In a statement released today, Imbuto Foundation has revealed that the donation is meant to support COVID-19 testing efforts.
“Imbuto Foundation is delighted to deliver the donation of 2 BIORAD Machines to the Rwanda Biomedical Center in support of the current efforts towards the COVID-19 pandemic testing capacity at the National Reference Laboratory,” reads the statement in part.
RBC has via Twitter handle announced that these testing kits come in handy to reinforce national laboratory’s existing COVID-19 testing capacity.
“Today RBC received 2 Biorad machines donated by Imbuto Foundation. These Biorad machines will boost our efforts in effectively carrying out COVID-19 PCR tests. We are very grateful to Imbuto Foundation for this donation,” reads the tweet.
The decision follows public concerns that the newly imposed taxes were higher.
The new tax went into effect from July last year as stipulated by the law on immovable property of 2018.
Minister Ndagijimana has told RBA that an assessment will be conducted next year to review previously implemented changes. Outcomes of the assessment will be considered to determine new tax on immovable property.
The Minister also explained that the extra amount will be considered during the next tax cycle for people who had paid taxes using revised rates.
Among others, he revealed that the deadline for payment of the land tax has been extended until April 30, 2021.
The land tax has brought mixed reactions particularly among Kigali city dwellers since July 2020 when they were required to pay between Rwf 0-300 per square meter up from 0-80.
It raised concerns among residents affected by COVID-19 pandemic with fears that their land would be auctioned due to failure to clear higher taxes.
A resident of Kigali city had raised the concern to President Paul Kagame, who also tasked Minister Ndagijimana to provide clarifications. The latter assured that citizens’ worries were understood and being reviewed.
Kagame said that tax should be corresponding to citizens’ means but highlighted that it is not possible to find solutions suiting each individual.
The new tax law on immovable property indicated that people would only be taxed for additionally owned houses beyond the residential one.
The tax for non-residential house rose from 0.1 % to 1% of the asset’s total value.
The roads under construction include Ngoma – Isoko ry’Abisunganye covering 2.7 kilometers; Rango- Sahera covering 2.6 kilometers, ADEPR- Butare Catholic ( 0,8km) and Mukoni roundabout (0,2km) to be completed at a cost of Rwf5,3 billion.
Other roads covering 1 kilometer constructed in Karubanda will cost Rwf 500 million.
Drivers in Huye district who spoke to IGIHE expressed delight for the new roads expected to boost smartness and mobility in Huye town.
“We are very happy for new roads as we will move easily without mud and dust. Besides, it is adding up to the beauty of Huye town,” said Innocent Twagirayezu.
Maxime Uwamugira, a business man has revealed that clients have started increasing because the visibility of their trade centers increased.
“We have seen changes even though we are experiencing COVID-19 difficulties. New clients are coming with their cars to shop with us. They could not come to us before due to mucky roads. Even those who dared to come used to lament that they later went to car washes. We are optimistic that our business will flourish further after Coronavirus pandemic,” he underscored.
The mayor of Huye district, Sebutege Ange has said that new roads anticipate improved mobility and development.
“We expect these roads to enhance mobility in the town, fast track trade, promote business centers and improve settlement,” he explained.
Among others, Sebutege revealed that they will leave pedestrians’ sidewalks and install lights along these roads.
Japan’s ambassador in Rwanda, Masahiro Imai signed funding agreements yesterday with organizations implementing these projects.
These include the Association Rwandaise pour le Développement Endogène (ARDE Kubaho) conducting advocacy for access to safe water, Community Road Empowerment (CORE), Japan’s non-profit organization aimed at renovating feeder roads in different districts.
The project to distribute safe water will be implemented in Rega cell, Bigogwe sector of Nyabihu district within three years at a cost of US$81,788 (approximately Rwf 81 million).
The grant signed will support the construction of a water system of 4.37 kilometers of water pipe, two water kiosks, a water tank, six valve chambers and two public taps at the area. These activities will benefit over 7900 residents.
Besides, CORE project will also last three years of implementation in 16 districts.
The grant signed yesterday will enable one-year implementation in the districts of Huye, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Karongi, Gisagara and Nyanza.
It is expected that road-renovation activities will cost UD$334.744 (over Rwf 339 million) to cover 1600 kilometers by end of this year.
Speaking to IGIHE,Amb. Masahiro said they are glad to support the two projects expected to uplift residents’ livelihoods.
“We are excited to support the two projects set to yield big in transforming livelihoods especially for residents in rural areas. I thank in no smaller part independent organizations for their contribution to development particularly transforming citizens’ welfare,” he underscored.
