Under the revised entry policy, first hinted at by the government in January and now fully in effect, travellers from eligible countries are no longer required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), complete visa forms, or pay any fees.
The exemption allows them to enter the country without prior authorisation and stay for up to 60 days. Nationals of East African Community (EAC) member states like Rwanda will continue to enjoy longer stays of up to six months, as provided for under regional free movement agreements.
A cabinet dispatch issued in January noted that while the broader goal is to facilitate travel across the continent, exceptions had to be made due to prevailing security risks in the two affected countries.
“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and promote tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant exemptions from e-visas to all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, for security reasons,” the statement read in part.
Kenya introduced its eTA system in January 2024 as a replacement for traditional visas. Although intended to simplify travel, the system attracted criticism for imposing what many saw as hidden fees and bureaucratic steps on travellers from previously visa-exempt countries.
The backlash was reflected in Kenya’s sharp drop in the Africa Visa Openness Index, falling 17 places to rank 46th out of 54 countries.
To address the concerns, the government promised further reforms, including a new passenger information system to streamline entry procedures and strengthen border security.
Authorities also plan to fast-track eTA approvals for travellers still subject to the system, with processing times expected to be reduced to 72 hours or less.
The high-level summit will convene under the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace” and is expected to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the Catholic Church in Africa.
Held every three years, the SECAM Plenary Assembly is the most significant gathering of African Catholic leaders, bringing together Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from all 54 African countries and island nations.
The Kigali meeting will host approximately 250 delegates, as well as dignitaries and partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event.
The Assembly, which coincides with the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM.
Building on the work of the 19th Assembly held in Accra in 2022, the Kigali summit will focus on strengthening synodality, theological depth, institutional autonomy, and regional collaboration within the Church in Africa.
{{Setting a vision for the next 25 years
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A central outcome of the Kigali Assembly will be the adoption of a strategic vision document for 2025–2050, titled “The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands.”
The document is the result of extensive consultations led by SECAM’s Standing Committee and Secretariat since 2022. It lays out a roadmap for the Church’s pastoral mission, institutional development, and engagement with the continent’s evolving realities.
The vision is anchored in twelve foundational pillars. These include evangelisation through Catholic education and theological formation, the development of a self-reliant Church, promoting family-based leadership models, and advancing missionary discipleship and synodality. It also emphasises strengthening care for creation, increasing youth engagement, and driving ecclesial renewal.
Other pillars focus on promoting justice, peace, and integral human development; fostering ecumenism and interfaith dialogue; expanding digital evangelisation efforts; improving health and well-being for all; enhancing liturgical life in African contexts; and deepening the Church’s role in political and civic life.
{{Addressing cultural and social realities
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One of the more complex topics to be discussed is the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions. Recognising this as a deep cultural reality in many parts of the continent, SECAM has invited theologians to study the issue from both theological and pastoral perspectives. A pastoral document on this topic will be presented during the Assembly.
Other key presentations include a theological reflection on the Assembly’s theme, departmental and regional Church reports, and group working sessions. The event will also feature liturgical celebrations and conclude with a final message addressed to both the Church and the wider society.
{{Engaging Africa’s broader challenges
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In addition to its ecclesial focus, the Assembly will confront several pressing social, political, and economic issues affecting Africa today. These include governance and public leadership, human rights and social justice, poverty and debt, environmental sustainability, interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, and the protection and safeguarding of young people.
Through this historic gathering, SECAM aims to reaffirm the Church’s mission of being a prophetic voice in society and a source of hope, reconciliation, and peace for Africa and its people.
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) of the Catholic Church was officially established on July 29, 1969, during the first-ever papal visit to Africa by Pope St. Paul VI. The Pope also presided over the closing ceremony of the inaugural SECAM meeting on July 31, 1969.
The continental body was born out of the desire of African bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) to establish a unified voice on matters concerning the Church in Africa and Madagascar. July 29 is now observed as SECAM Day by the Catholic Church across the continent.
The antenna was launched on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as part of ATLAS’s Ground Station as a Service offering and will enhance the delivery of atmospheric and space weather data to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The new station will receive data from six COSMIC-2 satellites, which use radio occultation to continuously observe the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere.
