In a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, the EAC Secretariat announced that the Extra-Ordinary Virtual Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for Health will focus on reviewing and adopting proposed regional actions to curb the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The emergency meeting comes amid growing concern over the spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where authorities continue to intensify surveillance, preparedness and response efforts.
According to the EAC Secretariat, the ministerial meeting forms part of a broader series of urgent interventions initiated by the regional bloc following confirmation of Ebola cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain in the two neighbouring countries.
“The convening of this high-level meeting is part of a series of urgent actions the EAC Secretariat has initiated, having already intensified regional coordination and preparedness measures,” the Secretariat said.
The regional body noted that several emergency engagements have already been held, including an EAC Crisis Meeting and meetings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
The Secretariat has also convened the TWG on Harmonisation of Regulations to explore pathways for the potential approval and deployment of Ebola vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools.
The planned ministerial discussions are expected to strengthen cross-border coordination and ensure member states maintain a unified approach to disease surveillance, information sharing and outbreak response.
The EAC’s announcement comes a day after World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders because of the outbreak to reconsider such measures.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern DRC and the epicentre of the outbreak, Tedros warned that travel restrictions could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
“I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider. These measures make the response harder, and they discourage transparency and trust that saves lives,” he said.
Tedros noted that despite the absence of approved vaccines and specific medicines for the Bundibugyo strain, patients can recover if they receive timely and quality medical care.
The WHO chief also revealed that his visit to Bunia was intended to engage directly with affected communities as health authorities respond to an outbreak that has generated more than 1,000 suspected cases.
Meanwhile, Uganda has reported nine confirmed Ebola cases after detecting two new infections in the capital, Kampala, according to the country’s Ministry of Health.
Health officials across the region are hoping that the upcoming EAC ministerial meeting will accelerate collective action against the outbreak and bolster preparedness measures to prevent further cross-border transmission.
Medical officers sanitise areas in Ebola-prone areas in the DRC.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of the northeastern Ituri Province and the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, Tedros said such restrictions could complicate response efforts and risk discouraging transparency and trust, which are essential to saving lives.
“I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider. These measures make the response harder, and they discourage transparency and trust that saves lives,” Tedros said.
Despite the lack of approved vaccines and specific medicines, the WHO chief said patients could still recover if they receive timely, quality medical care.
Tedros said his visit to Bunia was also aimed at engaging directly with affected communities in this outbreak, in which over 1000 suspected cases have been reported.
Uganda has also reported nine confirmed cases after detecting two new infections in the capital, Kampala, the Ugandan health ministry said on Friday.
DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said the country aims, “in the best-case scenario,” to contain and end the outbreak within “four to six months,” based on its experience in responding to epidemics and the known course of the Ebola virus disease.
He said the immediate priority is to contain the virus within the three affected provinces, Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, and prevent further spread.
Kamba also highlighted the country’s strengthened laboratory testing capacity, with no backlog of samples remaining. Around 900 samples had been tested, of which about 260 were positive, he said, adding that the country now has the capacity to process all incoming samples, even if daily testing rises to 200 or 300 samples.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (C) arrives in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, May 30, 2026. Tedros on Saturday called on countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to reconsider such measures.
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
Writing on the social media platform X shortly after the final whistle on Saturday night, President Kagame extended warm congratulations to both clubs, noting their shared connection to the country’s global tourism initiative, Visit Rwanda.
“Congratulations to our #VisitRwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain on their well-deserved UEFA Champions League title and on being crowned champions for the second consecutive year,” Kagame wrote. “Congratulations as well to Arsenal on reaching the final and fighting with determination until the very end. Both clubs have made their supporters proud, but tonight, PSG proved to be the better team!”
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
A night of heartbreak and drama in Budapest
The highly anticipated final pitted Luis Enrique’s attacking Paris Saint-Germain lineup against Mikel Arteta’s resilient, tactically structured Arsenal. The English side started the match with lightning intensity, catching the Parisian defense off guard in just the 5th minute. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard picked out German forward Kai Havertz in the half-space, who clinicaly thrashed a sharp left-footed strike high into the top corner past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov to make it 1-0.
