Mashami has been coaching the security forces’ team for two and a half years. His dismissal came just four days after Police FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports, which left the team in fourth place at the end of the first half of the season, trailing league leaders Gikundiro by 13 points.
A source intimated to IGIHE that the club’s management had summoned the coach on Wednesday to discuss the terms of their separation.
Efforts by IGIHE to obtain a statement from Police FC management were unsuccessful, as no response was provided through any available channels.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that unresolved issues persist between the club and Mashami, who still had six months remaining on his contract. This follows his notable achievement of leading Police FC to victory in the Peace Cup in May 2024.
During the last summer transfer window, Police FC made heavy investments, acquiring several high-profile players, including internationals, with the aim of excelling in the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite the efforts, the team was eliminated in the preliminary round.
Today, young entrepreneurs are making huge investments in the sector, turning it into a competitive and thriving industry.
From offering fancy hairstyles like the undercut, pompadour, buzz cut, and quiff to recruiting top-tier barbers—much like signing star players in football—and employing innovative strategies to attract clients, barbershop owners are redefining the art of grooming.
Marsha Alain, a barber at the popular Kigali Clippers Zone barbershop, has been in the industry for 18 years and has witnessed a dramatic shift in his clientele. Once he primarily served clients seeking simple trims, but his chair is now filled with young professionals, students, and celebrities, all eager to experiment with the latest styles.
Over the same period, he has also seen a major change in the perception of his work, which has become his family’s main source of livelihood. Additionally, young women are increasingly joining the profession, offering shaving services as well.
“The first time I picked up this clipper was in 2006. Things were different then, but now it’s a very good, serious job. I’m enjoying it. I’m working like a star, as you can see. I’m a proud papa—I have a child and a wife, and we’re living well here in Kigali,” he shared during a recent visit to the barbershop in the heart of the city.
“I started shaving when it cost 50 Rwandan francs. Now, the price is 10,000 Rwandan francs, and that’s before any tip or extra charges.”
Alain, who was born in Burundi, lived briefly in Tanzania before settling back in Rwanda, where he discovered his passion for barbering.
He now serves a diverse clientele, ranging from top Rwandan celebrities like musician Mugisha Benjamin, also known as The Ben, to influential figures in Rwanda’s corporate sector and beyond.
Innocent Safari, the assistant manager at Kigali Clippers Zone, believes that the innovative strategies blending luxury with top-tier customer service have set the barbershop apart, despite the intense competition in the city.
“We serve everyone—music directors, government officials, and even children,” Safari shares. “This is where everyone feels at home, whether they’re getting ready for a music video or a corporate meeting.”
Safari’s role involves ensuring smooth operations in what he describes as a “huge factory for hair.”
Equipped with walkie-talkies to coordinate across the sprawling space, he explains the level of organization required to maintain their reputation.
“When we started in 2019, we had four barbers. Now, we have over 40, plus trainees who learn our unique style before joining the team.”
{{More than just haircuts
}}
The barbershop offers a waiting area with a mini-bar and snacks, creating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Clients receive personalized consultations to ensure they get exactly what they want. After a haircut, they’re treated to a luxurious wash, ensuring every detail is perfect.
“When you leave here, you don’t just look good—you feel good,” Safari emphasizes, jesting about the beautiful ladies who wash and offer relaxation massages to clients.
For Safari, the service goes beyond aesthetics. “People are stressed nowadays. Life is hard. When someone comes here, they might be spending their last five dollars. It’s our job to make them feel at peace.”
From high-end equipment to premium products, the barbershop spares no expense. Even during power outages, the team continues to work seamlessly.
“We don’t close until the last client leaves. Sometimes, we’re here until 4 a.m., ensuring everyone gets what they need.”
Safari envisions an even brighter future for Kigali Clippers Zone and the barbershop scene in the city.
“We’re planning to make this a one-stop destination. Imagine a place where you can get a haircut, grab a coffee, and even have your kids entertained in a playground while you relax. That’s where we’re headed.”
This collaboration will empower Rwandans to access a range of postal services, including the ability to obtain a virtual Post Office address through the user-friendly digital interface, offering greater convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.
By integrating ePoBox into the IremboGov platform, users can now easily create and manage their virtual Post Office addresses from their mobile devices. This digital solution reduces the need for physical visits to Post Offices, allowing individuals, businesses, and innovators to receive official communications, track postal deliveries, and engage with postal services seamlessly digitally.
