Witnesses reported that the suspected FARDC soldier fired shots while on the Congolese side of the border, known as Petite Barrière. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Daniel Rugomboka, a resident near the Petite Barrière border post, described the incident, stating that the soldier fired multiple shots, causing damage to a nearby house.
“That soldier came and fired many shots, hitting a neighbouring house. The windows were shattered, and the bullets damaged the fence and the walls,” he said.
Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been rife in the recent past, including frequent provocations from the Congolese government. Among these incidents was a Congolese warplane that repeatedly violated Rwandan airspace and was fired upon in January 2023.
In March of the same year, a FARDC soldier was shot dead on Rwandan soil in Rubavu district after crossing the border and opening fire on Rwandan security forces guarding the area.
The Southern African country, known for its arid climate, is facing the worst drought conditions in 100 years, which have left nearly half of its 2.5 million population food insecure.
The United Nations (UN) revealed last week that 84 per cent of the country’s food reserves have been exhausted.
To deal with the food crisis, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced in a statement that the government will contract professional hunters and safari outfitters to carry out culls in areas where game numbers are sustainable, including national parks.
“This exercise [is] necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens,” the environment ministry said.
Among the animals to be killed are 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 60 buffalos, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeests, 300 zebras and 100 elands, the second-largest species of antelope.
Already, the government has contributed nearly 57,000 kilograms of game meat from 157 animals to the relief program.
“By reducing wildlife numbers in certain parks and communal areas where we believe the population exceeds the available grazing and water resources, we can better manage the current grazing pressure and water availability,” the ministry added.
The government indicated that the 83 elephants will be identified in conflict areas where human-wildlife interactions can include crop destruction, livestock loss and damage to homes and property, as well as causing injuries or death to people.
The ministry had warned in April 2023 of worsening human-animal conflicts exacerbated by recurring droughts, which have significantly impacted agriculture, livestock, and water resources.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 22, 2024.
This center will play a crucial role in supporting the holistic development of children aged 0 to 6 years old. It will provide education, health, nutrition, hygiene, and child protection services, alongside a comprehensive parenting program to ensure a nurturing environment for children at home and in their communities.
Imbuto Foundation Director General Mrs. Elodie Shami, vowed that they will “continue the scale-up initiative of Model ECD Centers in the remaining 13 districts.”
Mount Kigali University founder and chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, said the university is proud to contribute 150 million Rwandan francs towards this critical project.
Prof. Gicharu remarked that the partners were, in essence, “laying the foundation for a brighter future for children, communities, and the nation.”
He added: “In addition to providing education, Mount Kigali University actively engages in community-based outreach programmes to drive positive change through mutually beneficial partnerships. Like the roots of a tree that spread to protect it from disaster and support its growth, we follow a similar path by fostering community initiatives that are both extensive and transformative. Some of our projects include helping vulnerable children, youth, and families.”
The groundbreaking event was attended by Masaka sector officials and other government leaders who praised the project as a worthwhile venture that will benefit the community.
Deputy District Executive Administrator, Mrs. Monique Huss said the center is in line with the Government’s drive to develop the country’s people.
Mrs. Huss pointed out that human development is among the five pillars of Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the national strategy that seeks to promote economic growth, prosperity and high quality of life for Rwandans.
“This pillar has three priorities and universal access to high quality education is among them,” she said.
She expressed her belief that the ECD will play a fundamental role in the national quest to achieve that vision “through this kind of collaboration and partnership. We are grateful, for this achievement,” she added.
The Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) Mrs. Assumpta Ingabire said the new ECD facility will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for children in this community.
She added that it will “provide them with the tools and support they need to develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially, which are essential elements for their future success.”
While thanking all the partners involved in the initiative, Mrs. Ingabire said it is “a reminder of our responsibility to invest in the early years of a child’s life, because by doing so, we invest in the future of our nation.”
The Masaka District Model ECD&F Center is the latest in collaborative projects undertaken by Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kigali University to ostensibly unlock growth opportunities for Rwandan children.
The two institutions began collaborating in February 2018 when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mount Kigali University which was by then known as Mount Kenya University Rwanda, pledged to contribute USD 150,000 to Imbuto Foundation over a five-year period.
The money went towards educating 100 vulnerable children in secondary school. Additionally, under this agreement, the university offered scholarships to five young girls who excelled in their studies.
The two partners renewed their agreement in February 2022 following the expiration of the initial one, with Mount Kigali University raising its annual contribution to $175,000.
Still on training, Prof. Gicharu said that the university closely works with Imbuto Foundation to identify young Rwandans who have completed high school and trained in short courses at Kigali Paramount Hotel.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Prof. Gicharu announced that the university is about to open its hospitality training hotel, Kigali Paramount Hotel.