Due to the fast-changing nature of atmospheric conditions, timely data delivery is essential. ATLAS ensures that data from its stations reach NOAA in under 60 seconds, a standard the new Rwandan station is designed to uphold.
“The activation of our new antenna in Rwanda is a testament to the strength of our partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency and commitment to growing our network to best serve our customers,” said Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS Space Operations.
“This strategic addition significantly enhances our ability to deliver critical COSMIC-2 data, ensuring that NOAA receives the vital information they need for accurate and timely atmospheric and ionospheric monitoring.”
Rwanda’s location offers an ideal number of contact points with the COSMIC-2 satellite constellation, making the site a valuable asset for data reception.
The Mwulire station in Rwamagana District joins existing COSMIC-2 support sites in Ghana and Tahiti. Its inclusion in the network was made possible through a collaboration with the Rwanda Space Agency, following a direct request from NOAA for expanded capabilities.
ATLAS currently manages over 3,000 satellite contacts each month and has supported more than 156,000 NOAA satellite interactions since July 2019. As of May 31, 2025, the company maintains a ground station availability rate of 99.36%, with data delivery times averaging under 40 seconds.
Founded in Traverse City, Michigan, in 2015, ATLAS Space Operations is a recognised leader in the satellite communications industry, offering its Freedom software platform and a global network of antennas to provide efficient, secure access to space assets worldwide.
With the right techniques, even the smallest rooms can feel open, organised, and welcoming. From studio apartments to tiny bedrooms, design is less about size and more about smart solutions.
{{Use light colours to open up the space
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Designers at HGTV emphasise that light shades such as whites, soft greys, and pastels reflect more natural light, making a room appear larger and brighter. Darker colours absorb light, which can make walls feel like they’re closing in. Painting walls and ceilings in the same soft tones also creates a seamless look that visually expands the room.
{{Choose multifunctional furniture
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Experts from IKEA, a store that offers home furnishings and accessories to make customers’ living spaces more comfortable and stylish, recommend investing in furniture that serves more than one purpose.
Think of a bed with storage drawers underneath, a coffee table that lifts into a desk, or a bench that opens to reveal storage space. These pieces help reduce clutter without sacrificing function or comfort.
{{Maximise vertical space
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Interior decorators from Elle Décor highlight the value of vertical storage, especially in small homes. Tall bookshelves, hanging plants, and wall-mounted cabinets draw the eye upward, creating a feeling of spaciousness while also adding storage. Using hooks, floating shelves, or pegboards keeps the floor area free and functional.
{{Let in natural light and use mirrors
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According to design professionals from The Spruce, maximising natural light is one of the most effective ways to make a room feel open and airy. Avoid heavy curtains and instead opt for sheer fabrics or blinds. Placing a large mirror opposite a window reflects light and adds depth, creating the illusion of a bigger space.
{{Keep it clutter-free and organised
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Organisation is crucial in small spaces. The Container Store’s interior experts say that every item in a small room should have a “home.” Use labelled baskets, drawer dividers, and closet organisers to avoid clutter build-up. The less visible the mess there is, the more serene and spacious a room will feel.
{{Choose the right scale and layout
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As reported by Apartment Therapy, selecting appropriately sized furniture is key. Oversized sofas or bulky wardrobes overwhelm small rooms. Instead, opt for slim, streamlined pieces that suit the scale of the room. Furniture with legs also makes a space feel more open compared to pieces that sit flat on the floor.
{{Use rugs and lighting to define zones
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In studio apartments or open layouts, rugs and lighting can help define separate areas for sleeping, working, or relaxing. Interior stylists at House Beautiful recommend layering area rugs or using pendant lights to create visual boundaries without building physical walls. This approach improves flow and helps the space feel purposeful.
{{Keep decor minimal but meaningful
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Minimalism doesn’t mean empty. Designers from Dezeen suggest selecting a few meaningful art pieces, family photos, or souvenirs to decorate the space without overwhelming it. A curated and personal design approach adds warmth and personality while keeping things visually clean.
Living in a small space doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or beauty. With smart furniture choices, creative storage, and a thoughtful color palette, even the tiniest room can become a place of peace, function, and style.
