The couple shared the joyful news on their social media platforms with a stunning maternity photoshoot, where Priscilla is seen radiating in an elegant gown, her growing baby bump proudly on display. One intimate shot shows Jux gently kissing her belly, a moment that melted fans’ hearts across the continent.
The announcement quickly went viral, with a wave of congratulatory messages pouring in from fellow celebrities including Diamond Platnumz, Alliah Cool, and Peter Okoye (Mr. P) of P-Square.
Juma Jux and Priscilla, who is the daughter of Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, captured public attention with their whirlwind romance. The two first sparked dating rumours after a joint appearance during a project in Kigali and their relationship soon blossomed into one of the most talked-about love stories in African entertainment.
Their union was sealed in grand style with a traditional Yoruba ceremony in Lagos, followed by an opulent white wedding and Nikkah in Dar es Salaam in May 2025, drawing admiration from fans across East and West Africa.
Before finding love with Priscilla, Juma Jux was previously linked to socialite Karen Bujulu and pop star Vanessa Mdee, who is now married to American singer Rotimi. Vanessa and Rotimi are parents to two children, Seven and Imani.
As Jux and Priscilla prepare to welcome their bundle of joy, fans and followers continue to celebrate the couple’s journey with heartfelt wishes and anticipation for the next chapter.
Barigye was among senior state officials appointed on Thursday as President Kagame unveiled a new Cabinet to steer government operations under his leadership and that of the new Prime Minister.
Barigye will now deputise Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye, who assumed leadership of the central bank earlier this year. His expertise will be crucial as Rwanda intensifies efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen financial inclusion, and advance digital financial infrastructure.
Barigye’s appointment comes just days after he was named Group Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL), a leading investment company and the largest private-sector employer in Rwanda.
He briefly stepped into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.
Under his stewardship, KIFC gained global recognition and attracted strategic international partnerships and investments that bolstered Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
He also previously served as a senior executive at Crystal Ventures Ltd from 2008 to 2014.
In the new state appointments announced on Thursday, four new faces, including two ministers and two state ministers, were appointed to the government.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes State Minister for Infrastructure.
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This follows the appointment of Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, which triggered the formation of a new Cabinet in accordance with the Rwandan Constitution.
Dominique Habimana has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, while Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye takes on the role of Minister of Environment. Both are joining the Cabinet for the first time.
On the side of state ministers, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye has been named State Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, and Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye becomes the State Minister for Infrastructure.
Another notable appointment in the new list of state officers unveiled on Thursday night is that of Nick Barigye as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, a role previously held by the Prime Minister-designate.
The newly announced Cabinet comprises 21 ministers and 10 state ministers, with the majority of them having served under outgoing Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and retaining their positions.
{{Full List of Appointments}}
{{I. Ministers}}
1. Judith Uwizeye – Minister in the Office of the President
2. Inès Mpambara – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister
3. Yusuf Murangwa – Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
4. Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
5. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja – Minister of Justice / Attorney General
6. Juvenal Marizamunda – Minister of Defense
7. Consolée Uwimana – Minister of Gender and Family Promotion
8. Dr. Vincent Biruta – Minister of Interior
9. Dominique Habimana – Minister of Local Government
10. Dr. Jimmy Gasore – Minister of Infrastructure
11. Paula Ingabire – Minister of ICT and Innovation
12. Joseph Nsengimana – Minister of Education
13. Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye – Minister of Environment
14. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe – Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources
15. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana – Minister of Health
16. Prudence Sebahizi – Minister of Trade and Industry
17. Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports
18. Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana – Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement
19. Amb. Christine Nkulikiyinka – Minister of Public Service and Labor
20. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira – Minister in Charge of Emergency Management
21. Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumutwishima – Minister of Youth and Arts
{{II. Ministers of State}}
1. Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation
2. Mutesi Linda Rusagara – Minister of State for Resource Mobilisation and Public Investment
3. Godfrey Kabera – Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury
4. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye – Minister of State for Infrastructure
5. Marie Solange Kayisire – Minister of State for Local Government
6. Claudette Irere – Minister of State for Education
7. Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye – Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources
8. Dr. Yvan Butera – Minister of State for Health
9. Sandrine Umutoni – Minister of State for Youth and Arts
10. Rwego Ngarambe – Minister of State for Sports
{{III. Other Senior Officials}}
1. Jean-Guy Afrika – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with the rank of Minister
2. Juliana Muganza – Deputy CEO of RDB, with the rank of Minister of State
3. Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard – Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), with the rank of Minister
4. Nick Barigye – Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).
The meeting follows Dr. Nsengiyumva’s appointment on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, replacing Edouard Ngirente, who had served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister since 2017.