Following the early setback, PSG gradually took total control of the momentum, suffocating the Gunners with high pressing and dominating possession. Despite a barrage of first-half attempts from Fabián Ruiz and driving wide play by Ousmane Dembélé, Arsenal’s defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, held firm until the break.
The turning point arrived in the 61st minute of the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew a foul inside the penalty box. Following a tense VAR confirmation, the referee upheld the penalty decision. Dembélé stepped up to the spot in the 64th minute, restoring parity with a precise, low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Both managers empty-handed their benches in the final stages of normal time and extra time, introducing fresh legs like Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaïre-Emery for PSG, and Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze for Arsenal, but neither side could break the 1-1 deadlock, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
The shootout provided standard-setting drama. After early conversions from both sides, Arsenal suffered a setback when Eze missed his spot-kick, though hope was briefly restored when PSG’s Nuno Mendes missed his shortly after. Tensions peaked in the final round: substitute defender Lucas Beraldo calmly dispatched PSG’s fifth penalty to make it 4-3. The immense pressure then fell to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, whose subsequent attempt failed to find the net, sealing back-to-back European glory for Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel was brilliant in keeping PSG’s forward line quiet.
‘Visit Rwanda’ wins big
Saturday’s clash between PSG and Arsenal also put a major spotlight on the “Visit Rwanda” brand, which continues to position Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
The “Visit Rwanda” campaign launched its foundational partnership with Arsenal in 2018, becoming the club’s official tourism partner and its first-ever sleeve sponsor. The collaboration was designed to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant luxury tourism destination and a hub for eco-adventure, leveraging the Premier League’s massive global television footprint.
Building on the success of the Arsenal deal, Rwanda expanded its sports diplomacy footprint in December 2019 by signing a multi-year partnership with Paris Saint-Germain. The agreement grants Visit Rwanda premium visibility at the Parc des Princes stadium, opens avenues for cultural and artistic collaborations, and focuses on developing youth football academy programs within Rwanda.
By integrating tourism promotion with top-tier European football, the partnerships have driven significant increases in leisure travel and foreign investment to Rwanda, making Saturday’s final a historic “Visit Rwanda derby” on club football’s grandest stage.
President Paul Kagame has hailed Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph while praising the relentless determination displayed by runners-up Arsenal F.C.Ousmane Dembélé converted a second-half penalty to get Paris Saint-Germain on the scoresheet.Gabriel Magalhães’ missed penalty sealed PSG’s trophy triumph.
Held under the theme “Behind the Game” on the sidelines of the ongoing BAL Season 6 in Kigali, the event explored how sports can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, job creation, and youth empowerment across the continent.
Speaking during the event at Mövenpick Kigali, Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Candy Basomingera, said sport should be viewed as more than entertainment, describing it as a vehicle for opportunity, identity, innovation and national development.
“Behind every athlete we celebrate, there is a system. Behind every championship, there is infrastructure. Behind every successful sports economy, there are teachers, coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, investors and event organisers,” she remarked.
The event brought together sports leaders, investors, policymakers and young people from across Africa.
Basomingera highlighted Rwanda’s investments in sports infrastructure, including BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, as part of the country’s broader strategy to position sport as a pillar of national transformation. She noted that Rwanda’s ambition extends beyond hosting events to building an ecosystem that connects sport with tourism, technology, education, health and youth employment.
With nearly 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, she said the continent’s young people represent its greatest asset and that sport can help bridge the gap between talent and economic opportunity.
“Globally, the sports economy contributes roughly 5 percent of GDP, yet in Africa the sector still represents only a small fraction of that. That gap should inspire us because it shows how much room there is to grow,” the PS noted.
