The donation was made on June 19, 2026, during a visit to the Nyanza ya Kicukiro Genocide Memorial.
During the visit, participants were briefed on the history of Kicukiro District during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with particular focus on events of April 11, 1994, when Belgian peacekeepers withdrew from ETO Kicukiro, leaving Tutsi civilians who had sought refuge there, many of whom were subsequently killed in Nyanza ya Kicukiro.
The delegation later paid tribute to the victims and laid wreaths at mass graves holding the remains of more than 105,000 Genocide victims.
The Executive Director of Our Past Initiative, Intwari Christian, said advocacy remains a core pillar of the organisation’s work, implemented in partnership with both public and private institutions to support the welfare of Genocide survivors.
“The main activity today, in partnership with Choplife, is the provision of Mutuelle de Santé to 1,000 beneficiaries. We contributed Rwf 5 million, and this is the third time we are collaborating with this company. We look forward to continued cooperation,” he said.
He also urged young people to actively counter genocide ideology, particularly on social media platforms, noting that youth constitute the largest group of users. He emphasized that a strong understanding of history is essential in confronting misinformation and promoting truth.
The Country Manager of Choplife, Cyuzuzo Aimée Pacifique, said visiting memorial sites is an important way of honouring victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, while also helping young people and foreign nationals in Rwanda better understand and preserve historical memory.
She added that the initiative also seeks to comfort survivors and restore hope so that they do not feel isolated.
“We chose to provide health insurance because we understand the value of life, and we will continue to stand with survivors,” she said.
Our Past Initiative, founded in 2012 and emerging from Sixth City Entertainment, engages in various initiatives focused on supporting survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi and improving the livelihoods of Rwandans.
Choplife is a technology-driven gaming company founded by Nigerian musician, entrepreneur, and tech investor Oluwatosin Ajibade, widely known as Mr Eazi.
Staff from the “Our Past Initiative” organisation, in partnership with employees from the gaming company Choplife, contributed Rwf 5 million to cover community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) for 1,000 survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The donation was made on June 19, 2026.participants were briefed on the history of Kicukiro District during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with particular focus on events of April 11, 1994.The delegation paid tribute to the victims and laid wreaths at mass graves holding the remains of more than 105,000 Genocide victims.The Our Past Initiative organisation and the Choplife gaming company, during a visit to the Nyanza ya Kicukiro Genocide Memorial.
The Executive Director of Our Past Initiative, Intwari Christian, said advocacy remains a core pillar of the organisation’s work, implemented in partnership with both public and private institutions to support the welfare of Genocide survivors.The Country Manager of Choplife, Cyuzuzo Aimée Pacifique, said visiting memorial sites is an important way of honouring victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi
Dr. Jean Bosco Butera has been installed as the new President of the Rotary Club of Kigali Seniors, pledging to expand the club’s community service projects, strengthen partnerships and secure international funding to increase its impact across Rwanda.
Dr. Butera was installed during the club’s fifth presidential installation ceremony held on Friday, June 19, at Kigali Serena Hotel. The event also featured the recognition of the outgoing board for its service during the 2025/2026 Rotary year, honours for distinguished members, and a celebration attended by Rotarians, partners and guests from Rwanda and abroad.
A new board was also unveiled to steer the club in the 2026–2027 year.
Taking over from Ambassador Joy Mukanyange, who has led the club over the past year, Dr. Butera committed to building on the foundation laid by previous leaders while steering the club toward projects that create lasting impact.
“I pledge to be guided by our primary motto, Service Above Self, and to build on the strong foundation laid by the past leaders who preceded me,” he said.
Dr. Butera’s one-year leadership term, which begins on July 1, will be guided by Rotary International’s new annual theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” replacing this year’s theme, “Unite for Good.”
Scaling up successful projects
Rather than launching numerous new initiatives, Dr. Butera said his administration would focus on expanding projects that have already demonstrated measurable impact in communities.
Among his priorities is securing at least two Rotary Global Grants to support programmes in health, water and sanitation, and agriculture.