The appointment of Dr. Nsengiyumva is expected to trigger the formation of a new Cabinet, per the provisions of Rwanda’s Constitution.
A seasoned technocrat with a PhD in economics, Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. His professional journey has also included roles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and in the Ministry of Education.
Reacting to his appointment on Wednesday, Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed gratitude to President Kagame and pledged to lead with humility and commitment.
“Thank you, Your Excellency Paul Kagame, for your trust and confidence once again. I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful,” he wrote on X.
“I pledge to serve you and Rwanda with humility and dedication under your leadership and guidance. I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose.”
As the seventh Prime Minister of Rwanda since 1994, Nsengiyumva takes office at a critical juncture, with just four years remaining to implement the country’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), a five-year development plan launched in 2024.
The NST2 outlines ambitious goals across key sectors, including job creation, economic growth, education, healthcare, and service delivery. Among the headline targets are the creation of 1.25 million productive jobs by 2029, doubling private investment from $2.2 billion to $4.6 billion, and raising exports from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion.
In agriculture, output is projected to increase by over 50%, driven by an 85% expansion in irrigated land, improved access to fertilisers and seeds, and modernised livestock production. The sector is expected to grow by at least 6% annually through a market-oriented approach.
Education reforms will see pre-primary school enrolment rise from 35% to 65%, while efforts to boost science and technology learning will be scaled up. At least 500,000 people are set to be trained in digital skills, and vocational training will be tailored to match labour market demands.
Healthcare access and quality are also set for transformation. The number of registered health workers is expected to quadruple, with targeted improvements in maternal and child health services. The government aims to reduce child stunting from 33% to 15%.
By 2029, every household, school, and health facility in Rwanda is expected to have access to electricity and clean water. Meanwhile, a digital national ID and fully digitised government services are planned to streamline public service delivery.
Tourism revenue is projected to double, with Rwanda positioning itself as a leading destination for international conferences. On the global stage, the government will focus on foreign investment, increased trade, and deeper engagement with the Rwandan diaspora in national development efforts.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva will be at the centre of driving this wide-ranging national agenda. His leadership is expected to focus on accelerating progress where needed, reinforcing delivery mechanisms, and ensuring Rwanda stays on track to achieve its development goals by 2029.
The agreement was reached during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 July 2025. Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, represented Rwanda at the meeting.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum following the Washington Peace Agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group signed earlier this month.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties said the new Tripartite Technical Working Group Road Map (2025–2026) outlines key operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines to guide the repatriation and reintegration process.
The new plan aims to provide lasting solutions for thousands of Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan refugees in DRC, and is seen as a critical component of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
President Paul Kagame has in the past maintained that Rwanda currently hosts more than 100,000 Congolese refugees affected by the conflict in eastern DRC, which is attributed to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Following the Thursday meeting, the parties reaffirmed the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without constraints. The plan also calls for improved coordination between the two governments and UNHCR, the provision of accurate information to refugees, and the establishment of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently hosted at a transit centre in Goma, DRC. This will be carried out with support from UNHCR and in coordination with relevant local authorities.
The road map also places emphasis on inclusive reintegration planning, ensuring returnees have access to housing, education, livelihoods, health services, and civil documentation. Additionally, it calls for engagement with donors and development partners to support the long-term recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the three parties also agreed to hold regular technical working group meetings to monitor implementation of the road map and plan to reconvene at the ministerial level in six months to assess progress and offer strategic guidance.
The plant, owned by HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, will produce more than 1,800 tonnes of construction and sanitary hardware annually. Its product range includes plumbing and electrical fittings, water system pipes, LED lighting, Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels, and glass shower enclosures essential for interior finishing works.
Located in the rapidly developing Bugesera Industrial Park, the factory occupies a one-hectare plot, with 6,000 square metres of built-up space, half of which is currently in use. It has a daily production capacity of up to five tonnes and is expected to significantly reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported construction materials.
Speaking during a pre-inauguration event on Wednesday, July 23, Jean Bosco Mungwarareba, the founder and managing director of HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, said his 25 years of experience importing construction materials inspired him to invest in local production.
The move aligns with the government’s “Made in Rwanda” initiative aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit.
Mungwarareba said he aims to expand the factory’s capacity so that, in the near future, it can locally produce at least 30 percent of the construction materials he used to import.
“Eventually, we want to start exporting these high-quality products and help bring foreign currency into the country rather than lose it through imports.”
Currently, the factory employs 22 permanent staff, with more casual workers expected as production scales up.
The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has praised the initiative, noting the strategic importance of local manufacturing. Callixte Kanamugire, Chief Advocacy Officer at PSF, said the factory will not only help cut Rwanda’s import bill but also support job creation and export growth.