The President and Legal Representative of ARDE Kubaho, Paul Murenzi thanked Japan for relentless support to the provision of safe water.
“We extend sincere appreciation to Japan embassy for walking with us for the past eight years to distribute safe water to citizens. It is an outstanding gesture giving relief to residents because they need safe water as a basic need. For this time, Bigogwe residents are cheerful for anticipated access to safe water,” he revealed.
Yuko Yokomizo, the CORE project manager extolled the embassy’s great giving relief for residents’ prosperity.
“It is a great honor that the embassy supports rural development projects which in return benefit residents. For instance, our project previously backed the development of over 5900 young people,” he said.
Through existing partnership with ARDE Kubaho, Japan embassy has provided safe water in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts. It has also renovated feeder roads in Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rulindo and Gakenke districts in partnership with CORE.
MINALOC has revealed that inter-district lockdown is ongoing in these districts except people with clear reasons with go ahead from relevant authorities.
On the other hand, cars transporting goods and foods are allowed to enter these districts. Public buses transiting through Nyanza, Bugesera and Gisagara are not allowed to stop in the aforementioned districts.
MINALOC has also said that physical meetings are prohibited in these districts; movements are restricted from 7pm until 4am while all businesses will close by 6pm.
Residents in these three districts have been reminded that there are no further changes to new cabinet decisions except these specific measures set for them.
MINALOC has explained that these measures will last two weeks that may be extended.
Police Spokesperson in Southern Province, SP Kanamugire Théobald has told IGIHE that they will cooperate will relevant authorities to reinforce adherence to new measures.
“We want residents to respect all guidelines instituted to defeat the pandemic. Violators will be punished as we intend to work with relevant authorities to carry our inspections and reinforce compliance,” he said.
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 generally 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 Jean Baptiste Uwiringiyimana, 38, Aphrodice Singirankabo, 47, Jean Baptiste Sibomana, 41, and Valens Niyitegeka, 34.
All the suspects hail from Rusizi District. They were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kayenzi station.
The Southern Province Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said the quartet had a bundle of papers cut like dollar currency notes, which they were using to fleece one Eric Nsengimana of Rwf500,000.
Nsengimana, SP Kanamugire said, called the Police reporting a group of men, whom he suspected to be fraudsters and had targeted him.
“They had cut papers in the size of dollar notes, covered them on either sides with notes of genuine dollars and stashed them in a small box.
They approached Nsengimana, tried to make him believe that the box contained US$100,000 and would give it to him for just Rwf500,000,” SP Kanamugire said.
On suspicion that these were conmen trying to extort money from him, Nsengimana called the Police and the four men were arrested red-handed.
SP Kanamugire urged the population to always be vigilant against such deception.
“It is essential to be vigilant before making any such transaction. You might see this as a lucrative deal and end up falling prey. Think twice; it is not possible for someone to give you US$100 for Frw500 or rather US$100,000 for Rwf500,000.”
With the current exchange rate, US$100,000 is equivalent to Rwf99.8 million.
Article 269 0f Law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states Any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years.
Article 174, any person who, by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) years and not more than three (3) years, and a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs (Rwf 3,000,000) and not more than five million Rwandan francs (Rwf5,000,000).
Under the new nationwide directives, movements are prohibited between 9pm-4am, all businesses must close by 8pm; public offices will continue with essential staff with no more than 30% capacity while other employees continue working from home on rotational basis.
Private businesses will continue with essential staff at no more than 30% capacity while markets and malls will continue with essential vendors and must not exceed 50% of registered traders.
Movements between Kigali and provinces and between districts of the country is permitted, except for Bugesera district in Eastern Province and the districts of Nyanza and Gisagara in Southern Province.
Motos and bicycles are permitted to carry passengers but must observe strict hygiene; physical meetings will resume but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity. In case the meeting participants exceed 20 people, COVID-19 testing will be required.
All bars remain closed, gyms, recreational centers and gaming activities are still prohibited. And all swimming pools and spas are closed except for those at hotels hosting tested guests.
Places of worship will resume with no more than 30% maximum occupancy; attendance at vigil must not exceed 10 persons at any one time; funeral gatherings should not exceed 20 persons; civil and religious weddings will continue but should not exceed 20 persons and must comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Receptions are prohibited.
Restaurants and café remain open with 30% occupancy limit and can receive clients until 8pm.
Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines.
This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests.
