The call was made on Saturday by the Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in Kenya (RCK), Dr. Innocent Butare, during a meeting with members of the community in Nyeri County following a quarter-final match of the ongoing RCK Imena Cup 2026 football tournament.
The meeting was attended by Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, diplomats from the Rwandan High Commission, members of the RCK Committee, and 200 members of the Rwandan community from Nyeri, Embu, and Meru counties.
Earlier, Ambassador Rwamucyo, accompanied by diplomats from the High Commission and members of the RCK Committee, watched the quarter-final match between Elite FC and Vision de la Jeunesse FC. The tournament brings together Rwandan teams from across Kenya.
Vision de la Jeunesse FC of Embu County secured a place in the semi-finals, which will be held in Nairobi this October.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Rwamucyo congratulated Vision de la Jeunesse FC on reaching the semi-finals. He also highlighted the consular services offered by the High Commission and national development programmes that members of the community can participate in.
The High Commissioner encouraged Rwandans living in Kenya to continue upholding Rwandan values and to preserve the strong bilateral relations between Rwanda and Kenya by respecting the laws of their host country.
Dr. Butare urged the community to continue upholding the values of unity and social cohesion, which he said are key to fostering a strong, connected, and resilient RCK.
He also encouraged Rwandans living in Kenya to save through savings groups and urged those who are able to invest in investment schemes established by the Government of Rwanda, including Ejo Heza and the RNIT Iterambere Fund.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, addresses members of the Rwandan community in Nyeri County following a quarter-final match of the RCK Imena Cup 2026.The RCK Imena Cup 2026 brings together Rwandan teams from across Kenya, strengthening connections among members of the Rwandan community.Rwandan Community in Kenya Chairperson Dr. Innocent Butare urged members to uphold the values of unity and social cohesion during a community meeting in Nyeri County.Members of the Rwandan community in Kenya gathered in Nyeri County for a meeting with Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo and RCK Chairperson Dr. Innocent Butare.
Baghaei stressed in the interview that for any dialogue to be formed, the “proper ground” must be prepared, noting that the United States has destroyed such a ground, Iranian media reported on Sunday.
He accused Washington of violating “all its provisions” in practice under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
The spokesman said Iran’s current priority “is to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect its people against the war crimes that are being perpetrated by the United States.”
Under the MoU signed on June 18, the United States and Iran were scheduled to hold talks within a period of 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the talks’ fate is hanging in the balance following renewed clashes between the two over the past two weeks.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
According to historical accounts, the King succumbed after receiving what has been described as a suspicious injection administered by Belgian physician Dr. Vyncke. His death has long been regarded as a political assassination, that preceded the violence against Tutsi that erupted later that year and eventually culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
More than six decades later, the anniversary of King Rudahigwa’s death continues to serve as a moment to reflect on the legacy of a monarch remembered for championing unity, modernization and Rwanda’s quest for self-determination.
A reformer ahead of his time
King Mutara III Rudahigwa ascended the throne during the colonial era but distinguished himself as a progressive leader determined to modernize Rwanda’s institutions and improve the lives of his people.
Among his most enduring achievements was the abolition of the Ubuhake clientship system and the Uburetwa and Shiku systems of forced labour, reforms widely regarded as milestones in promoting equality and national unity.
Rudahigwa also embraced modernization in his personal conduct. Rather than travelling in the traditional royal hammock, he purchased and used a motor vehicle, symbolizing his vision of a modern state.
To strengthen governance, he established the Conseil du Mwami (Council of the King), an advisory body that later evolved into the Conseil du Pays (Council of the Country) in 1942 and the Conseil Supérieur du Pays (Superior Council of the Country) in 1953, an institution comparable to today’s Senate.
His reign also saw significant investment in infrastructure. Rwanda’s road network expanded rapidly, linking major towns such as Kigali, Butare, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Cyangugu and Bujumbura, while international routes connected the country to Uganda, Tanzania and the port of Mombasa, facilitating trade and regional integration.
The mining sector also experienced considerable growth under his leadership. Companies including MINETAIN, SOMUKI, GEORWANDA and COREM expanded mineral exploration and extraction, producing tin, gold, columbo-tantalite, beryl and amblygonite. By the late 1950s, the industry employed an estimated 15,000 to 16,000 workers.
Champion of independence
Beyond economic and institutional reforms, King Rudahigwa increasingly advocated for Rwanda’s political future.
Historical records indicate that he pushed for Rwanda’s independence from Belgian colonial rule, called for the removal of ethnic designations from identity cards, promoted universal access to education and sought the establishment of a university in Rwanda similar to those already operating elsewhere in the region.
These positions placed him at odds with the colonial administration. Many historians and Rwandan officials argue that his determination to secure Rwanda’s sovereignty ultimately made him a target.