“We are thrilled to partner with IPOSITA to bring ePoBox to the IremboGov platform. This collaboration not only represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide digital solutions that simplify access to government services but is a major step in Rwanda’s continued efforts to foster digital inclusion and economic growth,” said Israel Bimpe, CEO at Irembo.
“The integration of ePoBox into the IremboGov platform will revolutionize how Rwandans access and interact with postal services. By enabling people to manage their postal needs digitally, we are making it easier for individuals and businesses to stay connected and manage official communications. This partnership supports Rwanda’s drive to enhance digital postal services and transform the public sector,” said Celestin Kayitare, Director General at the National Post Office (IPOSITA).
The partnership between Irembo and IPOSITA aligns with Rwanda’s vision of a fully integrated digital economy, providing citizens and businesses with access to essential services that are both easy to use and accessible at their fingertips.
{{About Irembo
}}
Irembo is a technology company founded in Kigali in 2014 to make Rwanda a digital society. In July 2015, the company launched its first product in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, IremboGov. As a Digital Services Partner of the Rwandan Government, Irembo delivers services and innovative digital solutions that enable public agencies to process citizen applications more efficiently and help them access public services more conveniently.
{{About IPOSITA
}}
The National Post Office, also referred to as IPOSITA, is a Public Institution operating in Rwanda’s service industry since 1922.
The institution mainly exists to provide national and international postal services to meet institutional, social and individual needs.
IPOSITA also provides financial and counter services acting as a crucial bridge between the online and offline economy.
{{About ePoBox
}}
ePoBox is Rwanda’s Virtual PO Box Service, which allows anyone with a phone number to obtain a postal address.
Service Availability on the upgraded IremboGov Platform
The upgraded IremboGov platform now offers three ePoBox services:
1. [Register an ePoBox Address->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Register%20an%20e-P.O%20Box%20Address&id=a2677962-6d33-4985-bb4a-fba9c52d10cd]
2. [Renewal of an ePoBox Address->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Renew%20an%20e-P.O%20Box%20Address&id=b128155c-7113-40b4-a8ab-8924dc2140df]
3. [Change ePoBox Postal Office->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/service/details?keyword=Change%20e-P.O%20Box%20Postal%20Office&id=061e1e59-47f0-4e2a-9c5a-c9940c30d8d7]
IPOSITA represents a significant technological advancement, providing a revolutionary approach to mail delivery. This integration demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to digital governance.
{{Key Features and Benefits
}}
● {{Mobile as Your Address}}: Convert your phone number into a personalized ePoBox.
● {{Affordable Pricing}}: Individuals are required to pay 8,000 RWF annually, while businesses and institutions must pay 15,000 RWF per year.
● {{Quick Activation}}: Set up your ePoBox within one business day.
● {{Nationwide Access}}: Reliable postal delivery for both individuals and businesses across Rwanda via the IremboGov platform.
Users will benefit from streamlined logistics and postal operations through a reliable, scalable solution that improves customer service.
{{User-Friendly Registration
}}
● {{For Individuals}}: A simple, fast registration using your ID number, name, and birthdate.
● {{For businesses}}: Instant registration is done using your tax identification number (TIN).
{{Why ePoBox?
}}
ePoBox brings convenience and control to your mail management with these features:
● {{Instant SMS Alerts}}
Stay informed with real-time notifications sent directly to your phone. You’ll be alerted whenever mail or a package is waiting at the Post Office, ensuring you never miss an important delivery.
● {{Flexible Mail Management}}
Take charge of your mail with options that fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer doorstep delivery or collection from a convenient location, ePoBox puts you in control.
{{What can I use ePoBox for?
}}
Once you have your ePoBox, the possibilities are endless. One can use it to:
● {{Access all postal services}}, which include sending and receiving mail and parcels.
● {{Access government documents seamlessly}}, including obtaining very soon driver’s licenses, logbooks, passports, and title deeds.
● {{Access E-commerce solutions }} and shop with ease on local platforms like RwandaMart and international giants like Amazon and Alibaba.
● {{Access financial services}} such as bank accounts and conduct financial transactions hassle-free.
Join the Digital Revolution: Register for ePoBox today.
Experience the future of postal services today. Sign up for ePoBox through the IremboGov platform at [https://new.irembo.gov.rw/->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/], or dial USSD *801*631#.