Tourists and services providers shall inform Rwanda Development Board (RDB) of their itineraries.
Individual and non-contact outdoor sport activities are permitted. However, the Ministry of Sports will release details guidelines of sports activities allowed to continue.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that although some restrictions have been eased, this should not mean being complacent.
“We all know that the pandemic is still in our midst; resuming movements between Kigali and regions, and between districts doesn’t take away washing hands, social distancing and wearing face mask,” CP Kabera said.
Similarly, he warned against movements to or from restricted districts of Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara.
“People living in restricted districts of Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara should strictly abide by measures as directed by the Cabinet. The same goes with people in other district, who are prohibited from going to Bugesera, Nyanza and Gisagara. However, in case of any emergency, concerned institutions are ready to facilitate those going to or coming from these three districts,” CP Kabera said.
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Public transport (buses) should not exceed 75%capacity. The bus operators will ensure passengers maintain social distancing and only passengers with masks will be allowed on board.
“All businesses should be closed by 8pm. Movement are prohibited from 9pmand this hour should find you home but not time to be going home; avoid unnecessary movements and prohibited gatherings.”
CP Kabera further commended members of the public, who continue to play important roles in the enforcement of the directives through awareness and reporting violators.
The statement released last night also shows that 9 people are critically ill. New cases were found in Kigali: 21, Nyanza: 16, Gicumbi: 14, Nyamagabe: 9 and Nyaruguru: 9 among other districts.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 20 412 people have been tested positive of whom 18 804 have recovered, 1326 are active cases while 282 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 317, 708 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda started countrywide inoculation program including 3693 people who received vaccine shots yesterday.
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.
During an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Nyirarugero explained more about her life and how she welcomed the appointment.
Nyirarugero is a mother of four who speaks with a warm heart mixing introducing Biblical verses in discussions. She is a Christian in the Anglican Church.
Nyirarugero studied at Rungu Primary School located in Gacaca sector, Musanze district and later pursued secondary studies at Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux in Kigali. She later graduated in Economics at INES-Ruhengeri.
Nyirarugero pursued Master’s degree in Makerere, Uganda and later obtained Master’s degree in quality education related courses from Germany in 2019.
The mother aged 54 has revealed that she was surprised for the appointment as he had never dreamt of holding senior leadership positions.
“I surprised and delighted me to see the President of the Republic bestowing trust upon me and assigning me to the position,” she said.
Nyirarugero used to have feelings that she could become the rector of a university once she obtains a Doctorate (PhD) because she served in the education sector since 2009.
“Because I was passionate about education, I had a wish to obtain a PhD that I can be the rector of a particular university,” noted Nyirarugero.
As you speak to her, it won’t take long to realize that Nyirarugero is always optimistic, self-less and courageous which helped her throughout her career in the education sector.
“I am keen on working and have a feeling to attain great things. This gives me courage to work hard and collaborate with others to achieve goals,” she explained.
Commenting on her new appointment, Nyirarugero thanked the President of the Republic and promised to work hard to deliver on promises.
“First of all, I voice my appreciation to President Paul Kagame for bestowing trust upon me assigning me the Governor of Northern Province. I will work hard to deliver to the best of my ability in collaboration with residents of this Province,” said Nyirarugero.
Since 2009, Nyirarugero has been working in the education sector. She started her career at INES-Ruhengeri and later worked at Muhabura Polytechnic where she was a lecturer and head of the department of Economics.
She was born in Muhoza sector, Musanze district of Northern Province where she was raised.
The women honored include: Donatilla Kanimba, Executive Director, Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB); Christine Mukeshimana, Founder, Help for Disabled and Vulnerable Children (HDVC); Agnes Mukashyaka, Founder, Izere Mubyeyi Center; Gaudence Mushimiyimana, Co-founder and Executive Director, Rwanda Organization of Women with Disabilities (UNABU).
Since 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali has helped recognize and celebrate Rwandan Women of Courage who are making a real difference in their communities.
Sixteen (16) inspiring women have been honored to date for demonstrating exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for social justice and the most vulnerable members of society.
The four Rwandan Women of Courage honored Thursday were all nominated to participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program study tour designed just for Rwanda, a three-week visit to trade best practices with Americans who are also involved and invested in the economic empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In 2019, the awards were presented to three Rwandans including Ashimwe Christine, the founder of Rwanda Clot Awareness Network and Dative Nakabonye, the director and founder of “Family Circle Love Lab Organization” (FCLLO), a Rwandan NGO that offers compassion and innovation to vulnerable groups.