“These are globally competitive products. With the government’s emphasis on quality assurance, local factories like this one are well-positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets,” Kanamugire said, adding that such ventures are key to addressing Rwanda’s trade deficit.
The Bugesera Industrial Park, which spans 335.67 hectares, is being developed in three phases as part of a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP).
Phase I covers 91.63 hectares and already hosts 18 factories—12 operational and six under construction. Phase II, extending over 99.45 hectares, is set for completion by the end of this year, while Phase III (144.58 hectares) is scheduled to be finalised by 2027.
Once fully developed, the industrial zone is expected to contribute $1.2 billion to Rwanda’s manufacturing sector, create 45,000 jobs, and attract over $400 million in foreign direct investment.
Damascene Munyaneza, Director of Administration and Finance at HQ-Aqua Plastic Ltd, applauded government efforts in creating enabling environments for industrial growth.
“The establishment of special economic zones is accelerating the implementation of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2),” he said.
The establishment of the new factory marks a significant step towards greater self-reliance in the construction sector and positions Rwanda as a rising industrial hub in the region.
In a strongly worded statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.
“While everyone is bogged down in interpreting the declaration of principles, the illegitimate Kinshasa regime relentlessly continues the deployment of its troops on all fronts, directs its heavy weapons toward densely populated areas, and intensifies offensives in the Uvira Highlands, targeting the Banyamulenge villages of Rurambo,” Kanyuka said.
Kanyuka added that the offensives, carried out by a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Maï-Maï Wazalendo, and the Burundi Defence Force, have killed numerous civilians and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.
The statement marks the latest in a series of accusations levelled by the AFC/M23 movement against the Congolese government in the aftermath of peace initiatives launched in Washington and Doha.
On July 17, the group publicly warned of continued military aggression from Kinshasa, claiming it undermines the peace efforts being pursued in Doha, Qatar.
Two days earlier, the group had accused government forces of killing four of its members in what it described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions” that contradicted the spirit of dialogue.
At the time, Kanyuka reaffirmed the group’s intention to protect civilians and eliminate threats “at their source”, in a video shared on social media.
“We will not yield to intimidation or the manoeuvres of an illegitimate and bloodthirsty regime, which sacrifices peace for the sake of its selfish interests.”
The Doha negotiations, led by Qatar, were brokered to end the fighting in eastern DRC, which earlier this year saw the rebels capture large swathes of territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and practising poor governance.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.
“We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.
“We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.
The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.
During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.
He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.
As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.
Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”
“It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.
In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.
“Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.
While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul – held on May 16 and June 2 – led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.
Dr. Ngirente will be succeeded by Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who was appointed by President Kagame on Wednesday.
Shortly after the announcement of the new Prime Minister’s appointment, Dr. Ngirente posted a message on X describing his journey as “deeply enriching.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. Paul Kagame for the honour of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last eight years. This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose,” he wrote.
“Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride,” he added.
Dr. Ngirente was appointed Prime Minister in August 2017, succeeding Anastase Murekezi, who had served in the role since July 2014.
During his tenure, Dr. Ngirente oversaw key government reforms, including socio-economic recovery efforts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of strategic development initiatives aligned with Vision 2050.
His successor, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda and brings extensive expertise in economic policy, regulation, and development.
Beyond his central banking role, Dr. Nsengiyumva has held various positions in both Rwandan and UK government institutions. His experience includes serving as Senior Economic Advisor at the UK Office of Rail and Road, Economist at the UK Department for Work and Pensions, and Permanent Secretary in Rwanda’s Ministries of Education and Trade and Industry.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester, with research focusing on financial development, government ownership of banks, and foreign capital inflows. Additionally, he earned an MA in Economic Policy and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told RBA that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.
“We’ve received numerous files. While 68 cases over six years may seem few to some, even a single case is significant due to the gravity of this crime,” Nkusi said.
He noted that both individuals and institutions implicated in trafficking are held accountable whenever sufficient evidence is available.
However, Nkusi acknowledged that identifying and prosecuting traffickers remains difficult due to the sophisticated methods they use to conceal their operations.
“We often collaborate with various agencies, including Interpol. But there are limitations—it’s challenging to gather reliable information, especially when crimes are committed across borders,” he explained.
He also pointed out that victims of trafficking are often reluctant or unable to provide comprehensive information, which further complicates investigations.
Data from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicates that from 2019 to May 2025, a total of 105 Rwandans were repatriated after being trafficked abroad.
Additionally, between July 2024 and March 2025, authorities successfully intercepted trafficking attempts involving 57 individuals before they were moved across borders.