The event featured a fireside discussion with Victor Williams, Managing Partner at Lions Range and former CEO of NBA Africa, who shared lessons from helping build the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Victor Williams, Managing Partner at Lions Range and former CEO of NBA Africa, highlighted the importance of vision, partnerships and investment in building Africa’s sports ecosystem.
Williams identified four ingredients that have driven the league’s growth: vision, resources, partnerships and people. He credited collaboration between organisations such as the NBA, International Basketball Federation (FIBA), governments and private investors for helping transform a concept into one of the continent’s most visible sports properties.
“We have reached a major inflection point,” Williams stated, noting that investors who previously paid little attention to African sports infrastructure are increasingly viewing the sector as a viable opportunity.
Panel discussions also focused on the business potential of sport. Former NBA player and investor Ian Mahinmi revealed that Africa’s growing sports ecosystem presents opportunities not only for athletes but also for entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
“The opportunity is to compete at a different level, not just on the court,” Mahinmi said. “We’re going to create champions off the court too.”
Former NBA player and investor Pops Mensah-Bonsu emphasised the importance of consistency in building sustainable sports ecosystems.
“Consistency builds community,” Mensah-Bonsu reiterated. “That is why I’m not surprised by where the BAL is today. Every year it has grown. By Year 6, the atmosphere, energy, fan engagement and social media response feel like an NBA playoff game.”
Former WNBA star, FIBA Hall of Famer and Champs for Change co-founder Clarisse Machanguana used the event to emphasise that the future of sport in Africa extends far beyond athletes and competition.
Former WNBA star, FIBA Hall of Famer and Champs for Change co-founder Clarisse Machanguana called on young Africans to explore the wide range of careers behind sport.
Speaking during the executive panel, Machanguana observed that one of the biggest opportunities for young Africans lies in understanding the many professions that make sporting events possible.
“The beauty of sport is that it opens people’s eyes to every layer required to make the game happen,” she stated. “When young people say, ‘I don’t play,’ the answer is that sport is not only about what already exists, it’s also about what you can bring.”
She encouraged young people to pursue careers in areas such as technology, event management, data analytics, media, marketing, administration and entrepreneurship, arguing that innovation would play a critical role in shaping the next phase of Africa’s sports industry.
Machanguana signed copies of Champs for Change (C4C): The C4C and We Will Lead Africa (WWLA) Sports Volume, which features 40 inspirational stories from African athletes, executives, and advocates across the sports industry.
Machanguana emphasised that the continent’s youth must take ownership of emerging opportunities and use technology to create new solutions for the industry.
“We are in a time where innovation is welcome,” she pointed out. “The more young people take ownership, the more they will shape the future.”
Reflecting on the mission behind Champs for Change, Machanguana highlighted that the initiative was created to help young Africans transform their passion for sport into meaningful careers, businesses and leadership opportunities.
“Behind the game is all the preparation that leads to the entertainment on game day,” she noted. “There are data analysts, engineers, team managers, event organisers, and many other professionals who make sport possible. We want young people to understand that there is a whole world of opportunities behind the game.”
The former basketball star, who returned to Africa after a successful international career, said one of her proudest achievements has been creating a platform that equips young people with the training, mentorship, guidance and networks needed to succeed in the sports industry.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see young leaders emerging from C4C programmes and taking up decision-making roles within Africa’s growing sports ecosystem.
The event also featured youth-focused discussions, reflections from sports leaders and the presentation of Champs for Change’s one-year accountability report.
Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, said Rwanda’s growing sports ecosystem is helping unlock local talent, but called for more investment in infrastructure and coaching.
Founded in 2025, Champs for Change is a pan-African social enterprise that equips young Africans aged 16 to 30 with mentoring, training, networks, and resources to turn their passion for sport into careers and enterprises. The organisation, co-founded by Machanguana, Dr. Memuna Williams, and Randy Soumahoro, aims to reach 20,000 young leaders by 2035 through programmes and hubs across the continent.
