At the time of their arrest in Nyarurama village, Bugoba cell, Rukoma sector, they were also drinking alcohol.
The Southern region Police spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald said that the suspects were arrested during the operations to enforce the government directives on Covid-19.
“The group had gathered in a bar belonging to one Philbert Ntwari, contrary to the directives against Covid-19. Besides, all of them belong to a criminal ring that conducts illegal mining activities in Rukoma, and this was a target operation based on credible information that they were holding a meeting to plan the next move in their unlawful mining activities,” SP Kanamugire said.
The group was also using minors in mining especially to wash and clean minerals in streams.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; “any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence commits an offence.”
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
Article 166 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
The group will also be fined for holding a social gathering contrary to the government directives against the spread of Covid-19.
The statement released last night also shows that 554 people have caught the virus out of 7563 sample tests, 8 recovered while 46 are critically ill.
A total of 649,935 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th march 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
He was arrested alongside his son, only identified as Mushibiyu, 20, in an operation conducted by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU).
At the time, Hakizimana and his son were found in possession of 10kgs of cannabis.
Their arrest came three days after ANU arrested another drug dealer identified as Aimable Ndaziramiye, 27, in Bwiza Village, Rurambi Cell, Nyamirama Sector also in Kayonza with 12kgs of cannabis. Ndaziramiye disclosed to the Police that Hakizimana was his main supplier.
The acting District Police Commander for Kayonza, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Honore Havugimana, said that following information provided by Ndaziramiye, Police started searching for Hakizimana.
“Information provided by Ndaziramiye indicated that Hakizimana was a major drug trafficker sneaking cannabis into Rwanda from Tanzania, through river Akagera and Ndego sector to supply retailers in different parts of the Eastern Province.
With this information, ANU started the search for Hakizimana until he was arrested on Sunday at about 5pm in Nyarurama Sector alongside his son, with 10kgs of cannabis as they supplied other retailers,” CIP Havugimana said.
According to Hakizimana, after sneaking the narcotics into Rwanda from Tanzania, they store them in a house located in Ndego Sector before supplying their clients.
The suspects along with the narcotics were handed over to RIB at Nyarurama station for further legal process
The Ministerial order Nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies Cannabis among the “very severe narcotic drugs”
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.
The incident took place on Sunday 8th August 2021 in Kinunga village, Remera cell, Boneza sector of Rutsiro district when the boat capsized during heavy rain characterized by strong wind and lightning.
The boat belonging to a man identified as Simon Ndengejeho was operated by Faustin Ndayambaje who has gone missing.
The boat which also carried bananas from the sectors of Gihango and Musasa was heading to Rubavu district.
The executive Secretary of Boneza sector, Christophe Mudaheranwa has confirmed that two women died during the accident.
“The deceased include Edithe Nyiranshimiyimana and Beatha Nyiramakabuza residing in Musasa sector. The cause of the accident remains unknown. The Marine Unit of Rwanda National Police is still searching for more passengers that might have drowned because the number of passengers onboard the boat is not established,” he said.
Another accident happened recently on 18th July 2021 in Nyamyumba sector. One of passengers onboard went missing while another one was rescued.
Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes and fighting disease.
Rotary club members usually meet every week to discuss their engagement.
COVID-19 has brought unprecedented effects, put the economy at downturn and limited physical meetings to contain transmission of the virus.
The former Assistant District Governor in charge of Rotary Club Rwanda currently serving as the Executive Secretary of District 9150,Rotary International Jeannette Rugera has said that the organization has also been leveraging technology to maintain operations.
“The pandemic has not held us back but rather continued working hard to deliver on our mission. We held meetings virtually and other activities in compliance with COVID-19 containment measures,” he said.
Rugera explained that Rotary Rwanda partnered with the Ministry of Health to subscribe Mutuelle de Santé for vulnerable residents with most pressing needs, distributed protective equipment and build hand washing facilities at different schools.
As Rugera revealed, more activities under this framework are ongoing.
The organization also provided food relief recently to Rubavu residents affected by Nyiragongo volcanic eruption.
Rotary Club is classified into three categories including Interact Club made of children members in the age bracket between 12 and 18, Rotaract Club bringing together members from the university in the age bracket between 18 and 25 while people aged beyond 25 are classified in the category of Rotary Club.