His death in July 1959 was followed by escalating political unrest and anti-Tutsi violence later that year.
Today, King Mutara III Rudahigwa is remembered not only as Rwanda’s last reigning monarch before the country’s political transformation but also as a leader whose vision centred on national unity, social reform and independence. His legacy continues to be commemorated as part of Rwanda’s historical journey and its ongoing commitment to unity, self-reliance and national development.
King Mutara III Rudahigwa ascended the throne during the colonial era but distinguished himself as a progressive leader determined to modernize Rwanda’s institutions and improve the lives of his people. This photo shows King Mutara-III-Rudahigwa and Catholic Church leaders.
Gen Muhoozi was received at Kigali International Airport on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Gen Mubarakh Muganga.
Also present to welcome him were Maj Gen Willy Rwagasana, Commander of the RDF’s Republican Guard, and Col Ezekiel Matsiko, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Rwanda.
During the visit, Gen Muhoozi is expected to meet senior Rwanda Defence Force officials to discuss ways of further enhancing defence cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda. He is also scheduled to be received by President Paul Kagame.
This marks Gen Muhoozi’s first visit to Rwanda since March 2025, when he held discussions with senior RDF commanders on bilateral military cooperation.
During that visit, he also toured the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College in Nyakinama of Musanze District, where he delivered a lecture on the role of African countries in promoting peace and security across the continent.
Maj Gen Willy Rwagasana, Commander of the RDF’s Republican Guard also welcomed Gen Muhoozi in Kigali. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba was received by senior Rwanda Defence Force officials upon arrival in Rwanda.Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga welcomed Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Kigali.Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba arrives at Kigali International Airport for a two-day visit to RwandaGen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has arrived at Kigali International Airport for a two-day visit to Rwanda
Oman’s low-cost carrier, SalamAir, officially launched its direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, marking the airline’s expansion into the African market. The inaugural flight landed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with the route scheduled to operate twice a week.
The new air link has sparked optimism about the benefits it will bring to both nations, from boosting tourism and trade to expanding employment and investment opportunities.
As Rwanda continues positioning itself as a leading tourism destination, the direct connection to Oman is expected to attract more visitors from Oman and neighboring Gulf countries while also providing easier access for African travelers heading to Oman.
The route is also anticipated to stimulate investment. Easier travel will allow Omani investors to explore business opportunities in Rwanda, particularly in sectors where the country has seen significant growth.
For ordinary citizens, the new flights will simplify travel for business, tourism, education, and family visits, making movement between the two countries faster and more affordable.
Employment opportunities for Rwandans
Oman has a population of over 5.3 million, with a significant proportion made up of expatriates. Foreign workers play a vital role in sectors such as construction, healthcare, tourism, transportation, and hospitality.
Rwanda’s Honorary Consul to Oman, Hamood Khalfan Al Busaidi, described the launch of the flights as the realization of a dream he had pursued for more than three decades.
“For me, this is a dream come true. I have represented Rwanda’s interests in Oman for more than 30 years, and I have followed this initiative closely. Today it has become a reality with the support of leaders from both countries.”
Al Busaidi noted that the new air connection could create employment opportunities for qualified Rwandans, as Oman relies heavily on foreign professionals.
“Oman has a relatively small population, while Rwanda has about 14 million people. This creates employment opportunities for educated people in Oman,” he said.
He also highlighted business opportunities for Rwandan exporters, particularly those dealing in agricultural products such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Conversely, Oman could expand exports to Rwanda in areas including construction materials, natural resources, and other industrial products.
According to Al Busaidi, increased interaction between business communities and government officials from both countries will help identify additional sectors for cooperation and investment.
RwandAir could soon launch direct flights to Oman.
A longstanding relationship
Despite regional geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s petroleum supplies pass, Rwanda and Oman have maintained strong bilateral relations.
Al Busaidi emphasized that ties between the two countries go back many years, with several Omani families having lived in Rwanda.
He himself was born in Rwanda to an Omani father and a Rwandan mother. Other Omanis were also born or have lived in Rwanda, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
The launch of SalamAir’s Muscat–Kigali route is expected to encourage Omani investment in sectors such as transportation, tourism, mining and infrastructure development.
The direct connection will also facilitate tourism in both directions while supporting Oman’s ambition to use Kigali as a gateway to the wider African market.
For Rwanda, the route is expected to improve trade logistics and provide easier access to markets in the Middle East.
Speaking to IGIHE, Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, welcomed the development, saying the new route would deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“We highly appreciate this opportunity for Rwanda to strengthen its partnership with Oman. The launch of SalamAir flights opens new possibilities for trade, tourism, and employment between our two countries.”
Rwanda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, also said the direct flights would significantly reduce travel costs and inconvenience for passengers who previously had to connect through third countries to reach Oman.