As discussions concluded, speakers agreed that Africa’s future in sport extends far beyond the field of play. The challenge now, they reiterated, is ensuring that young people are equipped to help build and lead the industries that power sport across the continent.
Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Candy Basomingera, said sport should be viewed as more than entertainment, describing it as a vehicle for opportunity, identity, innovation and national development.Dr. Memuna Williams, co-founder of C4C, is a lifelong sports enthusiast and executive focused on sustainable change and entrepreneurship.Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, said Rwanda’s growing sports ecosystem is helping unlock local talent, but called for more investment in infrastructure and coaching.Paula Kami, Event Manager at the Ministry of Sports, Rwanda, encouraged young people to pursue their passions and dare to dream, sharing her journey from volunteering with Giants of Africa to interning at the Ministry of Sports and later being hired.
In a statement on Friday, May 29, RwandAir said it recognises the importance of the routes to its customers and remains committed to restoring connectivity while maintaining high operational standards.
“As services resume, the safety, security, and comfort of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
Customers have been advised that they can book, manage, or update their travel arrangements through the airline’s official website, www.rwandair.com, or contact the reservations team via reservations@rwandair.com for assistance.
RwandAir suspended its flights to Dubai and the broader Middle East in February.
The suspension was introduced following escalating military tensions and widespread airspace disruptions across the Middle East. The decision came after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone responses in the region.
In response to the heightened security situation, several countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, temporarily restricted or closed their airspace to commercial aviation, disrupting regional and international flight operations.
At the time, RwandAir said the suspension was a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of passengers and crew amid active security risks.
With conditions gradually stabilising, the airline has opted to restore operations on a phased basis, signalling a cautious return to one of its most important international markets.
Held from May 18 to 21 in Rwanda’s capital, the summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, energy experts, and international nuclear industry stakeholders to discuss the future of nuclear power on the continent.
At the centre of Rosatom’s participation was its promotion of small modular reactors and floating nuclear technologies, which the company says are particularly suited for remote regions and developing economies with rising energy demand.
The Russian corporation highlighted its operational experience in the SMR segment, including the Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant commissioned in Russia in 2020. Rosatom also pointed to its first export SMR project currently under implementation in Uzbekistan since 2024 as evidence that the technology is commercially viable and deployment-ready.
Beyond small-scale technologies, Rosatom used the Kigali summit to demonstrate its broader experience in delivering large-scale nuclear infrastructure projects worldwide. The company says it is currently constructing 22 export nuclear power units globally, making it one of the leading players in the international nuclear energy market.
In Africa, Rosatom’s flagship project remains Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, where construction is ongoing on all four units simultaneously. The project is considered the largest nuclear construction initiative currently underway on the continent.
Rosatom’s exhibition booth was visited by several high-profile leaders attending the summit, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Togolese Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
During the summit’s business sessions, Rosatom representatives outlined the company’s strategy for expanding nuclear cooperation across Africa, with discussions focusing on practical deployment of SMRs, advanced nuclear technologies, and long-term industry development.
The summit also provided an opportunity for Russia and Rwanda to discuss next steps related to potential SMR projects and the planned Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNS&T).
“The Rwanda Atomic Energy Board sincerely appreciates Rosatom’s participation in Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit 2026 and the continued collaboration in advancing nuclear energy development in Rwanda,” said Dr. Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, said small modular reactors could offer African countries flexible and scalable energy solutions capable of supporting industrialisation while reducing carbon emissions.
“For many African countries, small modular reactors can become an optimal solution due to their scalability, flexibility of use, and relatively short deployment timelines,” Collyer said.
Rosatom also used the summit to highlight its human capital development programmes aimed at supporting national nuclear industries across Africa. The company showcased partnerships with Rwanda that have already enabled more than 100 students to participate in nuclear-related training programmes, including studies at Russian universities.
Some graduates of these programmes are already working in Rwandan institutions involved in developing the country’s nuclear sector.