During three-years tenure, Rugera explained that the organization has expanded wings increasing Rotary Clubs from six to seven while Rotaract Clubs increased from three to four and membership was increased from 104 to 157.
Félix Mihigo, the President of Rotaract KIE said that the club has been active and helped Rwandans mitigate effects of COVID-19.
“For instance, we supported and provided school fees for 20 students at Groupe Scolaire Gatenga who did not have school kits because parents were laid off as Coronavirus emerged,” he noted.
Mihigo revealed that his club also ran campaigns sensitizing people on how to keep safe during the pandemic and provided sanitary items at different times.
The new Assistant District Governor in charge of Rotary Club Rwanda, Dr. Jean d’Amour Manirere has committed to continue expanding the organization and encouraging members to provide contribution to national development.
“In the fiscal year 2021/22, Rotary Club Rwanda has included environment preservation efforts in its programs. We shall encourage local clubs to draw special attention to that initiative,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by the Governor of Rotary Club District 9150, Edgard Cyr Tougouma who is on a visit to Rwanda from 4th to 9th August 2021.
Rotary Club Rwanda has 157 members from seven clubs including Rotary Club Kigali Doyen, Mont Jali, Musanze Murera, Butare, Gasabo, Kigali-Virunga and Bugoyi Ibirunga.
Rotary Club International was established 116 years ago. It is currently comprised of 1.2 million members from 200 countries.
Inaugurated on Sunday 8th August 2021, the golf course located in Kacyiru sector of Gasabo district, Kigali City has been undergoing expansion works for the past 15 months.
The implementation of the project was overseen by Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) through established company known as Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course Ltd (RUGC).
The golf course that previously sat on 18 hectares has been expanded to 52 hectares while holes increased from 9 to 18.
Apart from the first section which was renovated, the management developed a new section of the golf course which is the largest comprised of 12 holes out of 18 making the facility.
The two parts of the golf course and linked by a tunnel.
Designed by Gary Player, an expert in golf course design, Kigali Gold Course was constructed by French firm, Gregori International.
RSSB injected Rwf17.7 billion in the first phase of the project to cater for construction activities, acquisition of machines, shelter houses among other activities to upgrade the course to international standards.
Before the Rwf17.7 billion investment, RSSB took on assets valued at Rwf16.8bn which include land and clubhouse from the Government of Rwanda before upgrading the golf course.
The inaugurated course is the first phase of the project expected to continue until 2025.
The second phase includes a five-star hotel and apartment complex. With the second phase, the total investment is estimated at US$140 million (around Rwf145 billion).
According to the management of RSSB, the institution will work with other investors to complete the remaining phase.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro has said that renovating and expanding the golf course considered a potential investment opportunity was a concept of the Government of Rwanda.
“The Government of Rwanda was far-sighted, introduced this project and tasked RSSB to manage it. RSSB found it an ideal project, invested in it and supervised its implementation. That is how RSSB created RUGC as an institution mandated to oversee the project on daily basis,” he noted.
Upgrading Kigali Golf Course is believed to be a major and profitable investment in Africa taking into consideration of the shortage of similar facilities on the continent which generate huge returns.
Research shows that the global golf tourism market is projected to be valued at US$44.6 billion in 2021. Revenues from such activities have also been steadily increasing by 11% every year since 2019.
However, the African continent seems to lag behind such investments where it has less than 1,000 courses, representing about 2 % cent of courses in the world.
The majority of these courses (52%) are based in South Africa while a percentage of courses in Africa are not at international level. Some of them have nine holes which are below recommendations to meet international standards.
Rugemanshuro explained that the golf course will be among best facilities on the continent and generate huge returns once the entire project is completed.
“The Golf Course project being implemented in Rwanda will be amongst the best in Africa upon completion. It is a project of critical importance to the country and RSSB. The latter will subsequently promote golf and national economy through profitability of the project. It is also important to consider anticipated revenues from international tourism as the case for developed countries with advanced golf infrastructure,” he said.
Rugemanshuro revealed that over 500 people were employed during the construction of the golf course while more than 200 will get jobs at the course following the inauguration.
Kigali Golf Course features 23 bridges, nine lakes, three rain shelters, a hallway house and an underground tunnel.
Apart from the golf, the course will be also used for different sports including Tennis, swimming and marathon among others.
Kigali Golf Course is among high-end sports facilities built in Rwanda including Kigali Arena with 10,000 seats.