As the CEO of Temaco Builders, Tuyisenge is the only Rwandan who has made it to the top 20 finalists in the prestigious Africa Business Heroes (ABH) competition 2024.
He has contributed to the creation of some of Rwanda’s most iconic projects, including the external design of Amahoro Stadium and the development of the Nyandungu ECO Park.
Tuyisenge is now poised to take his success to new heights, bringing pride to his country and setting a powerful example for future generations of Rwandan entrepreneurs.
Temaco Builders began over a decade ago with a small team of inexperienced but dedicated individuals, including Tuyisenge himself. What started as a modest venture has grown into one of Rwanda’s leading construction companies, known for its innovative approaches and commitment to excellence.
“With the construction boom in Rwanda and the support from the government promoting ‘Made in Rwanda,’ we’ve been able to make a significant impact,” Tuyisenge says, reflecting on his company’s journey.
“To date, we’ve paved over 150,000 square meters, served more than 5,500 clients, and trained 400 young individuals. Our focus has always been on delivering top-notch, long-lasting products crafted with innovation in mind.”
Tuyisenge’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning Temaco Builders at the forefront of Rwanda’s construction industry. His ability to foresee and adapt to market trends has allowed the company to not only survive but thrive in a competitive environment.
The work on Amahoro Stadium, for instance, involved not just the execution of a high-profile project but also the integration of new technologies and design principles that set a new standard for construction in Rwanda.
Similarly, the Nyandungu ECO Park project showcases Temaco’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with global trends in environmental conservation and urban development.
The ABH competition, now in its 6th edition, is one of the most adored platforms for entrepreneurs across Africa. This year, over 2,000 entrepreneurs from various sectors across the continent vied for a spot in the competition. After a rigorous selection process, the pool was narrowed down to the top 50, and finally to the top 20, where Tuyisenge now proudly represents Rwanda as the sole finalist.
The ABH initiative is designed to recognize and support entrepreneurs who are making significant impacts in their communities, solving pressing problems, and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
“The ABH competition has been a journey of learning and growth,” Tuyisenge reflects. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about the exposure, the networking, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs across Africa. Being in the top 20 is an incredible honor, and it motivates me to push even harder to achieve my goals and make a difference.”
Tuyisenge’s success in the ABH competition is a source of national pride for Rwanda. It highlights the country’s growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial talent and innovation. His works are a testament to the potential for Rwandan entrepreneurs to create lasting change.
These projects not only enhance Rwanda’s infrastructure but also embody the spirit of progress and sustainability that is at the core of the country’s Vision 2050 development plan.
As a private-sector youth leader, Tuyisenge has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through various initiatives. These include TV and radio shows aimed at educating the public about entrepreneurship, training sessions that equip young people with the skills they need to succeed.
“Our goal is to lead the way in innovation, sustainability, and community development. With the support of the ABH competition, we are confident that we can achieve even greater things,” he affirms.
Temaco Builders’ innovative solutions address some of the pressing challenges in the construction industry, recognizing the issues of low-quality paving and sanitation.
The company has developed products that not only meet community needs but also align with global sustainability goals, with a focus on recycling concrete waste materials.
The creation of the Ecoteto toilet chair has provided a dignified solution for individuals with physical limitations in rural areas, further underscoring the company’s commitment to social impact.
As Rwanda’s representative in the top 20 of the ABH competition, Tuyisenge’s journey highlights the country’s growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial talent.
His work on Rwanda’s major projects coupled with his innovative approach to construction, positions him as a leader not only in Rwanda but across Africa.
His story is one of visionary leadership, transformative impact, and the promise of a bright future for Rwandan entrepreneurship. His success is a testament to the power of innovation and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Rwandan entrepreneurs.
Since 2019, six Rwandan entrepreneurs have received a total of $485,000 in funding from the Alibaba initiative, the organizers of this event.
They include Albert Munyabugingo, founder of Vuba Vuba; Francine Munyaneza, founder of Munyax Eco; Yvette Ishimwe, founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group, and Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founder and CEO of UZURI K&Y.
The only Rwandan to have come closest to winning the overall crown is Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda who finished third in the 2019 edition.
This year, the semifinal will take place in Cairo, Egypt in October and the grand finale will be held in Kigali in December 2024.
Dr. Mihigo lost to Tanzanian Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile in a vote conducted by African member states during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Dr. Mihigo described the opportunity to represent Rwanda in the race as a “lifetime experience”.
He further extended his deep appreciation to President Paul Kagame for his unwavering support throughout the process that culminated in the elections on Tuesday.