“We have already begun the groundwork. My goal is that we obtain at least two Global Grants during this coming year,” he said.
The club has so far financed its community projects largely through contributions from its members. Dr. Butera said one of his priorities will be to secure Rotary Global Grants to complement members’ contributions and enable the club to scale up its impact across Rwanda.
Dr. Butera noted that the club achieved another milestone during the outgoing year by making its first $5,000 contribution to Rotary International, a step that positions it to qualify for larger international grants.
Beyond fundraising, he pledged to continue expanding programmes supporting teenage mothers, women’s economic empowerment, peacebuilding and social cohesion.
He also announced plans to establish the Rotary Rwanda Association for Peace and Inclusive Development (RAPID), a platform intended to strengthen collaboration among Rotary clubs in promoting peace, inclusive development and national unity.
Celebrating a year of service
Outgoing President Ambassador Joy Mukanyange reflected on what she described as a successful year marked by projects addressing some of Rwanda’s pressing social and economic challenges.
She highlighted initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, food security, climate resilience, clean water access, maternal and child health, early childhood education and peacebuilding.
Among the club’s flagship projects were support for more than 60 women in a revolving income fund, an initiative designed to help beneficiaries generate sustainable incomes rather than rely on repeated assistance.
The club also reported reaching 1,792 children targeted for malnutrition rehabilitation, alongside efforts to improve child welfare in vulnerable communities.
In addition, more than 75 teenage mothers were reintegrated, while over 90 children were supported in early childhood education programmes, strengthening both family stability and early learning outcomes.
The club also collaborated with Gasabo District to combat malnutrition and stunting, supplied clean water tanks and purification systems to schools, and supported communities in Musha Cell, Rwamagana District, through an ongoing clean water project.
Mukanyange said the club also partnered with healthcare workers in Byumba to help teenage mothers acquire vocational skills and return to school where possible, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
She stressed that Rotary’s work extends beyond charity, focusing instead on empowering communities to become self-reliant.
“As the Rotary Club of Kigali Seniors, we believe there can be no peace without development, and there can be no development without the economic empowerment of the most disadvantaged groups in our community,” she remarked.
The club also invested in training Rotaractors in peacebuilding and conflict prevention while collaborating with international partners on projects ranging from food security to improving urology care in Rwanda.
Mukanyange further announced that the club met its target of expanding membership to 45 members during the 2025/2026 Rotary year and welcomed seven new Paul Harris Fellows, recognising members who have made significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Banks urged to drive transformation
The ceremony’s Guest of Honour, Bank of Kigali Chief Executive Officer Dr. Diane Karusisi, challenged financial institutions to redefine their role by becoming active drivers of Rwanda’s long-term development.
Speaking on the theme “From Transaction to Transformation: Rethinking the Role of Banks in Society,” she said banks must move beyond facilitating financial transactions to financing national transformation.
Karusisi said the banking sector has a central role to play in delivering Rwanda’s Vision 2050 by supporting infrastructure, affordable housing, agriculture, digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
She noted that Bank of Kigali, whose balance sheet now exceeds Rwf 3 trillion, is positioning itself as a key private-sector partner in translating the country’s long-term development goals into reality.
“We must move beyond being mere facilitators of transactions to becoming active drivers of transformation,” she said.
She also expressed the bank’s readiness to partner with organisations such as Rotary in advancing sustainable development and improving livelihoods.
A night of recognition and fellowship
The installation ceremony also recognised members of the outgoing board for their contributions during the past Rotary year and honoured individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organisation’s principle of Service Above Self.
Guests participated in a raffle draw that featured prizes including staycations at hospitality establishments and other giveaways.
Dr. Jean Bosco Butera was installed as the new President of the Rotary Club of Kigali Seniors on Friday.He takes over from Ambassador Joy Mukanyange, who has led the club over the past year.Dr. Butera was installed during the club’s fifth presidential installation ceremony held on Friday, June 19, at Kigali Serena Hotel. He pledged to expand the club’s community service projects, strengthen partnerships and secure international funding to increase its impact across Rwanda. The celebration attended by Rotarians, partners and guests from Rwanda and abroad. A new board was unveiled to steer the club in the 2026–2027 year.