The Head of State arrived in Accra on Tuesday morning and was warmly received by the local military and traditional dancers before proceeding to Black Stars Square in the Ghanaian capital, where the ceremony took place.
Mahama, a former president and opposition figure, won December’s presidential election with 56.55% of the vote. The 66-year-old made a comeback to the presidency after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016.
Mahama’s main rival, Vice President and ruling-party presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat in both the presidential and legislative elections to ease tensions.
Rwanda and Ghana maintain robust bilateral relations, characterized by active diplomatic engagement and cooperation across various sectors.
Rwanda-Ghana cooperation dates back several decades. In 1994, the Ghanaian contingent under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was among the few that remained in Rwanda to protect civilians targeted during the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite UN orders to evacuate.
Since then, Rwanda and Ghana have strengthened their relations and cooperated on multiple fronts, with the establishment of Rwanda’s resident High Commission in the West African country in 2020 playing a pivotal role.
Currently, Rwanda and Ghana have signed a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, an Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission, and Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors, including Defense and Security Cooperation, private sector collaboration, tourism, arts and culture, financial sector cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation.
These cooperation instruments continue to be pursued in other sectors to facilitate collaboration between the public, private, and civil society.
To further strengthen relations, Ghana appointed its first resident High Commissioner to Rwanda last year, establishing a resident High Commission to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.
France’s health ministry said the patient, a woman from the Brittany region, had not travelled to Central Africa but had contact with two individuals who had recently returned from the area.
“Inquiries are underway to find the origin of the infection and identify all people in contact,” the ministry stated.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected animals, with human-to-human transmission occurring through close physical contact. Symptoms include fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. While many cases are mild, the disease can be deadly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency over mpox in August 2024, renewing the alert on November 22 following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The clade 1b variant has been reported across 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. European nations have been advised to prepare for rapid action to contain the latest variant.
In response to the new variant, France’s health ministry has implemented recommended oversight measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and preparedness to prevent further spread of the virus.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which are battling for control amid a power struggle. The war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread hunger.
At a United Nations meeting, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield directly accused Russia of playing both sides in the conflict to advance its geopolitical goals.
“Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that’s what I said: both sides,” she told the UN Security Council.
The comments marked a significant escalation from the U.S.’s earlier position, which suggested that Moscow was manipulating the situation to further its own interests.
Thomas-Greenfield’s comments followed Russia’s veto in November of a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The other 14 members of the council voted in favour of the resolution, highlighting Russia’s isolation on the issue.
When asked for more details, a U.S. spokesperson elaborated, claiming that Russia’s involvement in Sudan’s gold trade played a key role in funding the warring factions.
“We believe Sudanese authorities’ gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan’s long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war,” the spokesperson said.
Washington condemned any form of material support to the fighters, whether through illicit trade or military assistance.
In response, Russia’s Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy rejected the U.S. claims, accusing America of hypocrisy.
“It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana which our American colleagues try to preserve at any price, relations with other countries are built only on their exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at U.S. enrichment,” Polyanskiy said.
Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, had earlier dismissed similar accusations in December, labelling them “fabrications” and accusing Western nations of distorting the truth for political gain.
As the meeting concluded, Thomas-Greenfield, who is nearing the end of her tenure, expressed her emotional disappointment over the lack of meaningful action in Sudan.
“For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful,” she said, adding that she was hopeful future UN representatives would continue their efforts to resolve the crisis.
Amid a winter storm and with towering black fences encircling the U.S. Capitol complex, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate convened in a joint session around noon to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s election, marking the final step in confirming the results of the 2024 presidential election.
The session of U.S. Congress was chaired by the current Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who lost to Trump in the election.
Harris presented the electoral vote results from each state and the District of Columbia, and two Senators and two House representatives took turns to announce the vote counts.
The final tally of electoral votes showed that Trump received 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win the presidency, while Harris received 226 votes.
The congressional counting and certifying of electoral votes is typically a ceremonial procedure. However, the “Capitol riot” four years ago occurred on the very day of this process.
After losing his bid for re-election in 2020, Trump claimed there had been widespread election fraud.
On January 6, 2021, a large group of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the election results.
The riot resulted in five deaths and hundreds of police officers being injured. The latest data shows that over 1,500 individuals have been charged with federal criminal offenses related to the unrest.
Many Americans have expressed their concerns about post-election violence. According to a POLITICO-Morning Consult poll, six in ten voters said they were either very or somewhat concerned that “another event like what happened on Jan. 6 will happen again following the 2024 presidential election.”