“It was a lifetime experience to run for the election of @WHOAFRO Regional Director position. The outcome is not what was expected; however, I’d like to sincerely thank HE @PaulKagame for his full support throughout this process,” Dr. Mihigo wrote.
Other candidates in the race included Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, fronted by Niger, and Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall of Senegal.
Dr. Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will replace Dr. Matshidiso Moeti. He will serve a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
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Dr. Mihigo was considered a strong candidate for the post due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.
The 57-year-old has held numerous positions, including advisor roles at WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization). He also served as an advisor at USAID-Rwanda, working in various health sectors.
He currently serves as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC. He has held this position at GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, in Geneva, Switzerland, since March 2024.
Dr. Ndugulile was nominated for the coveted role during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
The vote was taken by all the African member states. Other candidates included Dr. Richard Mihigo, proposed by Rwanda; Niger’s Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo; and Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall of Senegal.
Dr. Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, scheduled for February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will replace Dr. Matshidiso Moeti. He will serve a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
Ahead of his formal appointment, Dr. Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing the health of the people in the region.
“I’m truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa. I thank Member States for the trust shown in me. I promise to work with you, and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” Dr. Ndugulile said.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Dr. Ndugulile on his election as Regional Director for Africa and praised Dr. Sambo, Dr. Fall, and Dr. Mihigo for their campaigns.
“Dr. Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa. This is a great privilege and a very great responsibility,” said Dr. Tedros. “I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Mihigo congratulated his Tanzanian counterpart on the victory and wished him success in his role.
“Warm congratulations to @DocFaustine on being elected as the new @WHOAFRO Regional Director. Wishing you great success in your new role. Hongera sana!” Dr. Mihigo said in a post on X.
He added, “I wish to thank also all partners and supporters of my campaign—your trust and commitment were greatly appreciated.”
Warm congratulations to @DocFaustine on being elected as the new @WHOAFRO Regional Director. Wishing you great success in your new role. Hongera sana!
I wish to thank also all partners and supporters of my campaign – your trust and commitment were greatly appreciated. pic.twitter.com/vEekp2sPHP
This comes in the wake of complaints that a local contractor recently failed to fulfil waste collection duties, allowing garbage to pile up on the roadside in Nyamirambo Sector, Nyarugenge District.
In a notice to all garbage collection companies on Wednesday, August 28, the City of Kigali urged the companies to adhere to the regulations outlined in their contracts or risk penalties.
“Any company that fails to comply with these regulations, and all other waste management regulations in the City of Kigali, will face penalties,” the notice reads.
The companies are required to adhere to waste collection schedules, avoid piling waste or scattering it on roadsides, and are prohibited from disposing of waste in unauthorized locations.
They are also required to keep waste collection points clean and use insecticides to eliminate pests and foul odours.
Other measures include providing employees with protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, and masks, as well as ensuring that waste collection vehicles are in good condition and meet police technical controls.
“Let’s unite our efforts to maintain a clean and safe Kigali,” the management said.
Kigali is widely recognised as the cleanest city in Africa due to the exceptional levels of hygiene and cleanliness that the city continues to display.
The government of Rwanda and city leadership have implemented regulations and public awareness campaigns to maintain cleanliness and environmental standards. This includes initiatives such as Umuganda, a type of community work where residents engage in various activities to clean the city.
In 2018, Eric Solheim, who served as Executive Director of UN Environment Programme between May 2016 and November 2018, referred to Kigali as the “cleanest city on the planet”, both in terms of lack of street rubbish and its adorable green initiatives.
Many other cities in the region continue to grapple with the garbage problem.
Early this month, more than 30 people lost their lives after a mountain of garbage collapsed in Kampala, Uganda.
The accident occurred on Friday, August 9, 2024, when a large chunk broke off the mound of trash at the Kiteezi landfill on the northern outskirts of Kampala. Dozens of homes near the dumpsite were buried as residents slept.
The incident is believed to have been triggered by heavy rainfall.
According to the ministry, some of these churches are located in areas that make them unfit for holding prayer activities.
This was established during a recent nationwide inspection that led to the closure of more than 9,000 places of worship due to non-compliance with various regulations.
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, revealed during an interview on RBA’s *Imboni* program that around 600 churches were found to be unfit for reopening, including those that must be demolished because they pose a threat to public safety.
He stated, “There are buildings with serious issues. Among them, 336 are unsuitable for any activity; they are in locations where they should not be, and even their owners acknowledge this. We are not doing this in secret; their owners have discussed it with us and admitted that the best solution is to abandon or demolish these buildings and wait until they can carry out a proper construction project.”
He emphasized that if a church is built in an area where people cannot live, “you cannot expect to renovate it and resume activities there the next day; it’s just not possible.”