Guests participated in a raffle draw that featured prizes including staycations at hospitality establishments and other giveaways.The ceremony’s Guest of Honour, Bank of Kigali Chief Executive Officer Dr. Diane Karusisi, challenged financial institutions to redefine their role by becoming active drivers of Rwanda’s long-term development.Ann-Marie offered a testimony on how she has benefited from the Rotary Club’s initiatives targeting women.
Guests were treated to soothing music.
The event also featured the recognition of the outgoing board for its service during the 2025/2026 Rotary year.Dr. Butera was installed during the club’s fifth presidential installation ceremony held on Friday, June 19, at Kigali Serena Hotel.
The appointment was announced in a press release issued by the RDF on Wednesday, June 17.
Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, a position he already holds, while taking on the additional responsibility of Defence Spokesperson.
He replaces Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, who recently assumed office as Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).
As Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve as the principal public communications representative of the Rwanda Defence Force, providing official information on the institution’s activities, operations and policies.
Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in 1992 during the liberation struggle at the age of 18.
He later studied law at the National University of Rwanda, graduating in 2000, before pursuing advanced studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States from 2009 to 2011. There, he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) specialising in International Security Studies.
Following his studies, Brig Gen Karuretwa served in the Office of the President for a decade in various capacities, including as a Defence and Security Advisor. From November 2013 to July 2021, he served as the Principal Private Secretary to the President.
In December 2024, Brig Gen Karuretwa was sworn in as the President of the Military High Court while also serving as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence.
Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, a position he already holds, while taking on the additional responsibility of Defence Spokesperson.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.
“For decades, we have spoken about integration, trade and free movement. We know what has to be done. We just have to do it,” he said.
Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.
The Head of State noted that although Africa is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population, it accounts for only a small share of global air traffic. He attributed this gap to the high cost and difficulty of travel within Africa, observing that in many cases the fastest route between two African cities passes through another continent.
“This weakens trade, discourages investment and prevents business from operating at scale,” Kagame said.
He emphasised that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) provides the right framework for transforming the sector but requires stronger implementation.
“What it now needs are clear timelines and measurable outcomes,” he said.
Kagame also highlighted the importance of investing in modern airports, aircraft maintenance capacity and reliable fuel supply chains to support the growth of the aviation industry.
He urged development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to view investment in Africa as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk.
“Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth,” he said.
The President further called for urgent action to address barriers that continue to hinder the sector, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said are among the highest in the world.
“Reducing these costs is vital,” Kagame said, adding that regulatory alignment across countries is equally important to ensure predictable and consistent standards throughout the continent.
He also pointed to Rwanda’s visa liberalisation policies as an example of how removing barriers can stimulate economic activity.
“In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities,” he said, noting that the move contributed to stronger business activity, increased tourism and expanded air links.
Kagame said Africa’s growing young population will increasingly drive trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for leaders to create conditions that enable future generations to succeed.
He described the convention as an important platform for building consensus on the future of African aviation and called on leaders and stakeholders to turn commitments into results.
“The task ahead of us is very clear,” Kagame said. “I’m sure all of us are prepared for that task.”
President Kagame arrived in Togo on Monday and is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.
President Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé.In his address, President Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa’s ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.
The high-level Convention is hosted by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, and jointly organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Union. It brings together transportation ministers, civil aviation authorities, airline and airport executives, aircraft manufacturers, investors, and other key stakeholders from across the continent.
The forum seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) while promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive aviation sector across Africa.
President Kagame is expected to deliver remarks during the official opening ceremony of the Convention, highlighting Rwanda’s engagement in regional and continental efforts to strengthen air transport connectivity and cooperation.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Kagame will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.