Experts across the interior design world agree that great design is not about how much space you have, but how intentionally you use it. When every detail is chosen with care, small spaces can feel grand.
Golfers from Kabale, Mbarara, Kampala, Entebbe, and Tooro clubs joined their Rwandan counterparts in Kigali for a full day of competition and fellowship, marking a new chapter in the growing tradition of regional golf.
The event, proudly sponsored by BPR Bank, was created to foster stronger bonds between clubs, elevate the sport, and celebrate the values of sportsmanship while bridging communities.
Speaking at the event, Albert Akimanzi, BPR Bank Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship, highlighted the significance of the regional tournament:
“Golf has always been a central component of our community enrichment strategy. We believe that this particular event has fostered connections across clubs, borders, and cultures. We are a regional entity that is actively engaged in creating opportunities for social and economic connections. The BPR Captains Mug is our attempt to make the game even more inclusive, more competitive, and more meaningful for the East African region.”
Vice-Captain of Kigali Golf Club, Jenny Linda Kalisa, expressed her pride in seeing a successful and colorful gathering:
“This tournament has demonstrated the power of community. We are honored to be able to host local golfers and our visitors from Uganda who added flair, energy, and incredible sportsmanship. We are truly appreciative of every golfer who participated, as well as our partner sponsors who contributed to the undeniable success of this tournament. I would like to extend a special recognition to BPR Bank, our lead sponsor who once again showed their leadership in the game of golf.”
The day concluded with a lively awards ceremony that recognised winners in various categories; Roshni Shah won the Ladies 19-36 with 44 points, while Akanigi Melissa scored 37 points to win the Ladies 0-18 group. Rutamu Innocent took the Seniors category, leading his counterparts with a score of 40 points.
In the Men’s 19-28 group, Mathias Pian held strong to win with 44 points; similarly, Rwitare Derrick registered 41 points to win the Men’s 10-18 category. Rwanyonga Mathias led the Men’s 0-9 group with 40 points. Visiting golfers Musanabera Berna and Maniraguha Bernard posted 34 and 41 points, respectively, to take the visitors category.
In the overall team scores, Kigali Golf Club emerged victorious with 410 points, followed by Entebbe Golf Club with 331 points, Mbarara Golf Club with 330 and finally Uganda Golf Club with a tally of 318 points.
With growing enthusiasm from players and clubs alike, plans are already in motion for the next edition of the BPR Captain’s Mug, which is scheduled for September this year.
Resolution 2785 extends the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti for six and a half months, until January 31, 2026. It expresses the council’s intention to consider the UN secretary-general’s February 2025 recommendations on options for the possible role of the United Nations in Haiti, notably regarding the establishment of a UN support office to provide logistical and operational support to the multinational police force in Haiti.
Resolution 2786 extends for six and a half months the mandate of the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) until January 28, 2026.
The resolution expresses the council’s intention to review the full range of options for UNMHA’s mandate, including assessing the future viability and sunsetting of the mission, and make any necessary adjustments to gain efficiencies and reduce costs or otherwise as may be required by developments on the ground, including a durable nationwide ceasefire.
It requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present to the Security Council a further review of UNMHA before November 28, 2025.
Trump announced an agreement with NATO regarding weapons to assist Ukraine while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.
The plan will rapidly provide Ukraine with the most sophisticated air defenses and precision missiles, Trump said.
“We are going to be sending them weapons and they’re going to be paying for them,” said Trump, adding that the United States will manufacture those weapons.
Rutte described the arrangement as highly significant, suggesting this demonstrates that Europe is taking on a greater role.
Under the agreement, governments of Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada will finance bulk purchases from U.S. manufacturers and ship the equipment directly to Kiev.
Regarding Russia, Trump said, “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days.” There will be “secondary tariffs” of about 100 percent, he said.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified later that Trump meant “economic sanction” when he threatened “secondary tariffs” against Russia if it did not reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
To that end, Trump backed bipartisan legislation — already supported by most U.S. senators — that will sanction banks and energy traders buying Russian oil above the G7 price cap and freeze Russian sovereign assets until Moscow withdraws its forces.
Speaking to reporters after the Oval Office meeting, Trump said that the deal with the NATO allies was done and fully approved.