There are more projects in the pipeline including the renovation of Amahoro Stadium and developing new sports infrastructures in its surroundings among others pushing Rwanda forward to become sports hub in Africa.
Mukangira was hosted at the presidential palace on Sunday 8th August 2021 after holding talks with Ahmed Khaleel, the country’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Following the credentials ceremony, Solih and Mukangira discussed mutual areas of cooperation as Maldivian Presidency revealed.
Congratulating the High Commissioner on her appointment, Solih conveyed his thanks to the Government of Rwanda for their support towards the Maldives candidature during the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elections, in June earlier this year.
Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister of the Maldives was elected as President of the 76th session of the General Assembly due in September this year.
Solih expressed optimism that the strong ties between the Maldives and Rwanda will continue to prosper under her tenure and relayed his well wishes to President Kagame.
Mukangira also conveyed warm greetings to Solih on behalf of the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. She congratulated the Maldives for their landslide win in the UNGA elections, and assured that Rwanda will continue to support the Maldives in the international arena. She stated that Rwanda looks forward to boost bilateral ties between the two republics.
Among others, both the President and High Commissioner committed to working together to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Rwanda and the Maldives.
In September 2019, Rwanda and the Maldives signed cooperation agreements in diplomacy.
In July 2019; Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente received the former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed with whom they holds talks revolving around bilateral cooperation.
The Maldives obtained independence in 1965 from the Great Britain.
Dr. Akinwumi voiced the appreciation via Twitter handle on Sunday 8th August 2021 as Rwandan soldiers deployed to fight insurgency in Mozambique seized the town from rebels in collaboration with Mozambican troops.
“I highly commend the gallant troops of Rwanda for liberating Praia from terrorists. Without security there cannot be development. Thank you President Paul Kagame for your incredible leadership and sacrifice. Rwanda has again made Africa very proud,” he tweeted.
Mocímboa da Praia has been under the control of rebels for the past five years.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
One day before seizing Mocimboa da Praia, RDF killed four insurgents and seized weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents.
Rwandan troops also vanquished rebels from the region known as ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
The Commander of Rwandan soldiers deployed to Mozambique, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi yesterday told IGIHE that the main objective was to root out enemy pockets from the town and conduct offensive attacks.
“This place is Mocímboa District which has been the stronghold for insurgents. Rebels used to withdraw to this area after plotting attacks rebels. They have been living here for more than five years,” he said.
After capturing the town, key infrastructures including an airstrip and the major port have been handed over to Mozambican forces.
The deceased include four men from Gatsibo, Rusizi, Ruhango and Nyamagabe districts as well as five women from Gicumbi, Kirehe, Kigali, Rusizi and Karongi districts.
The statement released last night also shows that 448 people have caught the virus while 10 recovered.
A total of 622,695 people have been vaccinates since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The town has been under the control of rebels for the past five years.
Rwanda recently on 9th July 2021 started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight rebel groups linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
One day before seizing Mocimboa da Praia, RDF killed four insurgents and seized weapons including four RPGs, 3 SMGs and various documents.
Rwandan troops also vanquished rebels from the region known as ‘1st May’ after maneuvering through Njama.
IGIHE journalist reporting from Mozambique has said that the port town has been seized on Sunday 8th August 201 around 8a.m.
Major infrastructures where security was tightened after capturing Mocimboa da Praia include an airstrip and a major port in the area.
IGIHE has seen Mozambican soldiers celebrating victory after capturing the port town.
The Commander of Rwandan soldiers deployed to Mozambique, Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi has told IGIHE that the main objective was to root out enemy pockets from the town and conduct offensive attacks.
“This place is Mocímboa District which has been the stronghold for insurgents. Rebels used to withdraw to this area after plotting attacks rebels. They have been living here for more than five years,” he said.
After capturing the town, key infrastructures have been handed over to Mozambican forces.
Commander Oscar A. Lucas, a senior military officer in Mozambique represented his country at the handover of the port considered the major passageway for goods.
“The port holds great significance to Mozambique. It is also the gateway for rebels destabilizing our citizens […] Seizing this port is very meaningful to people of Mozambique and the Government,” said Commander Lucas.
He also commended RDF for contribution that led the victory.
“The contribution of Rwandan soldiers is of critical importance. We take this opportunity to voice appreciation to Rwandans because we would not be here hadn’t it been their support,” stated Commander Lucas.