President Paul Kagame was received by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo.The high-level Convention is hosted by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, and jointly organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Union.President Kagame will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.
Addressing 108 senior officers from 20 countries during a graduation ceremony at the college’s Nyakinama campus in Musanze District on Friday, Kagame said while military education provides knowledge and strategic skills, the most important qualities of leadership must be developed personally.
“This course was designed to enhance your ability to navigate complex and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. However, there are certain qualities that no course can give you — these you must personally cultivate,” Kagame said.
He identified courage as the ability to act decisively amid uncertainty and risk, warning that complexity can often lead to paralysis.
President Kagame also stressed the importance of sound judgment, noting that the consequences of decisions become greater as officers rise through the ranks.
“You must always remember what you are fighting for. For us, that purpose is anchored in protecting our sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country,” he said.
The Head of State congratulated the graduates on completing the programme, saying they were leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness and a greater sense of responsibility. He also acknowledged the support and sacrifices made by their families.
Highlighting the value of the course’s international character, Kagame said the relationships forged among officers from different countries help strengthen cooperation during future operations and regional engagements.
“The value of the connections you have made here cannot be overstated,” he said.
Kagame said the Rwanda Defence Force’s reputation had been built through years of discipline, professionalism and dedicated service, and urged the graduates to uphold those standards. He also called on them to embrace integrity, continuous learning and adaptability as security challenges and technologies evolve.
The graduation marked the completion of a 46-week Senior Command and Staff Course attended by officers from Rwanda and partner countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
RDFCSC Commandant Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba said the graduates had completed rigorous training in operational planning, combined joint task force operations, peace support operations, research and strategic leadership.
“These officers arrived 46 weeks ago as promising military professionals. Today, they depart as refined operational and strategic-level commanders and staff officers, ready to serve their nations and contribute to international peace and security,” he said.
Nyamvumba said the growing diversity of participants reflects expanding military partnerships across the region and beyond, while the college’s collaboration with the University of Uganda enables eligible officers to earn a Master of Arts in Security Studies.
He urged the graduates to apply their training with humility and selflessness in service of peace and security.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, defence and security leaders, military representatives from partner countries, academic institutions and families of the graduating officers.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, defence and security leaders, military representatives from partner countries, academic institutions and families of the graduating officers.Addressing 108 senior officers from 20 countries during a graduation ceremony at the college’s Nyakinama campus in Musanze District on Friday, Kagame said while military education provides knowledge and strategic skills, the most important qualities of leadership must be developed personally.The Head of State congratulated the graduates on completing the programme, saying they were leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness and a greater sense of responsibility. He also acknowledged the support and sacrifices made by their families.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting held at Urugwiro Village, the National Artificial Intelligence Agency will accelerate artificial intelligence development, innovation, adoption, investment and governance in support of Rwanda’s digital transformation and economic growth.
The agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating the country’s AI agenda as Rwanda seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub.
The Cabinet also approved the draft law determining State finances for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The proposed budget prioritises strengthening agricultural production, boosting industrial growth, accelerating job creation and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The approval follows the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Framework Paper (BFP) to Parliament by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa on May 11, 2026. The government proposed a national budget of Rwf 7.8 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year, representing an increase of Rwf 844.2 billion from the revised budget for 2025/26.
Cabinet was also briefed on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region and Rwanda’s preparedness measures. The Ministry of Health reported that prevention, screening and surveillance efforts have been reinforced at all points of entry to safeguard public health.
The government reassured the public that there are currently no Ebola cases in Rwanda and that all activities continue as normal. Citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines.
Several draft laws relating to financing and development cooperation were approved during the meeting.
Among them were draft laws ratifying loan agreements between Rwanda and the African Development Bank for additional financing of the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Programme, a key initiative aimed at enhancing water resource management and supporting agricultural productivity.
Cabinet also approved the ratification of financing agreements between Rwanda and the International Development Association (IDA) for the second phase of the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities in Rwanda Project, the Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement Project, and the Rwanda Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Financing programme with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option.
