, including Ndayishimiye Reagan (Rugaju), Ishimwe Ricard, and former journalist Mucyo Antha Biganiro, were implicated in the investigation. Authorities allege that both military personnel and civilians colluded to misuse public resources for personal benefit.
On 5 August 2025, the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) issued a statement identifying suspects as two RDF officers and 20 civilians. They are alleged to have committed offenses such as complicity in issuing and receiving unauthorized documents and misusing public resources for unintended purposes.
In the following days, the number of defendants rose from 20, reaching 28 individuals brought before the court on 5 August 2025. Among them were three military officers: Capt Peninah Mutoni, Capt Peninah Umurungi, and Maj Vicent Muligande.
Also charged were the spokesperson of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, CSP Hillary Sengabo, and his colleague CSP Olive Mukantabana.
The case further involves 23 civilians, including sports journalists, as well as Kalisa Georgine, a former treasurer of APR FC, and Mugisha Frank (known as Jangwani), the former spokesperson for the club.
The Military Court ruled that all defendants should be tried in-camera for national security reasons, given that the allegations are closely connected to the Ministry of Defence.
{{Charges against key defendants}}
Capt Peninah Mutoni faces accusations including granting unauthorized documents to individuals, misusing public funds, and collusion in producing and using falsified documents, harges shared with Maj Vicent Muligande and Kalisa Georgine.
Capt Peninah Umurungi, CSP Hillary Sengabo, CSP Olive Mukantabana, and journalists Ndayishimiye Reagan and Ishimwe Ricard are accused of being accomplices in fraudulently obtaining documents issued by authorized institutions and misusing public resources for personal gain.
{{Case background}}
Reliable sources indicate that most allegations focus on Capt Peninah Mutoni, who worked in a department responsible for requesting airline tickets for Ministry of Defence staff and other designated individuals. She held the responsibilities from 2017 until late 2024.
It is alleged that Capt Peninah Mutoni exploited this position to fraudulently purchase tickets for individuals who were not eligible for Ministry-funded travel, including fans and journalists attending APR FC matches against Pyramid in Egypt and AZAM in Tanzania.
Capt Peninah Mutoni reportedly collaborated closely with Kalisa Georgine to solicit payments from individuals seeking these tickets. However, the funds provided were not used for their intended purpose but were instead added to the Ministry of Defence’s accounts. The two allegedly shared the proceeds for personal gain.
During the investigation, journalist Ndayishimiye Reagan reportedly admitted that in September 2024 he paid Kalisa Georgine $540 for a ticket and an additional $100 for a visa, after which Kalisa delivered the ticket at the airport. Similarly, Ishimwe Ricard reportedly paid Kalisa $700 for a ticket, which Kalisa then forwarded to Capt Peninah Mutoni.
For the APR FC versus Pyramid match, Ndayishimiye Reagan and Biganiro Mucyo Antha had tickets paid for by the Ministry of Defence. RwandAir invoiced the Ministry $1,013 for Mucyo Antha’s travel to Tanzania, billed as official duty.
Prior to being taken into custody, Ishimwe Ricard admitted the wrongdoing during a radio interview on SK FM on 31 July 2025, stating:
“What troubled me in this matter is that I traveled to Egypt, spending Frw 1.4 million for my ticket, and additional travel expenses […] How can a journalist be questioned about payment and even face imprisonment?”
{{CSP Sengabo designated as APR BBW employee}}
Beyond the funds reportedly used for APR FC matches, information indicates that military and correctional service officers returning from peacekeeping missions in South Sudan were provided with airline tickets by Capt Peninah Mutoni without proper authorization. Among them was CSP Hillary Sengabo.
According to sources, at the end of 2024, as CSP Sengabo prepared to return to Rwanda for leave, he coordinated with Capt Peninah Mutoni to purchase a RwandAir ticket. She reportedly provided her bank account details and transferred $534, after which Capt Mutoni arranged the ticket.
A similar situation reportedly occurred with CSP Olive Mukantabana, who is said to have received a ticket purchased by Capt Peninah Mutoni when she intended to travel from South Sudan. CSP Mukantabana stated that she received Capt Mutoni’s contact number through Capt Peninah Umurungi, with whom they were together in South Sudan.
Both were given tickets, but the funds they provided were not used to pay for the tickets; instead, they were registered as employees of APR BBW. Capt Peninah Umurungi also received a ticket purchased by Capt Mutoni. This arrangement is where the alleged forgery charges against Capt Mutoni originate.
It is reported that once Capt Mutoni realized the illegal transactions to secure the ticket for Capt Umurungi drew attention, she collaborated with a RwandAir employee to produce a false document indicating that Capt Umurungi had paid for it.
Another military officer involved in the case is Maj Vincent Murigande, who, according to Capt Mutoni, instructed her to purchase tickets for Sengabo and Mukantabana. He is also said to have received all emails requesting tickets, which were recorded under the Ministry of Defence, even though the recipients were not affiliated with it.
Brigadier General Déo Rusanganwa, Chairman of APR FC, recently stated that anyone who misuses Ministry of Defence resources must be held accountable.
“MINADEF provides us with budgets to uplift Rwandans, and if we misuse them, we will be held accountable. If someone among you is contacted to clarify matters and has no involvement, they will be cleared. Justice may take time, but it will prevail. I ask for patience from those affected, because our country cannot function like other places we know,” he said.
He added: “We must carefully manage the resources entrusted to us to nurture talent and ensure they are used for their intended purpose. Let us trust that justice will take its course. It may take a little time, but I am confident it will be resolved appropriately. We must also cooperate to safeguard the resources APR entrusts to us.”