Minister Musabyimana also pointed out that some churches will remain closed because they were found to be mere front organizations with no permanent locations. “You cannot claim to have a church with no permanent location, carrying its papers around, and then rent a space meant for other purposes,” he added.
Minister Musabyimana clarified that closing a church does not equate to closing a religion, as a single denomination may have multiple places of worship, allowing for the closure of one while others continue to operate.
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) recently announced that in December 2023, it met with representatives of faith-based organizations at the district level, reminding them that the grace period given by the law for those who lacked the required qualifications ended in September 2023. This law provided a five-year window to meet other requirements, including obtaining necessary academic qualifications, as there was a need for time to study and fulfill these obligations, which concluded in September 2023.
In May 2024, RGB also sent a letter to all religious leaders requesting documentation on the locations of their branches, information on those in charge, and their educational qualifications, but not all were able to provide the required documents.
**110 ‘Wilderness’ Sites Permanently Closed**
Minister Musabyimana noted that during the church inspections, they found over 110 locations where people were worshipping in mountains, caves, water springs, pits, and other dangerous places, with some even struck by lightning.
“You are aware that many Rwandans were worshipping in various remote locations, such as mountains with water springs, caves, and what we referred to as wilderness sites, often without any form of safety. We heard of incidents where lightning struck and killed people in trees, only to find out that these were people who had gone to pray in such hazardous places,” he explained.
“We agreed to close those sites because there is no reason for people to conduct prayer activities in such dangerous locations. There are no buildings there; it’s just places where people gather, like pits.”
The 2022 national census revealed that at least 390,000 Rwandans do not adhere to any religion. Catholics constitute over 5 million, accounting for 40% of the population, while ADEPR has 21%, Protestants 15%, Adventists 12%, Muslims 2%, and those practicing traditional beliefs less than 1%.
Odinga stated that the introduction of an AU visa would significantly enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent, thereby promoting intra-Africa trade.
He lamented that traders and businesspeople in Africa are required to obtain numerous visas to travel across the continent, while their foreign counterparts can do so freely.
“My friend Aliko Dangote says that to travel across the continent, he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with a French visa in Africa. What a shame. In Europe, you only need a Schengen visa to travel across the entire continent without a problem,” Odinga said.
He pledged to introduce the AU visa to remove the bottlenecks that have hindered free movement for decades.
“We will also ensure that we reach a stage where we can issue an AU visa and allow people to travel across the continent without much difficulty,” Odinga stated.
Odinga was speaking during the official launch of his campaign for the top continental role at State House Nairobi. The ceremony was attended by five heads of state and high-ranking dignitaries from various countries.
If elected AU Commissioner Chair, Odinga also promised to pursue a Continental Air Control System to streamline air travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving efficiency, and enhancing coordination between countries.
“Air transport is a major challenge in Africa. Today, travelling across the continent is too expensive. You have to obtain permits to fly over countries, which delays movement. Flying over Europe is much easier than in Africa. We need to have a Continental Air Control System within the continent so that people can travel from East to West and North to South without a problem,” Odinga said during the launch.
“I will make the African Union more people-centered to align with the vision of Your Excellencies if elected to this position,” he added.
He also emphasized the need to address constraints in infrastructure development across the continent to facilitate trade between African countries, stating that greater efforts should be dedicated to building highways that link the continent.
The launch of Odinga’s AUC bid was presided over by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who expressed confidence in his ability to lead the AUC due to his illustrious leadership career.
“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat, as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobilizer for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,” President Ruto said.
Also present were Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.
The heads of state vowed to support Odinga’s bid during the polls scheduled for February 2025, saying he was the best fit.
Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, James Kabarebe, represented President Paul Kagame at the event.
A statement released by the justice ministry on Monday indicated that police were among a group of individuals who raided the site in an attempt to “oust” a French diplomat.
Diplomatic sources told the media that during the scuffle, an embassy cultural cooperation diplomat was struck and held for nearly three hours, while two other diplomats were “shoved around but not wounded.”
The justice ministry stated that police officers and officials from the prosecutor’s office involved in the assault on Saturday, August 24, 2024, have been apprehended.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Therese Wagner Kayikwamba expressed “deep regret” over the incident, which she said “violated international conventions.”
Meanwhile, France’s ambassador, Bruno Aubert, reportedly met with President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday to discuss the matter.
“We discussed this situation and the measures that will be taken, some already, by the Congolese authorities to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” Aubert was quoted as saying in a statement released by Kayikwamba’s office.
The ownership of the site where the incident occurred has been contested for many years. The French embassy has occupied the site since 1972, and last year, a court ruled in favor of France in the dispute.