The meeting further approved the ratification of an agreement between Rwanda and Botswana for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance.
In a move aimed at expanding Rwanda’s international aviation network, Cabinet approved draft laws ratifying air services agreements between Rwanda and the governments of Algeria, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Costa Rica, Guyana, Morocco, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
The agreements are expected to facilitate greater air connectivity, strengthen trade and tourism links, and support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub.
Cabinet also approved the ratification of the agreement establishing the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency, a specialised African Union institution that helps member states better prepare for, manage and respond to climate-related disasters and other natural shocks.
Beyond legislative approvals, Cabinet endorsed several policy and administrative measures.
These include a revised headquarters agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Nile Basin Initiative’s Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme Coordination Unit (NELSAP-CU), approval of applications for mineral and quarry licences, and the lease of state land located in Karongi District to Zipline Rwanda Ltd.
The meeting also granted agrément to newly appointed diplomats and representatives of international organisations.
Those approved include Jérémie Blin as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to Rwanda, with residence in Kigali; Dr. Simone Knapp as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Rwanda, with residence in Nairobi; and Dede Ekoue as Country Representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.
Cabinet further approved appointments across several public institutions.
At the Gender Monitoring Office, Habiyaremye Rurihose Florien’s term as Deputy Chief Gender Monitor in charge of Gender Mainstreaming was renewed.
Appointments were also made at the Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Governance Board and the Higher Education Council, covering leadership positions in internal audit, governance, research, service delivery, digitalisation, legal affairs and communications.
The Cabinet was chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday, June 8, 2026. The Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency and endorsed the draft law determining State finances for the 2026/27 fiscal year, among a series of decisions aimed at advancing Rwanda’s economic transformation, digital innovation, infrastructure development and international cooperation.
According to the advisory, passengers will not be permitted to board RwandAir flights to the UAE if they are travelling directly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan. The restriction also applies to passengers who have originated from or transited through any of these three countries, even if they are connecting via another destination.
However, the advisory notes exemptions for UAE citizens and holders of diplomatic passports, who will still be allowed to travel under the current arrangements.
The airline has not indicated how long the restrictions will remain in place, as measures are subject to change depending on the evolving public health situation on the ground.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a particularly concerning variant for which there is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Health authorities warn that this makes surveillance, early detection, and rapid containment critical to preventing further spread across the region.
Recent health data indicates that the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 452 confirmed cases and at least 82 deaths, while Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths. In Uganda, infections have been reported in Kampala, Wakiso, and western border areas, underscoring continued transmission risks in the region.
South Sudan, while not yet reporting confirmed Ebola cases, is included in the UAE restrictions due to its geographic proximity to the active outbreak zone in Ituri province, DRC, which borders the country, raising concerns about potential cross-border transmission.
Recent health data indicates that the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 452 confirmed cases and at least 82 deaths, while Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.
It appeared there were at least two people who were “probably shooting at each other,” Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said, adding that police are still searching for the suspects and advise the public to avoid the surrounding areas.
Toledo Police Department officers responded to a report of a person shot in an area near the Old West End Festival at approximately 5:37 p.m. local time (2137 GMT) and discovered multiple shooting victims. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day event featuring live music, food markets, house tours and shopping.
At least 12 people were shot Saturday afternoon near a community festival in Toledo, U.S. state of Ohio, with two in critical condition.
A statement issued by the military said Harb was killed in an airstrike carried out last week.
The military said Harb oversaw the assembly and deployment of explosive devices intended to target Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, accusing him of involvement in attacks against Israeli forces dating back to the 2006 war with Israel.
It added that the Israeli Air Force struck and destroyed a rocket launcher overnight that had been used by Hezbollah militants to fire rockets toward Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah has not commented on the Israeli claims.
An Israeli Air Force Apache attack helicopter flies above the Lebanon border during an IDF operation on June 4, 2026. The Israel Defense Forces said Friday that it had killed the head of Hezbollah’s engineering unit, Abed Harb.