“We’ll send them a lot of weapons of all kinds,” Trump said. “And they’re going to deliver those weapons immediately to the site, to the site of the war, different sites of the war, and they’re going to pay for 100 percent of them.”
New York-based defense analysts told the Wall Street Journal that the first wave of supplies could exceed 10 billion U.S. dollars once training, spare parts and munitions are counted. A single Patriot battery alone can reportedly cost over 1 billion dollars when factoring in missiles.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon characterized the combined military and economic measures as the most significant U.S. escalation since 2022, saying that the dual approach increases pressure on Russia from multiple directions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that he spoke with Trump and “it was a very good conversation.”
“Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace,” said the Ukrainian president.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that supplying longer-range missiles will make Europe a participant in aggression, according to Tass news agency. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Washington of escalating the conflict but did not announce specific countermeasures.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday called Trump’s statements against Russia a “theatrical ultimatum” and the country “didn’t care.”
“Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care,” Medvedev wrote on X.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin will coordinate with allies on deliveries. However, some German lawmakers expressed concern that sending Taurus cruise missiles could provoke Moscow, reported German newspaper Die Welt.
The plan could force Russia to reconsider the security of its rear areas, since assets previously considered safe may now be at risk, RAND Corporation military analyst Dara Massicot told the Washington Post.
Founded in 2006 as Polytechnic Institute of Byumba (IPB) by ADEB (Association pour le Developement et le Bien-être Social), and currently managed by Catholic Diocese of Byumba, UTAB has grown steadily into one of the country’s leading private universities, currently serving nearly 12,000 students across three faculties: Social Sciences, Education, and Agriculture, Environmental Management and Renewable Energy. The university is also preparing to launch a fourth faculty focused on Science and Technology.
According to UTAB Vice Chancellor, Fr. Dr. Gilbert Munana, the decision to establish the Kiramuruzi Campus is a response to growing demand and a commitment to increase access to quality higher education in Rwanda’s Eastern Province.
“After 20 years of service in the Northern Province, we are expanding to Kiramuruzi to bring education closer to the people and offer quality programs aligned with national development goals,” Fr. Dr. Munana said.
“We envision that graduates from the Kiramuruzi Campus will embody hope, knowledge, and strong values, becoming change agents in education, the economy, social wellbeing, and technology, starting from their own communities,” he added.
The new campus will offer undergraduate degrees in Education, including English and Kinyarwanda, English and French, and Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. Classes are scheduled to begin on July 21, 2025.
Dr. Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana, the Principle of the Kiramuruzi Campus, confirmed that the necessary facilities, including classrooms, computer laboratories, and qualified staff, are in place to support effective learning. Registration for the new campus is open through UTAB’s website and physical offices.
“Our vision is for Kiramuruzi Campus to become a model of educational excellence in Rwanda. We plan to continue expanding its infrastructure and academic offerings. So far, we have secured over 4 hectares of land for campus development. This is not a beginning – it is the continuation of a journey we started with commitment and purpose,” Dr. Nshimiyimana stated.
The expansion is supported by the Higher Education Council (HEC), which has worked closely with UTAB to ensure that the new campus meets national standards for quality education, infrastructure, and faculty qualifications.
Fr. Dr. Munana expressed confidence that graduates from Kiramuruzi will contribute significantly to Rwanda’s education sector, economy, social welfare, and technological advancement.
While many believe stress relief requires long breaks, vacations, or expensive therapy sessions, science tells us something powerful: just five minutes of the right activity can reset your nervous system and calm your mind. According to Harvard Medical School, short, intentional pauses throughout the day can significantly lower cortisol levels and boost mood, productivity, and mental clarity.
Whether you’re at your desk, in traffic, or on a crowded train, here’s how to bring your stress down, no equipment, no cost, no excuses.
{{Deep breathing
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According to the American Psychological Association, deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to interrupt the body’s stress response. In just five minutes, deep belly breathing can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and send a signal to the brain that it’s safe to relax.
Try this anywhere: sit or stand comfortably, place one hand on your belly, and inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds. Hold your breath for four more seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Repeat for five minutes, focusing only on your breath. This simple practice can bring immediate calm, even in the middle of chaos.