President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the nation’s 47th president on January 20, officially beginning his second, nonconsecutive term.
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) revealed that the surge in industrial output was driven by strong performance across key sectors.
Mining and quarrying led the way with an impressive 45.2% increase, reflecting heightened activity in resource extraction.
Manufacturing also experienced substantial growth, expanding by 18.4%. This was supported by a notable 26.3% rise in food processing and a 16.6% increase in the production of beverages and tobacco. However, the manufacturing of textiles, clothing, and leather goods saw a significant decline of 39.5%.
Electricity production and supply registered a 9.6% increase, underscoring steady progress in the energy sector. Additionally, water and waste management activities grew by 12.8%, reflecting improvements in utility services and environmental management.
The November growth far exceeded the annual average growth of 8.6%, demonstrating a particularly strong performance for Rwanda’s industrial sector.
The IIP serves as a vital tool for monitoring short-term industrial performance, measuring changes in production volumes relative to the 2017 base year.
While the index excludes construction activities due to data constraints, it offers a comprehensive overview of manufacturing, mining, electricity, and utilities.
“The Index of Industrial Production serves as a tool to measure the industrial production performance of industries and provides timely estimates of broad trends,” NISR stated, emphasizing the role of IIP in tracking economic health and progress.
The Uganda Law Society confirmed the new development on Monday, January 6, 2025, following a previously unsuccessful attempt by Karua to secure the crucial document in December last year.
The decision by the council came after an appeal lodged through the Uganda Law Society.
“FINALLY: The Law Council has granted a temporary Practicing Certificate to Hon. Martha Karua, following her reapplication through the Uganda Law Society,” the society said in a post on X.
The Uganda Law Council had initially declined Karua’s application to represent Besigye and his close associate Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial, citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of Karua’s involvement in the trial.
Both the Uganda Law Society and the Law Society of Kenya strongly protested the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Karua the document.
In a statement issued on December 10, 2024, Kenya’s premier bar association described the decision as a setback for regional cooperation in legal practice.
“It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, especially a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar,” LSK stated.
In its response, LSK expressed its intention to take immediate action to resolve the situation. The society called for urgent engagement with the Kenyan Attorney General to address the issue and ensure a fair, reciprocal agreement on cross-border legal practice.
LSK also threatened to suspend the admission of Ugandan lawyers to Kenya until Uganda demonstrates a commitment to fostering mutual legal cooperation.
“Kenya has been a leader in promoting regional cooperation in legal practice, but the lack of reciprocity from Uganda is unacceptable,” the LSK statement read.
“We must either find a mutually beneficial, reciprocal arrangement or withdraw from one-sided agreements that undermine the dignity of Kenyan legal practice.”
Karua, a former Justice Minister in Kenya and one of the senior lawyers in the country, had been appointed to lead a team of 50 lawyers in the case where Besigye and Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda’s security and the illegal possession of firearms.
The two were apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua. They spent Christmas and New Year festivities in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court tomorrow, January 7, 2025, for the mention of their case.
The Mpox outbreak, which began on July 24, 2024, has affected 52 districts, with over 784 confirmed cases and significant disruptions to public health infrastructure.
WHO and Uganda’s Ministry of Health have made significant strides in containment and response efforts, including deploying 5,000 health workers, setting up 25 isolation units, and mobilizing surveillance and risk communication strategies nationwide.
Despite the advances, the funding shortfall threatens to derail critical interventions such as infection prevention, case management, and community awareness initiatives.
With $11 million still needed from the total $12.9 million response budget, WHO has called on global partners to step up their contributions.
Current support has primarily come from nations like the United States, Germany, Canada, and others, alongside the WHO Foundation.
“More funds are needed to bridge the 85% funding gap given the high utilization rate of available funds and needs on the ground,” WHO Representative Dr. Charles Njuguna emphasized.
“WHO calls all partners to urgently support the Government of Uganda through increasing their financial contributions towards the Mpox response,” he added.
The WHO stressed that immediate action is essential to prevent the outbreak from further escalating and ensure a sustained, robust response.
Additional funding will expand health worker training, establish permanent isolation spaces, and enhance mental health services.
The Mpox outbreak in Uganda originated in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where an outbreak has been ongoing since January 2023. To date, the DRC has reported over 22,000 suspected Mpox cases and more than 1,200 suspected deaths.