SalamAir’s first flight to Kigali receives a ceremonial water salute upon arrival.
A new destination for RwandAir
During the inauguration of SalamAir’s Muscat–Kigali service, officials also revealed that RwandAir may soon begin operating flights to Oman.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Oman, Dan Munyuza, who is based in Egypt, said Omani authorities have committed to facilitating all the necessary approvals if RwandAir decides to launch the route.
Minister of State Col. Claudien Bizimungu confirmed that the bilateral air services agreement allows airlines from both countries to operate flights between Kigali and Muscat.
“RwandAir could begin operating this route in the near future because that is Rwanda’s objective. Rather than relying solely on foreign airlines, we want our national carrier to provide Rwandans and international travelers with direct access to the destinations they need. We are investing in these connections to make travel and business more convenient.”
Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a Middle Eastern nation whose capital, Muscat, is the destination served by the newly launched direct flights from Kigali.
The country covers approximately 309,500 square kilometers and had a population of about 5.3 million as of May 2026. Nearly half of its residents are expatriates, making Oman one of the Gulf countries with a large foreign workforce.
Arabic is the country’s official language, while English is widely spoken, particularly in business, tourism, and international trade.
Oman’s currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), one of the world’s strongest currencies. One Omani Rial is worth more than Rwf3,800. The country is ruled by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Oman’s economy was valued at approximately $107 billion in 2024. While oil and natural gas remain the backbone of its economy, the country has been actively pursuing economic diversification by investing in tourism, mining, infrastructure, logistics and ports, and renewable energy.
SalamAir’s inaugural flight arrives at Kigali International Airport.Oman is home to some of the region’s most strategically important commercial ports.
The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday as part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to strengthen its technology and innovation ecosystem.
The Rwanda Institute of Computing will officially open in September 2026 as a specialized institution under the University of Rwanda. It will offer advanced degree programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, the institute builds on the success of the Rwanda Coding Academy by creating a clear pathway for students to pursue advanced studies in computer science and emerging technologies.
The statement noted: “The institute will provide a seamless pathway to advanced computing education and further strengthen Rwanda’s talent pipeline for the digital economy.”
Rwanda is among the African countries that have adopted a national Artificial Intelligence policy. On June 8, 2026, the Cabinet also established the National Artificial Intelligence Agency, which will help accelerate innovation, attract investment, support AI implementation, and strengthen governance in the sector.
Artificial intelligence is already being applied across Rwanda in a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, justice, agriculture, and many other areas of national development.
The country continues to prioritize a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
Under its five-year National Strategy for Transformation, Rwanda aims for all citizens to possess basic digital literacy by 2029, while one million people are expected to receive training in computer programming.
Government statistics indicate that by the end of 2024, more than 60% of Rwandans had acquired basic digital skills.
Mobile phone ownership has also grown significantly, with 85% of households owning a mobile phone in 2024, up from 67% in 2017.
By 2029, Rwanda aims to ensure that all citizens have the digital skills needed to access both government and private-sector services online from anywhere in the country, using digital technologies.
The Rwanda Institute of Computing will officially open in September 2026 as a specialized institution under the University of Rwanda.
The sharp rise in cumulative figures was mainly due to the integration of harmonized databases from the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu into the national database on Wednesday, including previously uncounted cases, the ministry said, adding that the increase did not solely reflect newly reported cases from the past 24 hours.
It said 97 confirmed cases and 62 deaths were reported on Wednesday. A total of 519 patients have recovered, while 722 others remain in isolation or are receiving treatment.
During a visit on Thursday to Kisangani, capital of the newly affected Tshopo province, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said many patients were arriving at health facilities only after developing severe symptoms, making treatment more difficult.
She said the government would strengthen community training and awareness campaigns to encourage suspected patients to seek medical care at an earlier stage.
The government had allocated 50 million U.S. dollars to the Ebola response, with priority given to laboratories, medical equipment, community surveillance and patient care, she added.
Meanwhile, the University of Oxford announced Friday that the first volunteer had been vaccinated in the world’s first human trial of a vaccine designed to protect against the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain responsible for the current outbreak.
The candidate vaccine, ChAdOx1 BDBV, was developed by the university’s Oxford Vaccine Group and Pandemic Sciences Institute. The Serum Institute of India has manufactured and stockpiled about 620,000 doses, including 4,000 investigational doses supplied for the trial, according to the university.
The first-stage study is expected to recruit about 50 healthy adults and will primarily assess the vaccine’s safety and immune responses. Subject to regulatory approval, further clinical studies are being prepared in cooperation with partners in Uganda, the university said.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 2,905 confirmed Ebola cases with 1,269 deaths.
Starship lifted off from the company’s Starbase facility in the U.S. state of Texas at about 5:52 p.m. Central Time. Shortly after launch, SpaceX confirmed stage separation. The Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico as scheduled, according to SpaceX.