By combining technology transfer, infrastructure development, and workforce training, Rosatom is increasingly positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner for African countries pursuing nuclear energy as part of their future power mix.
Rosatom’s exhibition booth was visited by several high-profile leaders attending the summit, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Togolese Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
The San Francisco-based company announced the funding round on Thursday, saying the investment would help it meet growing global demand for its AI technologies and expand deployment of its flagship assistant, Claude.
The latest valuation places Anthropic ahead of OpenAI, whose most recently reported valuation stood at about $852 billion following a major fundraising round earlier this year. Anthropic also reported annualized revenues of $47 billion, driven largely by businesses and organizations using Claude for coding, research, and workplace automation.
Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives, Anthropic has rapidly emerged as one of the leading firms in the increasingly competitive global AI industry. The company also unveiled a new AI model, Claude Opus 4.8, which it says delivers improved performance in coding and professional tasks.
The funding round was led by investment firms including Altimeter Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, Greenoaks Capital, and Sequoia Capital.
“This funding will help us serve the historic demand we are experiencing, stay at the research frontier, and bring Claude to more of the places where work happens,” Anthropic chief financial officer Krishna Rao said in a statement.
Anthropic’s rise comes as countries around the world race to integrate artificial intelligence into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services.
In Rwanda, the company signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Rwanda in February to support the responsible use of AI in health, education, and public sector service delivery.
The partnership includes plans to strengthen AI capacity within government institutions, support health initiatives such as cervical cancer elimination and malaria reduction, and expand AI-powered learning tools for educators and public servants.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, described the partnership as “an important step in Rwanda’s AI journey,” emphasizing the country’s focus on deploying AI solutions that align with local priorities and public needs.
The San Francisco-based company announced the funding round on Thursday, saying the investment would help it meet growing global demand for its AI technologies and expand deployment of its flagship assistant, Claude.
The conservatory orders, issued by High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi, also prohibit Kenyan authorities from admitting, receiving, transferring or facilitating the entry of persons exposed to or infected with Ebola under the disputed arrangement until the case is fully heard and determined.
The ruling followed an urgent petition filed by the Katiba Institute, a Kenyan rights organisation, which challenged the legality and constitutionality of the reported agreement between Nairobi and Washington concerning the handling of Ebola-exposed US nationals.
The court directed the petitioner to serve all respondents within 24 hours, while the respondents were ordered to file their responses within 48 hours. The matter is expected to return to court next week for further directions.
The decision effectively suspends plans to establish Ebola-related quarantine and treatment facilities in Kenya pending a full hearing.
The controversy emerged after the United States announced a commitment of $13.5 million (about Rwf 20 billion) to strengthen Kenya’s Ebola preparedness amid a worsening outbreak in Central Africa.
According to a statement attributed to US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto on regional Ebola response efforts and medical preparedness.
“The United States Government intends to commit $13.5 million toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts and has already committed to providing $112 million in bilateral assistance to the regional response,” the statement said.
Reports indicated that a 50-bed isolation facility for US nationals exposed to Ebola was due to open at Laikipia Air Base, approximately 200 kilometres north of Nairobi, and would be managed by American medical personnel.
The proposed arrangement triggered criticism from health workers, legal experts and rights activists, who warned that Kenya lacked adequate high-containment infrastructure to safely manage such a facility.
The Katiba Institute argued in court filings that the agreement had been pursued “secretively” without public participation or parliamentary oversight and posed “grave and imminent risks” to public health.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union also threatened industrial action, accusing the government of jeopardising national biosecurity.
Union secretary-general Davji Atellah said Kenya should not become a “dumping ground” for Ebola-exposed individuals rejected elsewhere.
The dispute comes amid a deadly Ebola outbreak centred in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 220 deaths and over 1,000 suspected cases have been reported since mid-May. Uganda has also confirmed at least seven cases linked to the outbreak.
Medical officers sanitise areas in Ebola-prone areas in the DRC. A Kenyan High Court has temporarily barred the government from establishing or operationalising any Ebola quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in the country under arrangements involving the United States or any other foreign government.