{{Grounding through the senses
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When your thoughts are spinning, grounding exercises help bring you back to the present. According to the Mayo Clinic, engaging your senses can disrupt anxious thoughts and regulate your emotional state.
One effective 5-minute method is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste or imagine tasting. This practice not only reduces stress but also trains your brain to focus mindfully, a technique often used in cognitive behavioural therapy.
{{Mini stretch or movement break
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According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, gentle movement, even for a few minutes, can reduce muscular tension and boost endorphins, the brain’s natural stress fighters.
If you’ve been sitting for hours, stand up, roll your shoulders, gently twist your spine side to side, or stretch your arms overhead while taking deep breaths. These small actions increase circulation and release physical tension. If space allows, a quick walk or stair climb can also help reset your mood and sharpen focus.
{{Visualisation
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, visualisation, or guided imagery, is a proven technique for calming the nervous system. In just five minutes, imagining a peaceful place such as a beach, forest, or your favourite room can slow brain activity associated with stress.
To try it, close your eyes, breathe slowly, and mentally place yourself in a calming environment. Engage all your senses: feel the warmth, hear the sounds, notice the colours.
This mental “mini-vacation” helps reset your emotional state and is especially effective before meetings, exams, or sleep.
{{The science of micro-breaks}}
According to the University of California, Irvine, short, regular breaks during the day can reduce fatigue, improve focus, and prevent burnout. Even a five-minute pause every 60–90 minutes boosts cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Stress doesn’t always come from major events; often it builds silently from small, unaddressed pressures. These micro-breaks serve as “pressure valves,” helping you stay mentally and emotionally balanced.
No matter how busy or overwhelming life feels, you always have five minutes, and that five minutes can make all the difference. Whether it’s deep breathing, grounding, stretching, or simply visualising a peaceful space, these practices are supported by science and used by professionals worldwide.
Stress relief isn’t a destination, it’s a daily habit. And with just five minutes at a time, you can build a calmer, clearer, more resilient version of yourself anytime, anywhere.
Developed by the U.S.-based company Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir underwent Phase III trials, with key interim results reported in June and September 2024. The results demonstrated that the drug was 99.9% effective in preventing HIV infection. It received FDA approval for HIV prevention in June 2025.
Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, highlighted the significance of this new prevention method at the ongoing conference in Kigali.
“Lenacapavir PrEP is a really important innovation that can be taken every six months to prevent new HIV infections,” said Dr. Doherty. “We are pleased to bring new WHO guidelines on this long-acting injectable prevention option to the IAS meeting here in Kigali.”
The new WHO guidelines also recommend the use of rapid diagnostic tests to simplify and improve access to PrEP before, during, and after treatment. This helps in efficiently monitoring infections.
The Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) have committed to supplying lenacapavir to at least nine early adopter countries starting in early 2026, with Rwanda currently engaged in discussions on how to access and roll out the drug.
“The medicine will be provided free of charge initially, but countries will need to invest in healthcare workers and delivery systems to support its distribution,” Dr. Doherty explained. “Over time, prices are expected to be comparable to or slightly above current oral PrEP costs.”
The initial global target is to reach two million users per year, with plans to expand coverage based on demand and forecasting.
The injectable is expected to be especially impactful among populations with high HIV transmission rates, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, prisoners, as well as adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women.
“This intervention could be a game-changer in reducing HIV infections in key populations and vulnerable groups,” Dr. Doherty said.
Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), the latest data shows only 7 out of every 100 daily deaths in Rwanda are HIV-related, down from 20 a decade ago.
Rwanda has surpassed the United Nations 95-95-95 targets by reaching 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those on treatment, and 98% achieving viral suppression, which effectively prevents onward transmission.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana told IGIHE that Rwanda is already transitioning from daily multi-pill regimens to simpler treatments, including monthly pills and now long-acting injectables like lenacapavir.
“We are moving from multiple daily pills to once-a-day dosing and soon to monthly or bi-annual injections. This shift aligns with our national HIV strategy and promises to improve adherence and health outcomes,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.
The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s premier forum for sharing cutting-edge HIV research and innovations.
The 2025 edition, themed “Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,” gathers about 4,000 global experts focused on accelerating equitable access to new prevention and treatment options despite funding challenges.