The Starship upper stage completed its ascent burn and was coasting through space. It later deployed 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. SpaceX said the flight test would provide critical data as it prepares to expand the Starlink constellation.
During the mission, Starship successfully ignited one of its Raptor engines while in space, testing a maneuver needed for future orbital missions. It also performed a banking maneuver to simulate the final approach for a future return and catch attempt at Starbase.
About one hour and five minutes after liftoff, Starship completed the flight test with a scheduled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, SpaceX said.
The mission continued testing the upgraded Version 3 Starship and Super Heavy vehicles, which made their debut during the previous flight test in May.
The launch was originally scheduled for July 16 but was delayed twice due to technical issues and weather conditions.
SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship lifts off for a test flight from Starbase, Texas, Friday, July 24, 2026. (AP)
According to a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Cabinet was briefed on key initiatives designed to accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a knowledge-based, cashless and digitally driven economy.
The initiatives include the establishment of the Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC), the modernization of telecommunications infrastructure from 2G/3G to 4G/5G networks, and the rollout of eKash as an interoperable national digital payment platform to accelerate financial inclusion and digital transactions.
Cabinet also approved the Rwanda Food Innovation Ecosystem Strategy together with the establishment of the Rwanda Food Innovation Partnership (RFIP), an initiative intended to fast-track innovation in food systems through agile regulation, attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening food security and nutrition.
The meeting further approved a draft law ratifying the Financing Agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the International Development Association (IDA) relating to a second additional financing package for the recovery and resilience project. The agreement was signed in Kigali on June 25, 2026.
Among other decisions, Cabinet approved a Ministerial Order governing authorisations relating to dynamites or accessories.
It also approved applications for Rwandan nationality.
Cabinet endorsed a Shareholders Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and JSC National Mining Company “Tau-Ken Samruk” (TKS) for the establishment of a joint venture to undertake mineral exploration and mining activities in Rwanda.
The meeting further approved a concession agreement between the Government of Rwanda and InipasvalleyRw Ltd for the High-Value Therapeutic Crops Project.
It also approved an amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement between the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL) and Nyirahindwe HPP relating to the development and operation of the Nyirahindwe I Hydropower Plant in Nyamasheke District.
Cabinet granted agrément to three proposed diplomatic representatives.
Those approved include Ms Jirusaya Birananda as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Nairobi; Ms Marie Goreth Nizigama as the UN Women Country Representative in Rwanda; and Mr Anton Buttigieg as the proposed Honorary Consul of Rwanda to the Republic of Malta.
During the meeting’s Any Other Business session, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement informed Cabinet that Umuganura 2026 celebrations are scheduled for August 7, 2026.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning also informed Cabinet that Kigali will host the 26th Council of Ministers of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) from August 31 to September 5, 2026.
Cabinet was further informed by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources that Kigali will host the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) Summit 2026 from September 1 to 4, 2026, with the event also marking the forum’s 20th anniversary.
President Paul Kagame chaired a Cabinet meeting that approved the establishment of the Rwanda Nature Foundation alongside a series of measures on digital transformation, food security, investment and international cooperation.
The agreement was signed on Friday in Warsaw by Poland’s Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wojciech Zajączkowski, who oversees African affairs, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Anastase Shyaka.
Officially titled the “Bilateral Agreement on Engagement in Gainful Occupation by Family Members of the Members of the Diplomatic Mission,” the agreement enables eligible family members of diplomats and other embassy personnel from Rwanda in Warsaw and Poland in Kigali to undertake gainful employment in accordance with the laws and regulations of their host country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Secretary of State Wojciech Zajączkowski welcomed the growing partnership between the two countries.
“We are pleased with the relationship we have with Rwanda and with the way our cooperation continues to grow,” he said.
He added that Rwanda is the first African country with which Poland has signed such an agreement.
For his part, Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka thanked the Polish government for the importance it attaches to strengthening its friendship and cooperation with Rwanda.
“Rwanda highly values its excellent cooperation with Poland. Just as you consider us among your close friends, we equally regard you as one of our trusted partners and friends,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of gifts, including a Visit Rwanda souvenir, and was attended by officials from both the Rwandan and Polish sides.
The agreement reflects the two countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation while making it easier for the families of diplomatic personnel to integrate into the societies where they are posted.
Rwanda and Poland have signed an agreement enabling eligible family members of diplomatic mission staff to engage in gainful employment abroad.The agreement signed in Warsaw allows family members of Rwandan diplomats in Poland and Polish diplomats in Rwanda to seek employment under host country regulations.Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland Prof. Anastase Shyaka and Poland’s Secretary of State Wojciech Zajączkowski signing an agreement allowing family members of diplomats to work in their host countries.