An investigation by IGIHE indicates that Dr. Semwaga’s case is connected to a private organization founded by Frederick Nsabimana. The organization allegedly connected infertile couples seeking children with women willing to act as surrogate mothers.
Nsabimana is said to have operated a residential facility where women who agreed to become surrogates were housed after embryo transfer procedures. They reportedly remained there until they gave birth.
Seven women were accommodated in this facility. They had reportedly agreed to act as surrogates for clients, including individuals based in the United States, Tanzania, and Uganda. Nsabimana is said to have promised each woman 5 million Rwandan francs, with an advance payment of 1 million francs.
Reliable sources indicate that from this advance, Nsabimana told the women that 500,000 francs would be deducted as commission, and 100,000 francs would be allocated to his wife, Géraldine Mukahigiro, to support the women during their stay.
Some of the women are reported to have spent up to eight months in the facility. However, they did not receive the conditions they were promised. Instead, they were subjected to poor living conditions, including inadequate food and limited financial support, despite payments having been made by intended parents.
Nsabimana is accused of engaging in human trafficking and exploiting individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly poverty, under the guise of fertility support services.
Reports further indicate that the women later confronted Nsabimana over unmet promises. He allegedly responded with threats, warning that he could have them killed “without physically touching them” if they continued speaking out. These allegations form part of the charges related to intimidation and threats.
His wife is accused of threatening the girls by telling them they could die after they complained that she was not taking care of them as promised. They also allege that she once told them their deaths would not affect her, saying that even when one of her livestock died, life simply went on.
It is further reported that the women were given injections and medication at Nsabimana’s residence. He claimed that a specialist doctor sent from a clinic administered the treatments.
Local authorities stated that they were unaware of the existence of a residential facility housing surrogate mothers under such conditions. This discovery contributed to charges of unlawful detention and confinement.
According to reports, the women eventually reported their situation to authorities after experiencing severe hardship, including hunger. On April 29, 2026, officials visited the site and found that five of the women were already pregnant, while two were awaiting embryo implantation.
How Dr. Semwaga became involved
Dr. Semwaga has spent approximately eight years working in infertility treatment. He is now being investigated for several offenses, including document forgery, alteration and use of falsified documents, failure to report a serious crime, and complicity in human trafficking.
Nsabimana and Dr. Semwaga reportedly knew each other previously, as the doctor had once helped Nsabimana’s relative conceive, which later facilitated their cooperation in this arrangement involving the seven women.
Prosecutors allege that Dr. Semwaga agreed to perform embryo transfers on the women even when the intended parents were not physically present, in violation of medical regulations governing assisted reproduction.
Nsabimana, however, argues that he acted as a representative of the intended parents and had their authorization. He stated that it was impractical for clients living abroad to travel and remain present throughout the procedures.
Although he is alleged to have received payments on multiple occasions, including an advance of 3 million francs in February 2026, he claims his only benefit was charging each woman 50,000 francs per month for accommodation in his facility.
Dr. Semwaga is also accused of agreeing to carry out embryo transfers through Nsabimana due to the involvement of clients residing abroad.
Investigators allege that he benefited financially from the arrangement, including sending approximately 3 million francs to Nsabimana for the care of the women.
It is further alleged that without financial interest in Nsabimana’s operations, Dr. Semwaga would not have transferred funds, and would instead have provided standard medical care as an experienced gynecologist with over 15 years in practice.
Additional reports suggest that the women informed the doctor of their difficulties, including being denied promised payments, but he did not take action.
Dr. Semwaga, however, stated that he “lent” Nsabimana money after being informed that the intended parents had not yet transferred funds. He argued that without this assistance, both the pregnant women and unborn babies could have suffered due to lack of basic necessities.
He also claims that Nsabimana later repaid the money.
He is further accused of falsifying and altering documents by assigning identification “codes” to unborn babies linked to intended parents who had never directly met the surrogates, attributing this system to the hospital where he worked.
In his defense, it is argued that these codes were used solely to prevent confusion at birth and are a standard administrative practice in medical settings.
Dr. Semwaga, his wife, and Nsabimana are all currently in detention. On May 26, 2026, the Kicukiro Primary Court rejected their request for provisional release, ruling that they remain in custody pending investigation.
Dr. Semwaga Emmanuel is detained at Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere.
They had requested release on the grounds that they would not flee justice, would not interfere with the investigation, and wished to care for the women who are close to delivery. Dr. Semwaga also reportedly offered bail of 20 million Rwandan francs.
*What Rwanda’s medical law prohibits*
On September 18, 2025, Rwanda enacted a law regulating medical services, including provisions governing surrogacy through assisted reproductive technology.
The law states that a surrogate mother must be between 21 and 40 years old and must undergo comprehensive medical and reproductive health screening confirming she is fit to carry a pregnancy.
Individuals aged 18 to 20 may donate reproductive material only with a written justification submitted to the Minister of Health.
The law requires that surrogacy arrangements be formalized through a written contract between parties, signed before a notary prior to any medical procedures.
Intended parents must also provide medical certification from a specialist confirming infertility or medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible or dangerous.
The law prohibits medical professionals from implanting embryos or reproductive materials that do not meet legal requirements, as well as from using non-human material or engaging in unauthorized import or export of reproductive material.
It also criminalizes procedures performed without full identification of donors or involving reproductive material from closely related individuals.
In addition, the law prohibits assisted reproduction procedures intended for
genetic manipulation or sex selection.
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense, ranging from six months’ imprisonment and fines of 2 million Rwandan francs for minor violations to up to 25 years in prison and fines of 50 million francs for serious offenses, along with possible suspension from medical practice.
The case of Dr. Semwaga, Nsabimana, and Mukahigiro regarding their provisional detention and release was heard at the Kicukiro Primary Court.
The Angolan side overturned a five-point deficit in the final quarter, with Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao leading the comeback in a thrilling semifinal clash.
Al Ahly Benghazi made the brighter start to the game, with Donovan Williams inspiring the Libyan side offensively as they established an early advantage. However, Gonçalves helped Petro de Luanda reduce the gap late in the opening quarter, which ended with Al Ahly narrowly leading 24-23.
The second quarter remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets throughout. Dundao and Lual Acuil played key roles for their respective sides as neither team managed to create significant separation. Al Ahly went into halftime holding a slim 48-43 advantage.
After the break, Charles Edward Moore and Raphael Putney continued to drive the scoring for both teams in another evenly balanced quarter. Each side scored 22 points in the third period, allowing Al Ahly to maintain a 70-65 lead heading into the final quarter.
Petro de Luanda, however, showed their experience and composure when it mattered most. Gonçalves and Dundao stepped up with crucial baskets as the Angolan champions dominated the closing minutes to complete the comeback victory.
The win sends Petro de Luanda into the BAL 2026 final, where they will face Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers on Sunday, May 31. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Benghazi will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the third-place playoff.
President Paul Kagame and several other dignitaries attended the semifinal at BK Arena.
The final is expected to deliver another exciting contest, pitting an impressive RSSB Tigers side against one of the most experienced clubs in BAL history.
Petro de Luanda won the BAL title in 2024 and have consistently remained among the tournament’s top-performing teams, having finished third in 2021, runners-up in 2022, fourth in 2023, and runners-up again last season in 2025 after losing the final to Al Ahli Tripoli.
The Angolan side overturned a five-point deficit in the final quarter, with Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao leading the comeback in a thrilling semifinal clash.President Paul Kagame and several other dignitaries attended the semifinal at BK Arena.The win sends Petro de Luanda into the BAL 2026 final, where they will face Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers on Sunday, May 31. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Benghazi will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the third-place playoff.
